ROOTS Roundup

Summer 2024

ROOTS Roundup

by Emmy Bender
Welcome to the Summer 2024 edition of ROOTS Roundup! In this newsletter you will read about what is happening at ANFP Headquarters, updates from Craig Brightup; ANFP’s Washington DC representative, and valuable information you can share with your state chapter and leaders.

Continuing their service on the Government Affairs committee are Barbara Thomsen, CDM, CFPP as Chair, Cindy Cothern, CDM, CFPP, Dave Kahn, Amarylis Saluk, CDM, CFPP, Jeffery Wuollet, CDM, CFPP and newest member Mark Riley, CDM, CFPP. This committee is responsible for Developing and implementing comprehensive and effective government affairs strategies for the association on the Federal and state levels.

Continuing their service on the ANFP PAC committee are Dorothy Radermacher as Chair, Karla Klein, CDM, CFPP, Marjorie Smith, CDM, CFPP, Raven Marchino, CDM, CFPP and newest member, Jesus Osorio, CDM, CFPP. This committee is responsible for assisting the Government Affairs committee in the development and implementation of effective government affairs strategies and recommends the disbursement of funds from the ANFP-PAC in concert with current legislative strategies.

The U.S. Dept. of Education (ED) has revised minimum hour requirements for approved training programs to be eligible for Title IV financial assistance. New requirements are from the Oct. 31, 2023, final rule “Fiscal Responsibility, Administrative Capability, Certification Procedures, Ability to Benefit (ATB),” which amend regulations for Title IV of the Higher Education Act. 

Starting July 1, 2024, to be eligible for Title IV financial assistance, training programs must adhere to amended gainful employment regulations at 34 CFR §668.14(b)(26), which specify programs can’t require hours exceeding the greater of either the institution-stated didactic and field experience minimums or the minimums required by the State to qualify for Title IV funding. The ANFP program is offered in fifty schools nationwide and requires a minimum of 120 didactic and 150 field hours, but many approved schools exceed the minimums. As of July 1, those schools and their newly enrolled students will not be eligible for Title IV financial assistance unless their hours are pared back to match ANFP’s minimums or the State’s, whichever is greater.

The proposed FY2025 Prospective Payment System for SNFs published by CMS on April 3 also included requests for comments on potential changes to the malnutrition code and nutritional approaches for residents; the Quality Reporting Program concerning food; and the Value-Based Purchasing Program. ANFP submitted comments on these topics to CMS in May.      

ANFP Washington Representative Craig Brightup attended a May 8 lunch for Congresswoman Jen Kiggans, who saluted National CDM, CFPP Day with remarks she made in the Congressional Record, and a July event for Kiggans is being planned for which ANFP-PAC support will be requested. 

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 is integral to our visibility and success on Capitol Hill. ANFP-PAC can now accept association member contributions electronically via an FEC-compliant system to facilitate donations at ANFP’s live meetings and other events. ANFP-PAC had $8,5334 cash-on-hand as of May 31, 2024, and the goal is to reach $10-15,000.
 

Winter 2023

ROOTS Roundup

by Emmy Bender
Craig Brightup Luncheon with Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA)         

The Political Action Committee voted on and approved to release PAC funds for ANFP’s Washington Representative Craig Brightup to attend a luncheon for the re-election of Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) that took place on February 1. This meeting laid the groundwork for the upcoming visit to Cassidy’s office during Dr. Joyce Gilbert, PhD, RDN and Barbara Thomsen’s February 26-28 “fly-in” on Capitol Hill and discussion about the Annual Conference & Expo (ACE) in New Orleans. 

ANFP Plans Meetings in Washington, DC  

ANFP President and CEO Dr. Joyce Gilbert, PhD, RDN, and Government Affairs Committee Chair Barbara Thomsen, CDM, CFPP, will be in Washington, DC, February 26-28 for meetings on Capitol Hill.  The “fly-in” is to raise awareness of the ANFP Apprenticeship Program which is based on the CDM, CFPP credential and, after a two-year process, was approved by and registered with the U.S. Department of Labor in November 2022.  

