PAND 2025-2026 State Policy Watch

The Pennsylvania Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (PAND) is actively tracking a broad portfolio of legislative issues that impact public health, nutrition equity, licensure, and the visibility of our profession. Our advocacy efforts are driven by a commitment to protecting the public, promoting nutrition security, and ensuring that licensed dietitians and nutrition professionals can practice to the full extent of their training.

 

Legislation affects how and where nutrition professionals can practice, the safety of our food system, the health of vulnerable populations, and the availability of critical services. As the trusted voice for food and nutrition in the Commonwealth, PAND is advocating for bills that align with our mission and asking our members to get involved.

 

Licensure & Professional Practice

Supporting Dietetic Representation on the State Board of Nursing
The Pennsylvania Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (PAND) proudly supports the appointment of Dr. Laura Frank, PhD, RDN, LDN to the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing, ensuring continued representation of Licensed Dietitian-Nutritionists (LDNs) in statewide regulatory decisions. Dr. Frank’s extensive experience in clinical nutrition, academic leadership, and healthcare regulation makes her exceptionally qualified to advocate for evidence-based nutrition care across healthcare settings.

We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Charlene Compher for her years of dedicated service on the Board. Her steadfast support of LDNs has strengthened our profession and advanced the integration of nutrition into comprehensive patient care. Thank you, Dr. Compher, for your exemplary leadership and advocacy.

Enhanced Dietitian Licensure (Pending Introduction)
PAND is actively advocating for an amendment to the Professional Nursing Law (Act of May 22, 1951, P.L.317, No.69) to enhance licensure requirements for dietitians and nutritionists in Pennsylvania. Introduced by Representative Thomas Mehaffie, this bill aims to transition from a "title-only" licensure to one that ensures practice exclusivity. This change would add a scope of practice for RDNs (LDNs) and provide an additional licensure for other qualified nutrition professionals (LN) pathway, thereby safeguarding public health and reinforcing the credibility of our profession.

Why It Matters
Currently, Pennsylvania is among 18 states with title-only licensure, which does not restrict unqualified individuals from practicing dietetics. Strengthening licensure laws will:

  • Protect Consumers: Ensure that individuals receive nutrition care from properly trained and credentialed professionals.

  • Enhance Professional Recognition: Align Pennsylvania with national standards, allowing Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) to practice to the full extent of their training.

  • Improve Healthcare Outcomes: Facilitate better integration of nutrition professionals into interdisciplinary healthcare teams, leading to improved patient care.

Where We Need Member Support
 Your involvement is crucial to the success of this legislative effort. Here's how you can help:

  • Join PANDPAC: Contribute to the PAND Political Action Committee to support advocacy efforts.
  • Stay Informed: Subscribe to PAND communications for updates and action alerts.
  • Spread the Word: Educate colleagues and the public about the importance of enhanced licensure for nutrition professionals.

Other Licensure-Related Bills We're Watching:

  • SB 25: APRN-CNP Practice Modernization
  • HB 86: Reform of the PA State Board of Nursing
  • HB 544: Credentialing Standardization for Health Insurers
  • Licensure Compacts: OT, Dental, Audiology, Cosmetology – tracked for relevance to interdisciplinary care access.

 

Food Safety

HB 77 / SB 106-107 (Venkat & Schwank) – Food Allergy Safety
Mandates allergy training, signage, and menu disclosures in restaurants.
 ✅ Passed the House with bipartisan support.

Where We Need Member Support: 

 

Nutrition Education & Public Health

HB 190 (Ortitay) – Eating Disorder Awareness in Schools
Requires districts to educate families on signs, risk factors, and resources for eating disorders.
 ✅ PAND is advocating for the inclusion of a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist RD on the task force.

HB 681 (Friel Otten) – Ending Harmful BMI Screenings in Schools
Addresses the mental health harm caused by BMI reporting practices.
 ✅ PAND is sending a letter of support.

HR 189 (Cepeda-Freytiz) – Health Study in State Correctional Institutions
Would evaluate nutrition and chronic disease burden among incarcerated populations.
 ✅ PAND is sending a letter of support.

Where We Need Member Support

 

Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) Coverage and Access (Insert arrow to expand to info below)

SB 271 (Cappelletti) – Obesity Treatment Coverage Parity
Seeks insurance equity for obesity-related services, as with other medical conditions.

