The Government Affairs Committee will continue to focus on increasing the number of ANFP-Approved Training Programs and will promote the CDM, CFPP credential as the primary qualification for the Director of Food and Nutrition Services in the absence of a full-time dietitian.
ANFP realized an important victory when the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) withdrew its 2019 proposed rule “Medicare and Medicaid Programs: Requirements for Long-Term Care Facilities; Regulatory Provisions to Promote Efficiency, and Transparency,” which would have weakened the CDM, CFPP requirement for the Director of Food and Nutrition Services in skilled nursing facilities.
CMS very quietly withdrew its 2019 proposed rule on August 4, 2021, with notification posted on the website for the Office of Management and Budget. ANFP submitted comments opposing the rule to CMS in September 2019 and its progress was halted when the Biden Administration came into office in January 2021. The Certified Dietary Manager, Certified Food Protection Professional Credential remains intact in the CMS §483.60 Staffing Requirements.
ANFP continues to make progress rolling out its youth apprenticeship program registered with the U.S. Department of Labor. Employers have signed commitment letters and the first apprentice is ready to begin. The goal is to have 20 individuals matriculate in the program, which is based on the CDM, CFPP curriculum with Department of Labor grant funding that now gives employers $2,000, an increase from the original stipend of $1,000, for each of the apprentices to cover the cost of the course and exam registration fees.
The Call for Volunteers will open on October 1, 2022. Members who are currently serving in a volunteer position on ANFP, CBDM, or NFEF boards or committees that end May 31, 2023, will need to complete the application process if they are interested in serving another term. Please encourage members of your state to apply and serve in a leadership role. Volunteering provides various ways to learn new skills, develop and enhance networking opportunities, and is a wonderful way to gain more experience that can further your career!
If you are interested to learn more about the GrassROOTS initiatives or to become a member of the network please sign up here. Please also consider giving to ANFP’s political action committee, ANFP-PAC, which is integral to our visibility and success on Capitol Hill. If you are planning to attend your local fall meeting, this is a great opportunity to make a donation!