ANFP Washington Representative Craig Brightup is planning meetings with House and Senate members and/or staff including newly-elected Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-VA), who wants to take a lead role on LTC issues; Rep. Kelly Armstrong (R-ND) about the University of North Dakota’s CDM, CFPP program; Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) about ACE in New Orleans, particularly with Cassidy being named Ranking Member on the Senate Health Education Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee; and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) who is Chairman of the HELP Committee.       

The Call for Volunteers Campaign is Now Closed! 

Thank you to each one who applied for an ANFP board or committee position through the Call for Volunteers Campaign. The Leadership Development Committee will review board nominees, and Committee Chairs will review committee nominees between February 9-14, and candidates will be contacted with next steps between February 20-24. The committee will conduct phone interviews with Board candidates March 13-14, slate recommendations will be announced to membership on March 16, and the Board will approve the slate in April. 

Support the GrassROOTS Initiatives 
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 is integral to our visibility and success on Capitol Hill. If you are planning to attend your local spring meeting, this is a great opportunity to make a donation! 
 

Fall 2022

ROOTS Roundup

by Emmy Bender
Welcome to the Fall 2022 edition of ROOTS Roundup! In this issue you will learn about the Government Affairs Committee's goals for the upcoming year along with updates and opportunities to serve as a volunteer! 

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! 
 

Summer 2021

ROOTS Roundup

by Emily Harris

As we usher in a new year and the summer season, I would like to welcome the Government Affairs newest Chair, Bionca Lindsey, CDM, CFPP! Serving alongside Barbara Thomsen, CDM, CFPP, in her new role as Ex-Officio and mentor, Bionca will now carry the torch and lead in the development of the committee’s strategic and long-term goals. On behalf of the committee, thank you, Barbara, for all your hard work, dedication, and commitment over the past eight years!

Continuing their service on the committee are Larry Jackson, CDM, CFPP; Zlatko Jancic, CDM, CFPP; Richard Lind, CDM, CFPP; Kenneth Owens, CDM, CFPP; and Sherri Williams, CDM, CFPP. Please welcome Jonathan Robertson, CDM, CFPP and Renee Spence (Board Liaison) as the newest volunteers.

Continuing to serve as the Chair on the ANFP-PAC committee is Shona McCue, CDM, CFPP. This committee is responsible for assisting the Government Affairs committee in the development and implementation of effective government affairs strategies and recommends the disbursement of funds from the ANFP-PAC in concert with current legislative strategies.

Continuing their service are Andrew Aumann, CDM, CFPP; Denise Choleva, CDM, CFPP; and Tina Day, CDM, CFPP and Dorothy Radermacher. Please welcome Marjorie Smith, CDM, CFPP as the newest volunteer.

This year, the committees will continue to focus on increasing the number of ANFP-approved training programs and will continue to 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 belongs to the Opportunity America Jobs and Careers Coalition and it initiated meetings between ANFP and the Urban Institute, which has a $2 million annual grant from the Department of Labor (DOL) for youth apprenticeships, in order to assist ANFP through the federal application process in order to sponsor a registered apprenticeship program. ANFP is now in the pilot phase of establishing a DOL-recognized youth apprenticeship program, which will help skilled nursing facilities attract employees based on using an ANFP-approved course. The DOL will also give employers $1,000 for each apprentice (though the Urban Institute grant) to cover the cost of the course and exam registration fees.

According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) §483.60 Food and Nutrition Services rule, existing Food and Nutrition Services Directors hired prior to November 28, 2016, will have until November 28, 2021 to obtain the CDM, CFPP credential. As we approach this deadline, we encourage those of you who need or have someone you know who needs to complete the certification process, to reach out to ANFP for guidance. ANFP’s Professional Services team is here to help you register for the CDM Credentialing Exam. Please e-mail info@CBDMonline.org or call 800.323.1908, select option 1 Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. CT.

The ANFP-PAC committee volunteers will be at the Expo booth in Orlando, FL during the Annual Conference & Expo and welcome members to visit and make a donation! Your support continues to increase visibility and success on Capitol Hill.

Learn more about the GrassROOTS initiatives, join the cause, or become a member of the network here.

