In Wake of Supreme Court's Decision, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Will Continue Working to Ensure Access to Nutrition Services

CHICAGO, June 28, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Following the U.S. Supreme Court's decision on June 28 that upholds the constitutionality of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly the American Dietetic Association) said it will continue working to ensure the public has access to high-quality and potentially lifesaving food and nutrition services.

The Affordable Care Act includes multiple provisions that increase the public's access to health care and intend to transform the system towards delivery of coordinated care.

"As the world's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics supports reform provisions that enable the expansion of medical nutrition therapy coverage and increased public access to registered dietitians for preventive care," said registered dietitian and Academy President Ethan A. Bergman.

"This law takes significant steps to ensure the public has increased access to free preventive services that improve health, prevent disease and lower long-term costs," Bergman said.

"Registered dietitians are among the providers who play a key role in these initiatives, including the childhood obesity demonstration project, home visiting programs, Medicaid expansion, expanded Medicare preventive services through medical nutrition therapy, employee wellness programs and community transformation grants.

"The continuation of this law supports the valuable work registered dietitians and other qualified nutrition professionals are doing to prevent illness and improve the well-being of all Americans," Bergman said. "By collaborating with strategic partners and coalitions, the Academy is determined to stay at the forefront of health-care reform," Bergman said.

"As the health-care system evolves, there are many opportunities for registered dietitians and other providers to help prevent chronic disease and improve the health of all Americans. We will continue to provide essential care to consumers in settings such as hospitals, schools, community centers, nursing homes and private practice," Bergman said.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly the American Dietetic Association) is the world's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. The Academy is committed to improving the nation's health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education and advocacy. Visit the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics at www.eatright.org.

SOURCE Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics