. Older Americans Act Re-authorization Begins in the Senate Senators Lamar Alexander (Tenn.), Patty Murray (Wash.), Richard Burr (N.C.) and Bernie Sanders (Vt.) introduced the Older American Re-authorization Act of 2015 (S. 192)<https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/114/s192>. The bill would re-authorize the Older Americans Act for three years, through 2018. The language builds on S. 1562<https://www.congress.gov/bill/113th-congress/senate-bill/1562>, sponsored by Senator Sanders (Vt.) in the 113th Congress, which the Academy supported. The bill would update language to “utilize” dietitians in nutrition programs, and encourages the use of locally grown fresh foods in nutrition programs. The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions will be holding a hearing<http://www.help.senate.gov/hearings/hearing/?id=8203cb2b-5056-a032-5272-463e29c38d78> for the mark-up on the bill on Wednesday, January 28. The Academy applauds the language of S.192, and continues to support legislation that would support nutrition programs, such as congregate dining and home-delivered meals. These programs provide access to healthy food options for low-income older adults and are the major vehicles for social and nutrition services to older adults, allowing them to remain healthy and independent in their homes and communities rather than in a hospital or nursing home. Watch for more information in the coming weeks. 2015 White House Conference on Aging Webinar The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs with support from Abbott will co-host a webinar on Nutrition and Healthy Aging as part of the 2015 White House Conference on Aging series. The webinar will be held on January 29 from 2 - 3:30 p.m. (Eastern Time). To register for the webinar, click here<https://eatright.webex.com/eatright/j.php?RGID=rdaafb5b4c987c4ae1819f34083e84010>. Members attending the live webinar will receive 1.5 CPEU. USDA Released Proposed Healthier Meal Standards for Federal Food Programs serving Child and Adult Care and Afterschool Programs USDA has released the proposed regulation<https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2015/01/15/2015-00446/child-and-adult-care-food-program-meal-pattern-revisions-related-to-the-healthy-hunger-free-kids-act> for the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) that sets healthier meal patterns and nutrition standards for Head Start, child care, and afterschool programs, as well as proposed rules for school meal programs serving school-based Pre-K and afterschool programs. Academy members will be key to the success of the new rule and member input is key to finalizing the rule. Interested Academy members are encouraged to join Food Research and Action Center and USDA for a webinar<https://frac.peachnewmedia.com/store/seminar/seminar.php?seminar=33968> on the proposed rule January 29th at 1:30 Eastern Time. If you are interested in contributing to the Academy’s responses to these regulatory initiatives, please contact Pepin Tuma<mailto:[log in to unmask]>, Director of Regulatory Affairs. Please note that regulatory comments are particularly time sensitive. In drafting comments and taking associated stances, the Academy works closely with member experts in relevant DPGs. The DPG Policy and Advocacy Leaders (PAL) should collect comments from their members and submit to Pepin<mailto:[log in to unmask]> as a single submission on behalf of the DPG. RDN Role in Family Medicine & Patient Centered Medical Homes Read the attached document which contains “Basket of Nutrition Services for Family Medicine” written by Bonnie Jortberg, PhD, RD for the Colorado chapter of the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) to learn about the skillset and roles RDs bring to the Patient Centered Medical Home. The article will also be published by Ohio, Maryland, and Alaska chapters of AAFP. This document also includes a letter that identifies what Academy member leaders can do to promote wider publication of the article and how RDNs can use the article to form and strengthen relationships with family medicine and primary care. New Name for the Coding and Coverage Committee At its meeting on January 16, the Board of Directors approved a new name for the Academy’s Coding and Coverage Committee: Nutrition Services Payment Committee. This Committee provides oversight and strategic directives for the development, maintenance and communication of nutrition services codes, while empowering dietetics professionals to expand coverage and receive competitive reimbursement for quality nutrition services. Why the change? Since the formation of the Coding and Coverage Committee, health care delivery and payment, MNT practice, legislation and regulations have changed resulting in changes in the needs of members and the profession. The concepts of “coding” and “coverage” are taking on new meaning and roles as the United States strives to achieve the Triple Aim and universally adopt health information technology. The issue of nutrition services delivery and payment pertains to a wide range of practice areas and settings based on shifts in where and how health and wellness services are provided. This new committee name reflects the current changes occurring in the environment in which our members practice. The Committee believes this new name will resonate with all segments of Academy membership, not just those members in private practice, and clearly convey the nature and scope of its work. If you have questions about the Committee and its work, you can contact Becky Sulik<mailto:[log in to unmask]>, Chair or staff partner Marsha Schofield<mailto:[log in to unmask]>. Eat Right Weekly – On The Pulse of Public Policy: Examining Shifts in Participation: School Lunch Program The National School Lunch Program serves healthy meals to 30 million children every day. A new report from the Food Research and Action Center assesses potential causes for recent shifts in participation. Learn More >><http://www.eatright.org/members/eatrightweekly/article.aspx?folderid=6442452888&mycontentid=6442486216> Save the Date: 2015 Public Policy Workshop Will Be June 7 to 9 Join nearly 500 of your nutrition and dietetics colleagues June 7 to 9 at the Academy's 2015 Public Policy Workshop in Washington, D.C. This annual food and nutrition advocacy summit is where you can learn how to become the voice of nutrition that Congress trusts. Whether you are new to policy and advocacy or a seasoned professional, there is something for everyone at PPW. Registration will open soon. Learn More >><http://www.eatright.org/members/eatrightweekly/article.aspx?folderid=6442452888&mycontentid=6442486215> Judy Klavens-Giunta,RDN Policy and Advocacy Leader PHCN PG --