HB 1130 (Mihalek) – Healthy PA Package
A bundle of bills promoting transparency in food additives, industrial food practices, and consumer education.

Where We Need Member Support

 

Nutrition Security

Support Universal School Meals for All Pennsylvania Students
Access to nutritious meals at school is essential for every child’s health, development, and academic success. The Pennsylvania Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (PAND) strongly supports legislative efforts to establish Universal School Meals, ensuring that all students, regardless of household income, receive breakfast and lunch at no cost.

Why Universal School Meals Matter:

 

  • Reduces Stigma: Providing meals to all students removes the social and emotional burden placed on children from low-income families.
  • Improves Learning: Students with access to consistent, nutritious meals show improved concentration, test scores, and school attendance.
  • Promotes Health Equity: Universal school meals help close the nutrition gap, addressing food insecurity and preventing diet-related chronic diseases from an early age.
  • Supports Local Economies: These programs often source from local farmers and vendors, boosting Pennsylvania’s agricultural sector.

Where We Need Member Support

HB 1096 (Pashinski)  - PA Food Bucks Program for SNAP Recipients
Amends Title 3, establishing the Pennsylvania Food Bucks Program and the Pennsylvania Food Bucks Program Account; and providing for research on the Pennsylvania Food Bucks Program.

HB 764 / SB 217 (Burgos / Langerholc) – Fresh Food Financing Initiative
 Supports grants to address food deserts and promote local food systems.
 ✅ PAND sent a letter of support.

HB 615 (Khan) - Limited Liability for Donated Food Past Recommended Label Codes
 Expands liability protection for donating expired but safe food.
 ✅ PAND requested stronger food safety education provisions.

Where We Need Member Support

  • Contribute to our content creation for consumer education.
    FORM COMING SOON

 

Promoting the Profession

Support the Inclusion of LDNs in Pennsylvania’s Health Workforce Initiatives
PAND is calling on members, allies, and community advocates to take urgent action to ensure Licensed Dietitian-Nutritionists (LDNs) are fully recognized within Pennsylvania’s health workforce development strategies.

Despite their critical role in preventing and managing chronic diseases, LDNs are currently excluded from state-funded workforce initiatives such as the Nurse Shortage Assistance Program, which provides financial support and loan forgiveness to healthcare professionals in high-need areas.

Why This Matters:

  • Healthcare Workforce Shortage: There is a growing shortage of LDNs across Pennsylvania, especially in rural and underserved communities, impacting nutrition care in hospitals, long-term care facilities, schools, and public health programs.

  • High Educational Costs: RDNs/LDNs invest heavily in education, including a bachelor’s and master’s degree, supervised internships, and professional licensing.

  • Equity and Access: Including LDNs in loan forgiveness and workforce initiatives would help recruit and retain qualified nutrition professionals, improving access to care in areas with the greatest need.

Where We Need Member Support

March 2025 Recognitions (Schwank)
 🟩 SR 42 -National Nutrition Month - VIEW GOVERNOR’S 2025 PROCLAMATION
 🟩 SR 44 - RDN Day (March 12)
 🟩 SR 43 - NDTR Day (March 13)


These completed resolutions help raise public awareness about the vital role of nutrition professionals across healthcare and community settings.

 

Other Bills Recently Passed

  • HB 2200 – Licensure Compacts (FBI clearance language)
  • Act 42 of 2024 – Telemedicine (note: payment parity excluded)
  • Act 22 of 2024 – WIC Advisory Board (PAND will monitor RD appointments)

 

We Need Your Voice!

Your expertise and engagement matter. Here's how you can support PAND’s policy work:

  • Watch our Webinar - COMING SOON!
  • Complete Action Alerts – Find Your Legislator
  • Share Your Expertise – Contribute to letters of support for key bills.
  • Participate in Surveys – Help us inform legislative decisions with real-world data.
  • Join the Conversation – Attend PAND policy town halls, webinars, and advocacy days.
  • Contribute to PANDPAC - Donate HERE
  • Advise us on what to support - Is there a bill or an issue you would like PAND to consider for advocacy? Complete this FORM

Stay connected and help us shape a healthier, more equitable Pennsylvania.

➡️ [Contact Our Advocacy Team]