Spring 2021

ROOTS Roundup

by Emily Harris

WELCOME to the Spring edition of ROOTS Roundup! In this newsletter you will read about what is happening at ANFP Headquarters, updates from your Government Affairs Committee, and valuable information you can share with your state chapter and leaders.

As the primary education and certifying organization of dietary managers, ANFP serves as a clearinghouse for members to access dietary staffing regulations in long-term care facilities and hospitals in their state. To stay current, ANFP conducts an annual review of regulatory requirements with Health Departments across the US. A current copy of these requirements is available online under the “Resources” tab.

We are pleased to share that Kentucky, New Hampshire and Texas have adopted the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regulations that list the CDM, CFPP as the primary qualification for the Director of Food and Nutrition Services in the absence of a full-time dietitian, bringing the total number of states that recognize the credential to 21! View a complete list of these states here.

Several health department representatives confirmed during the annual review that their state is planning to revise the staffing regulations by incorporating the CMS rules to ensure consistency with state law.

As a result of the CMS regulations, congressional legislation is no longer needed to establish training and certification requirements for the Director of Food and Nutrition Services. However, the focus continues to be on implementing the regulations at the state level.

ANFP’s Government Affairs committee and ANFP chapter’s spokesperson volunteers continue to advocate for CDM, CFPPs with local and state legislators providing a toolkit and data statistics that include the current number of states that recognize the credential, a map outlining the number of long-term care facilities and ANFP-approved programs in each state. Connecting with legislators provides an opportunity to share impactful stories and to make a difference on the issues that CDM, CFPPs care about!

Also, in pursuit of new pathways for the CDM, CFPP credential, ANFP is working to sponsor a U.S. Dept. of Labor (DOL) recognized youth apprenticeship program with help from the Urban Institute. The Urban Institute received a $2 million annual grant from DOL in 2020 to establish more youth apprenticeship programs and has been assisting ANFP with all aspects of the application process to become a youth apprenticeship national sponsor that would include funding of up to $1,000 per apprentice.

Learn more about the GrassROOTS initiatives or join the cause and become a member of the network here. Please also consider giving to ANFP’s political action committee, ANFP-PAC, which is integral to our visibility and success on Capitol Hill.

Summer 2020

ROOTS Roundup

by Mindy Theesfeld, Foundation and Analytics Manager

As we kick off a new year, Barbara Thomsen, CDM, CFPP will continue to serve as the Chair of the Government Affairs committee. This committee is responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive and effective government affairs strategies for the association on both the federal and state levels. Continuing their service on the committee are Judith Hazlett, CDM, CFPP; Cindy Cothern, CDM, CFPP; Larry Jackson, CDM, CFPP; Zlatko Jancic, CDM, CFPP; Richard Lind, CDM, CFPP; Bionca Lindsey, CDM, CFPP; Kenneth Owens, CDM, CFPP; Sue Rinkenberger, CDM, CFPP; and Sherri Williams, CDM, CFPP. 

Serving as the Chair on the ANFP-PAC committee is Shona McCue, CDM, CFPP.  This committee is responsible for assisting the Government Affairs committee in the development and implementation of effective government affairs strategies and recommends the disbursement of funds from the ANFP-PAC in concert with current legislative strategies. Continuing their service are Denise Choleva, CDM, CFPP; and Tina Day, CDM, CFPP.  Please welcome Andrew Aumann, CDM, CFPP; Dorothy Radermacher, CDM, CFPP; and Felicia Smith, MHA, CDM, CFPP as the newest volunteers. 

This year, the committees will focus on increasing the number of ANFP-approved training programs and will continue to 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.  The committee has developed a CDM, CFPP Credential at a Glance map that includes the current number of credential holders, long term care facilities, and ANFP-approved programs in each state.  To view this map, click here.

On July 18, 2019, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) rule making “Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Requirements for Long-Term Care Facilities; Regulatory Provisions to Promote Efficiency, and Transparency” would rescind the requirement that the director of food and nutrition services be a CDM,CFPP and ANFP submitted comments opposing this change (and generated additional like-minded comments). ANFP made a strong case to CMS for keeping the CDM, CFPP requirement; and this, in conjunction with growing press criticism of the entire CMS rule making stemming from the coronavirus pandemic, has delayed a final ruling from CMS for the foreseeable future.

