WVAND Licensure Update | December 16, 2021

Information was shared December 8 about our licensure being in jeopardy. The following are an overview of actions taken by WVAND to date (with more to come). It is wonderful to see so much support and activity!

What has WVAND done?

  • enlisted the aid of the Academy's Government & Regulatory Affairs staff
  • wrote, called, and met with members of the WV House and Senate to educate and seek support*
  • sought and received support from other professional healthcare organizations
  • sought and received support from employers of licensed dietitians
  • hired a lobbyist

What can you do?

  • become well-informed about the repercussions of the loss of dietetic licensure
  • talk with other WV RD/RDNs about the issue
  • contact WVAND with any questions or concerns you have
  • continue to let legislators in the House and Senate know that you support licensure for dietitians
  • inform WVAND of any meetings or connections you may have with legislators (this will help us provide support and increase our leverage)
  • participate in the WVAND Licensure Video Club/Study Group
  • plan to attend EatRight WV Day (January 17 | Charleston, WV)
  • be ready to amp up email and phone calls to your legislators!

Coming Resources by January 1

  • infographic to aid in building awareness of the value of licensure
  • online database to assist you in contacting your legislators
  • elevator speech/talking points
  • template email letter

We are continuing with the efforts above and will keep providing updates. The focus through the end of December is continuing to build awareness and creating a buzz around the issue of dietitian licensure. Come January 1 be ready to Bring It!

* Members of the WV Legislature Who Have Responded to Our Outreach with Meetings, Direct Emails, Phone Calls (list grows daily!)
Amy Summers (R - Taylor, 49)
Austin Haynes (R - Fayette, 32)
Barbara Evans Fleischauer (D - Monongalia, 51)
Brandon Steele (R - Raleigh, 29)
Evan Hansen (D - Monongalia, 51)
Evan Worrell (R - Cabell, 18)
Jim Barach (D - Kanawha, 36)
Joe Statler (R - Monongalia, 51)
Justin White candidate for House of Delegates (R – candidate Monongalia, 51)
Kayla Young (D - Kanawha, 35)
Matthew Rohrbach (R - Cabell, 17)
Mick Bates (R - Raleigh, 30)
Phillip W. Diserio (D - Brooke, 02)