02/08/02 Media Advisory: American Dietetic Association Public Policy Workshop

Media Advisory: American Dietetic Association Public Policy Workshop

February 8, 2002

Media contacts: Tom Ryan or Doris Acosta 800/877-1600, ext. 4894 or 4822; Ronald Smith 800/877-0877

WHEN: February 12-14, 2002

WHERE: Capitol Hilton, 16th and K Streets N.W., Washington, D.C.

More than 400 ADA members -- including dietetics professionals from all parts of the country -- will attend ADA's annual member update on issues of national food and nutrition policy.

Speakers will include U.S. Senators, members of Congress and Bush administration officials and policy makers involved in setting the nation's food, nutrition and health agendas. Speakers will cover such issues as:

  • Medical Nutrition Therapy, the first new Medicare benefit in two decades, which went into effect January 1, providing coverage for senior citizens who receive nutrition therapy from a qualified dietetics professional for diabetes and kidney disease
  • Continued efforts at Medicare reform including a prescription drug benefit
  • Trends in long-term care for the elderly
  • Federal funding for nutrition programs
  • Nutrition science research

Scheduled speakers include (all times Eastern):

  • Wednesday, February 13, 7:30 a.m., U.S. Rep. Robert Matsui (D.-Calif.), "Medicare Wellness"
  • Wednesday, February 13, 9:15 a.m., Eric M. Bost, undersecretary of Agriculture for food, nutrition and consumer services, discussing the Bush administration's nutrition agenda for the nation
  • Wednesday, February 13, 1:30 p.m., U.S. Sen. Kent Conrad (D.-N.D.), chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, speaking on federal nutrition program budgets
  • Thursday, February 14, 8:45 a.m., comments by U.S. Rep. J.D. Hayworth (R-Ariz.), who will receive ADA's 2002 Public Policy Leadership Award

Note: Speakers and times are subject to change.

The American Dietetic Association is the nation's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. With nearly 70,000 members, ADA serves the public by promoting optimal nutrition, health and well-being. Visit ADA at www.eatright.org.