The nutrition field is ever-changing– from science to policies. As a nutrition expert, dietitians have an ethical obligation to engage and advocate for sustainable and positive changes to the nutrition and dietetics field and for the communities you serve. This includes advocating with local and state governments.
Ways to step-up your advocacy journey:
- Learn your legislators: As their constituent, your Senators and Representatives have a responsibility to represent and support you. They can properly do so only by knowing where you stand on legislation. Get your voice out there and be heard.
- Find your NH State Legislator: https://gencourt.state.nh.us/house/members/
- Take action on Action Alerts: Action Alerts provide a template message for you to send to your local representative. Adding your own personal touch message is most welcome too!
- Sign up for National Academy action alerts: https://www.eatrightpro.org/advocacy/take-action/action-alerts
- Keep an eye out for state-related Action Alerts from NHAND sent to you via email. When received, take Action ASAP!!!
- Review proposed legislation: Don’t wait until it’s too late; read up on proposed legislation bills. Stay up to date on bill progression, especially those related to your expertise and/or interests. There are search tracking engines you can use for convenience.
Set up your own Bill notifications:
- LegiScan: https://legiscan.com/gaits/search
- Fast Democracy: https://fastdemocracy.com/
- Speak out for/against bills that need action for/against: There is always strength in numbers. NHAND’s Public Policy Committee members often speak out to our legislators for/against bills in the interest of the public health and wellness. We need your help too! Join us at the Capital! If you would like to be a part of the solution, please reach out to our current Consumer Protection Coordinator (CPC) Michelle Moreau. Michelle would LOVE to hear from you!
Contact CPC Michelle Moreau
email: michelle@healthyinthekitchen.com text: (603)498-1924
Current Hot Topic: Alterations of Professional Licensure in the State of New Hampshire
The 2024 NH Legislative Calendar includes many bills looking to make drastic changes to professional licensure:
NH HB 1676 is a Sunset bill. If passed, professional licensure for dietitians would be scheduled for review in 2027 for possible discontinuation.
NH HB 1272 This bill’s intent is to weaken all professional licensure in NH. Last year, legislation passed that allowed for persons holding professional licensure in other states licensure reciprocity in NH, as long as their professional licensure requirements met the minimum requirements of NH’s professional licensure requirements. This bill’s intent is to waive the meeting of our minimum requirements, so that substandard licensure can also receive reciprocity in NH.
Additional NH bills proposed in 2024 (note this list is NOT exhaustive): NH HB 1271 , NH HB 1112 , NH HB 1622, NH SB 369, NH SB 485, NH HB 1604, NH SB 253, NH HB 1197, NH HB 1130
