State Public Policy, Legislation & Advocacy
Updated July 27, 2025
Massachusetts Public Policy
As a state affiliate of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the Massachusetts Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (MAND) advocates for policy that aligns with Academy’s mission of improving the nation's health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education and advocacy.
https://www.eatrightpro.org/about-us/our-work/public-policy-priorities
MAND’s Vision & Mission
- Vision: Massachusetts residents will thrive through the transformative power of food and nutrition.
- Mission: Empower MAND members, through advocacy and education, to serve their communities as nutrition experts.
MAND’s public policy work supports this mission by influencing state laws and regulations that impact public health and the dietetics profession.
Public Policy Panel (PPP)
Each state affiliate has Public Policy Panel (PPP) made up of elected and appointed members. MAND’s PPP collaborates with the Academy’s Policy Initiatives and Advocacy team to:
- Track legislation and regulations
- Submit testimony at public hearings
- Support public health and professional practice in the state
Massachusetts Legislature Overview
- Officially known as “The General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts”
- Bicameral legislature with 40 senators and 160 representatives
- Two-year sessions starting in January of odd-numbered years
MAND monitor bills and budget items affecting:
- Public health and nutrition services
- Dietetic licensure and reimbursement
- Government-funded programs employing RDNs and NDTRs
Legislative Advocacy & Hearings
MAND’s Public Policy Panel:
- Tracks relevant legislation
- Attends public hearings to offer verbal testimony and submits written testimony
- Engages members with career expertise (e.g., elder care, food assistance, public health) to contribute
Example: Universal School Meals Act (passed in 2023) – MAND worked with Project Bread and other stakeholders over several years to advocated for this bill guaranteeing free breakfast and lunch for all public school students
Day on the Hill - Annual Legislative Event
Held in March during National Nutrition Month®, this event connects MAND members with state legislators to:
- Promote nutrition-related policies
- Educate lawmakers on the role of RDNs and NDTRs
- Advocate for health and nutrition priorities
Each year features a public health theme such as:
- Nutrition in disease prevention
- Food insecurity
- Preventing senior malnutrition
MAND encourages all members, interns and students to attend and participate.
Public Policy Partnerships
MAND collaborates with key organizations for strengthen public health policy:
- Massachusetts Public Health Alliance (MPHA) – promotes equity and systems change
- Food is Medicine (FIMMA) – focuses on medically tailored nutrition interventions
- Massachusetts Food System Collaboratve (MFSC) – supports local food systems and access
- Massachusetts Health Council – advocates for wellness and preventative care
These partners issue “action alerts” and help amplify nutrition-related policy efforts across the state.
Regulatory Advocacy
In addition to legislation, MAND monitors state regulations from agencies including:
- Department of Public Health (DPH)
- Division of Insurance (DOI)
- Board of Registration of Dietitians and Nutritionists (via Bureau of Health Professions Licensure)
These bodies set rules affecting:
- Telehealth coverage and reimbursement
- Licensure standards and renewals
- Continuing education and ethics compliance
https://www.mass.gov/orgs/bureau-of-health-professions-licensure
Dietetic Licensure in Massachusetts
Massachusetts has had dietetic licensure since 1999, thanks to grassroots advocacy by MAND members. The LDN credential ensures only qualified professionals provide nutrition care.
MAND continues to:
- Monitor and influence laws and regulations affecting licensure
- Attend public hearings on telehealth and practice regulations
- Appoint a Consumer Protection Coordinator (CPC) to represent MAND at quarterly meetings of the Board of Registration of Dietitians and Nutritionists, or “licensure board”
Get Involved in Advocacy
Join MAND’s “grassroots network” to:
- Receive policy updates and action alerts
- Participate in monthly PPP calls
- Contribute your expertise to advocacy efforts
Contact publicpolicy@eatrightma.org
Learn more
- Food is Medicine Massachusetts
- FIMMA State Plan
- Massachusetts Food System Collaborative
- Massachusetts Public Health Alliance
- Massachusetts Health Council
- Subscribe to MASSterList