ANFP’s participation in the Occupation America Jobs and Careers Coalition (OAJCC) continues to provide ANFP with more visibility on Capitol Hill and more potential platforms for the CDM, CFPP credential. OAJCC coordinated a May 20 letter (that ANFP cosigned) to relevant Senate and House committee chairs and ranking members urging a flexible workforce-development component in any stimulus bill passed by Congress. This idea is gaining traction on Capitol Hill and in the White House. On May 29, OAJCC hosted a Zoom meeting with Special Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy James Redstone to discuss the White House American Workforce Policy Board’s call-to-action to help those on coronavirus-related unemployment find new jobs, and this provided an excellent forum to explain the value of the CDM, CFPP credentialing program. OAJCC has also facilitated Zoom meetings between ANFP and apprenticeship program experts at the Urban Institute to possibly become a national sponsor for a youth apprenticeship program in foodservice. The Urban Institute received a $2 million annual grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to establish more youth apprenticeship programs and can assist with all aspects of ANFP potentially becoming a national sponsor, with funding of up to $1,000 per apprentice.

ANFP’s political action committee, ANFP-PAC, has $8,000 cash on-hand and is reviewing U.S. House and Senate candidates to support for the 2020 election.

Learn more about the GrassROOTS initiatives or join the cause and become a member of the network here. Please also consider giving to ANFP-PAC, which is integral to our visibility and success on Capitol Hill.

Spring 2019

ROOTS Roundup

by Emily Harris

WELCOME to the Spring edition of ROOTS Roundup, a quarterly newsletter containing information about what's happening at ANFP Headquarters, updates from your Government Affairs Committee, and valuable information you can share with your state chapter and leaders. If there are any topics you would like us to cover in a future issue, please email Mindy Theesfeld.

On March 18, the White House issued its HEA priorities with flexible Pell Grants and “market- driven workforce development programs.” The White House also announced its Workforce Advisory Board which includes Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, and Barbara Thomsen is pursuing a meeting with her staff.

On March 14, Sens. Rob Portman (R-OH) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) introduced the Jumpstart Our Businesses by Supporting Students (JOBS) Act, which could be added to any HEA bill and would help students by expanding Pell Grant eligibility for training and credentialing programs.

On Dec. 28, 2018, the IRS published a proposed rule to interpret and implement changes made to the formula by which businesses can take interest deductions in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The American Health Care Association submitted comments on the various ownership/leasing arrangements for SNFs (direct ownership, REITs, third-party financing, etc.) and how the IRS regulations might affect them one way or the other.

On Dec. 14, 2018, the Dept. of Education held a Career & Technical Education (CTE) summit for input on the “Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act” that was enacted in July 2018, and OAJCC President Tamar Jacoby represented ANFP at the meeting.



ANFP is a member of the Opportunity America Jobs and Careers Coalition (OAJCC), consisting of companies and associations working to amplify the employer voice on career education and put workforce education more on a par with traditional academic instruction.

OAJCC is following reauthorization of the Higher Education Act (HEA) with the goal of redirecting funds towards CTE programs. In February, Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-TN) stated his desire to get an HEA bill through the Senate this summer with more flexible funding for CTE.

On the regulatory front, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is in the early stages of preparing a rule “Prevention of Workplace Violence in Healthcare and Social Assistance” that will cover LTC facilities. On Feb. 27, the House Subcommittee on Workforce Protections held a hearing on H.R. 1309, which would short-circuit OSHA’s rulemaking process and require the agency to issue an interim-final rule within a year.



ANFP-PAC flyers continue to be distributed to chapter presidents promoting the new ROOTS campaign along with the PAC Donation Policy and donation form, encouraging volunteers to solicit PAC fundraising at their spring state meetings. ANFP-PAC now has $6,129 cash-on-hand!

