- Email: [email protected]
2006 ADA Member Benefits Update
practice applications
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
2006 ADA Member Benefits Update
T
he most recent Needs Assessment, undertaken jointly by the American Dietetic Association (ADA), the ADA Foundation, and the Commission on Dietetic Registration in late 2004, surveyed dietetics professionals (members and nonmembers) on a number of practice and career issues in order to identify ways in which ADA might better serve them. Among the parameters measured were awareness of the programs, products, and services ADA currently offers. Awareness of ADA’s longest-lived and most central offerings (eg, the Journal, Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo, and member-only Web site) was high. Recognition of benefits that are beyond the most common, core items, however, was much lower, with percentages of members reporting they were not aware of each benefit slipping into double digits, and those of nonmembers climbing to over 60%. Certainly, many members make use of the variety of benefits ADA offers, but the survey findings show that others may not be aware of the opportunities and advantages their ADA membership offers. Below is a listing of some of the important resources ADA provides for its members, accompanied by brief descriptions of their function. Please feel free to share this list with your colleagues. CORE BENEFITS Current ADA members believed that the following resources were the most important and beneficial to their careers. Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo (FNCE): ADA’s annual meet-
This article was written by Ryan Lipscomb, department editor for the Journal in Chicago, IL, and Damon Brown, a freelance writer in Los Angeles, CA. doi: 10.1016/j.jada.2006.02.025
500
ing for members and other allied professionals is the centerpiece of many dietetics professionals’ yearly calendars. More than 100 continuing professional education programs are offered, along with peer networking opportunities, specialty group meetings, social events, and more. Over 300 companies exhibit their products and services at FNCE. Center for Professional Development: In addition to many continuing education opportunities at the annual Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo, the Center for Professional Development offers conferences, workshops, meetings, lectures, live phone teleseminars and Webinars, Webcasts, CD-ROM and online courses, and audiotapes. www.eatright.org: ADA’s continually updated Web site provides information, resources, and links that are essential for any dietetics professional. A secure, member-only site can be accessed using your member ID and password that provides a wealth of information and programs in a location that guards your privacy. Journal of the American Dietetic Association: ADA’s flagship publication is the premier source for information on the practice and science of food, nutrition, and dietetics. The monthly, peer-reviewed journal presents original articles prepared by scholars and practitioners and is the most widely read professional publication in the field. The Journal Web site (www.adajournal.org) provides 24-hour research access and a searchable database of Journal articles back to 1993. Position and Practice Papers Papers: Position papers explain ADA’s stance on issues that affect the nutritional status of the public. Positions, which consist of a position statement and a support paper, are based on sound scientific data. The papers are available both in the Journal and online at www.eatright.org. Affiliate (State) Dietetic Associations: Local affiliate associations
Journal of the AMERICAN DIETETIC ASSOCIATION
provide education programs, networking opportunities, scholarship fundraising efforts, and other benefits. Joining state dietetic associations is automatic and part of ADA membership. Dietetic Practice Groups (DPGs): These 29 professional interest groups allow members to network and learn with others who have interests in these practice areas. DPGs include a vast array of specialties, from Food and Culinary Professionals to Weight Management to Women’s Health and Reproductive Nutrition—and more. Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance: The Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance are part of the Scope of Dietetics Practice Framework. The Standards of Practice are authoritative statements that describe a competent level of practice related to direct client care, including the responsibilities for which registered dietitians are accountable. The Standards of Professional Performance describe a competent level of behavior in the professional role. To view the Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance, go to ADA’s member-only Web site and click on “Advocacy and the Profession,” then select “Quality Management” and look under “Scope of Dietetics Practice Documents.” Policy Initiatives and Advocacy: ADA works within the government to assure that the best interests of dietetics professionals are met. It also provides the annual Public Policy Workshop, a Washington, DC, event that shows members how they can get more involved in key legislative and regulatory issues. Government policy and legislation have a profound effect on the dietetics field, particularly in recent years. ADA makes a special effort to keep an eye on law changes, client liability, and other legal issues so members can focus on serving their clients. It also provides opportunities
