BILL ANALYSIS                                                                                                                                                                                                    �



                                                                  SB 993
                                                                  Page  1

          Date of Hearing:   August 6, 2014

                        ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
                                  Mike Gatto, Chair

                    SB 993 (Mitchell) - As Amended:  July 2, 2014 

          Policy Committee:                             Business and  
          Professions  Vote:                            14-0

          Urgency:     No                   State Mandated Local Program:  
          Yes    Reimbursable:              No

           SUMMARY  

          This bill changes provisions related to dietetic technicians,  
          registered (DTRs) and registered dietitians (RDs). Specifically,  
          this bill: 

          1)Modifies educational and training requirements for a DTR.

          2)Authorizes an RD to perform additional duties, including  
            performing nutritional assessments and initiating nutritional  
            interventions pursuant to a licensed health care facility's  
            approved nutrition screening policy and procedure

          3)Makes additional minor changes to the practice authorizations  
            for a DTR and RD, as specified.

           FISCAL EFFECT  

          Potential minor and absorbable fiscal impact to the Licensing  
          and Certification Division within the Department of Public  
          Health (DPH) to revise policies governing the activities of RDs  
          and DTRs in health facilities regulated by DPH.

           COMMENTS  

           1)Purpose  . This bill updates educational, title protection, and  
            practice provisions for DTRs and RDs to align more closely  
            with the practice environment.  This bill is sponsored by the  
            California Dietetic Association.

           2)Background  . RDs provide dietetic and nutrition services.  The  
            majority of RDs work in the treatment and prevention of  








                                                                  SB 993
                                                                  Page  2

            disease through the practice of evidence-based medical  
            nutrition therapy, often in hospitals and other healthcare  
            facilities.  State law provides title protection and a  
            non-exclusionary scope of practice, but does not establish  
            licensure requirements.  DPH recognizes public or private  
            agencies or institutions that are qualified to administer  
            exams and offer programs, but does not oversee or license RDs.  
             The Commission on Dietetic Registration, a national  
            organization, currently awards RD, DTR, and related specialty  
            credentials.


           Analysis Prepared by  :    Lisa Murawski / APPR. / (916) 319-2081