Fall 2018

ROOTS Roundup

by Mindy Theesfeld, Foundation and Analytics Manager

WELCOME to the third edition of ROOTS Roundup, a quarterly newsletter containing information about what's happening at ANFP Headquarters, updates from your Government Affairs Committee, and valuable information you can share with your state chapter and leaders. If there are any topics you would like us to cover in a future issue, please e-mail Mindy Theesfeld.

Craig Brightup, ANFP’s Washington DC Representative, reported to the Government Affairs committee in October on the Licensing Reform in the United States. He explained that model legislation drafted by the American Leg. Exchange Council (ALEC) is the basis for bad state bills confusing state licensing with certification and credentialing and ANFP is following this issue.

Brightup also reported on the Implementation of CTE Legislation and that A DC summit of state and federal officials with employer groups to implement the Careers and Tech. Ed. for the 21st Century Act will not take place November 16 but might happen in December.

ANFP-PAC flyers promoting the new ROOTS campaign have been distributed to chapter presidents along with the PAC Donation Policy and donation form, encouraging volunteers to solicit PAC fundraising at their upcoming state meetings.

Summer 2018

ROOTS Roundup

by Mindy Theesfeld, Foundation and Analytics Manager

The Government Affairs and PAC committees are teaming up to serve our Legislative needs. These committees have been called to action and are working together to promote the "ROOTS" campaign. Be sure to check out the upcoming article on the new legislative initiative in the September/October issue of Edge magazine.

ANFP belongs to the Opportunity America Jobs and Careers Coalition (OAJCC), which reports that analytics firm Burning Glass finds there are 1.2 million more jobs available in the health care sector than there are workers available to fill them.

Therefore, ANFP and OAJCC have supported the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (H.R. 2353), which made it out of the U.S. Senate on July 24 and was approved by the House and sent to the President for signing on July 25.

The bill requires state and local education officials and educators to consult with employers at all stages of career education programs and also focuses on work-based learning.

This is an important first step in reinvigorating career and technical education (CTE) at the high school and college levels, and is occurring in conjunction with House efforts to redirect higher education funding to career training in the PROSPER Act and a White House push for "Industry Recognized Apprenticeships."

Joyce Gilbert, PhD, RDN, ANFP President and CEO, traveled to Washington, D.C. on June 25-26 to meet with Craig Brightup and staff for Reps. Roskam (IL), Marshall (KS), Gallagher (WI), and LaHood (IL).

Additionally, Joyce and Craig met with staff for the National Governors Association to discuss workforce development and how poorly-drafted state legislation confuses the issue of licensing with certification and credentialing programs.

The ANFP-PAC booth raised $756 at ACE in Orlando on June 3, 2018! ANFP-PAC is a member-sponsored political action fund which supports federal candidates who care about ANFP's mission and the work of ANFP members.

Spring 2018

ROOTS Roundup

by Mindy Theesfeld, Foundation and Analytics Manager

The Government Affairs Committee, formerly, Legislative Committee has established a new grassroots campaign; ROOTS-Rallying Organizations and Officials in Training Standards. Show your support of CDMs cultivating ROOTS by donating to the ANFP-PAC today! Together we will cultivate, grow and REAP!

ANFP has joined forces on Capitol Hill with The Opportunity America Jobs and Careers Coalition (OAJCC) focusing on two major bills in Congress, Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act. This bill would set funding levels for five years starting at $1.13 billion and incentivize the use of industry-recognized credentials (like the CDM) and other recognized post-secondary credentials. The second bill; Promoting Real Opportunity, Success and Prosperity through Educational Reform (PROSPER) Act would reauthorize the Higher Education Act and would create incentives for industry-led "earn-and-learn" initiatives as well as making Pell Grants more flexible to help low-income students pay for shorter courses and competency-based programs, both of which are career focused.

ANFP will continue to foster partnerships with other Healthcare Associations to cover the need for qualified CDM's in healthcare communities.

While CMS lists the CDM, CFPP credential as the primary qualification for the Director of Food and Nutrition Services, the regulations also acknowledge state requirements for staffing qualifications. Currently, the CDM, CFPP meets requirements in 18 states. The Government Affairs committee members are contacting government officials with a letter providing an overview of the CMS long-term care requirements and urging state officials to implement this language into their state regulations.