On October 4, 2016, CMS published its final rule “Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Reform of Requirements for Long-Term Care Facilities” in the Federal Register. Of the many changes to the regulations, the most important is the CDM credential being listed first amongst qualifications for the newly designated Director of Food and Nutrition Services. Current ANFP members can view this victory with pride, knowing that Washington, DC, now views the CDM credential as essential to maintaining quality in LTC facilities, and future ANFP members can look forward to a clearly-defined career path with pride.
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The Value of the Credential
Certification for dietary managers, similar to registration for dietitians and dietetic technicians, establishes a minimum level of competence that both employers and the public can expect in defined roles. Additionally, because certification requires continuing education, the credential assures that the certified individual stays on top of the latest technology and trends within the industry.
Obtaining certification involves a one-time cost for training and testing expenses which are covered by the individual and/or provider. Furthermore, certification requirements for The Safe Food for Seniors Act do not require additional funding from the federal government and is considered “revenue neutral” to the U.S. Treasury.