Pittsburgh, PA

Licensure Training WorkshopCouncil on Licensure, Enforcement and RegulationHeather Harrington-Peracchio, MS, RD, CD-N

Presentation Overview

Licensure• What is it?• Where is Connecticut?• Why might we need it?• What is the Model Practice Act?• What is a licensure board?• Why report harm/violation?• What can you do?

2

Licensure is a state statue or law in place that protects the public and scope of practice for a health profession.

3

What is Licensure?

4

Where do states currently fall?

Because – Our Current Environment Demands It!

Other health professionals are seeking advancement

Health Care Reform may include provisions for services for licensed health professionals

A strong scope of practice is essential in current competitive environment

Licensing protects the public health by establishing minimum educational and experience

5

Why Should Licensure be a Priority?

Why this should be on your radar…

6

• Competition and scope creep can jeopardize jobs and professional influence

• Health care reform may prioritize the “licensed” professional

• The need for clarity in the public is great and impacts public perception of the RD

• Elected officials have been given the myths; licensure helps to define the bright line of the profession

• The risk of being grouped together with all who seek nutrition practice will impact the entire profession

• Other health groups are vocal

Model Practice Act

= Tool for Affiliates (like Connecticut!) to use when seeking licensure

• Provides guidance to states

7

What is a Licensure Board?

• States with licensure laws have licensure boards

• Boards may be composed of dietitians and/or other health professionals that review incidents of harm.

8

Licensure boards establish standards for the profession and……..

Boards stop unqualified persons who attempt to practice if they are not licensed.

That is a basic tenet to limiting harm for citizens.

9

Visit State Legislators

You are the experts You are qualified to speak on our

issues

Utilize personal connectionsAffiliate members State Legislators

You are an important resource You are their constituents

ADA is seeking specific reports of harm – violations of licensure statutes

Our profession needs your active participation!

12

Violations of certification law

Incidents that create potential harm to public

What should be reported?

13

Without reports of violations and harm …

No investigations No discipline Few board actions Value of licensing board gets questioned Board’s existence is diminished! Sunset can occur!

Why Should You Report ?

14

Support your profession: help your state protect the scope of practice

Each professional needs to take a step to support their licensure or certification statute

Your Role:

What Can You Do?

Be well informed on the licensure issues

Collect data on violations of harm & report them

Advocacy and visibility are important in protecting your scope of practice

Stay connected with state legislators and your governor

Remind your RD colleagues and friends (non-CDA members) to submit their e-mail address to CDA or ADA

16

Be involved in your state affiliate!

The Connecticut Dietetic Association would love to have your participation.

To stay active please:• Read listserv e-mails• Read bulletins• Visit our website: www.eatrightct.org• Follow us on twitter: @eatrightct• Follow us on facebook: “Connecticut Dietetic

Association”