© 2006 by the American Dietetic Association
FOR YOUR INFORMATION for member voices to be heard on a national level. Professional Liability Insurance: This package, administered by Marsh, a service of Seabury & Smith, is available for private practice or traditional employment. Lower professional liability rates were introduced in summer 2005. National Nutrition Month Materials: National Nutrition Month (NNM) is a nutrition education and information campaign sponsored annually by ADA that’s designed to focus attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. ADA provides dietetics professionals with access to a wide variety of supporting materials to help convey this important message, including fact sheets, teaching guides, quizzes, press releases, and event ideas. Public Relations: ADA’s public relations activities promote dietetics professionals to the public, professional peers, and legislators. The goal is to inform all audiences of who the food and nutrition experts are and how to contact them. Public education campaigns and ADA spokespeople also inform consumers and other health professionals about nutrition and the important role of the dietetics professional. RECENTLY INTRODUCED BENEFITS These are newer offerings of which some members have yet to take advantage. Those who have, however, have responded affirmatively that they are important resources for any dietetics professional’s career. Daily News: A key resource for keeping abreast of the top news stories concerning dietetics and the profession, ADA’s Daily News is delivered via e-mail every weekday morning and is a brief review of the nation’s leading food, nutrition, and health headlines. The e-mail format allows members to click on Web links to the actual articles and the handy newsletter can be saved for later review. Sign up by going to ADA’s member-only Web site and clicking on the “Journal/Publications” link. ADA Times: Every other month the ADA Times keeps you abreast of what’s going on inside the association. It also provides information es-
sential to growing as a dietetics professional, including legal and financial insights, current nutrition news, and public policy issues. ADACareerLink: This is ADA’s online job service (www.adacareerlink.org). Members can post resumes, target searches by specialty and geographic location, respond directly to job listings, and receive e-mail alerts about new positions. For a fee, member employers can also recruit professionals. Dietetics Listservs: Electronic mailing lists, or listservs, are available for all areas of dietetics. Dietetics-L reflects general questions and answers regarding food, nutrition, and dietetics practice issues, and foodservice-L is devoted to ADA members who specialize in commercial foodservice. Most dietetic practice groups also offer their members listservs dedicated to their particular practice area. Healthy Weight for Kids Initiative: The ADA Foundation launched the Healthy Weight for Kids Initia-
tive in October 2001 to support public education projects and programs that address the national health concern of obesity among our children. By partnering with individuals and organizations, the ADA and ADA Foundation have been able to offer grants that promote youth nutrition and fitness, conduct studies to identify behaviors and attitudes that contribute to unhealthy weight in children, and develop tools to enable families to identify behaviors that contribute to or prevent obesity in children. NEW BENEFITS Over the past several years, as ADA members identified prospective benefits that they wanted to see implemented, ADA responded. The following benefits are some of ADA’s newest offerings. Leadership Institute: ADA’s Leadership Institute is an integrated, intensive, multiformat training program in the theory and practice of leadership in dietetics. The purpose of the program is to enhance the leadership competencies of ADA members
Present Professional Pride at Home or Work
NEW
ADA Ceramic Mug Enjoy the modern styling of this attractive 12 oz. ceramic mug with just a subtle hint of color! Imprinted with the ADA logo and name.
# 8052 Nonmembers ADA Members
$6.00 $4.00 Order Today!
Call 800/877-1600, ext. 5000
Fax 312/899-4899 www.eatright.org/catalog
April 2006 ● Journal of the AMERICAN DIETETIC ASSOCIATION
501
FOR YOUR INFORMATION both conceptually and interpersonally, through a combination of information, skill development, and practice-based educational experiences. Evidence Analysis Library: A synthesis of the best nutritional research, including conclusion statements, evidence summaries, and analytic summaries of research articles across nutritionally relevant disease states, into an accessible, online, userfriendly library. ADA’s nationally recognized evidence analysis process ensures that only the highest quality, most relevant research is included. Expert panels of practitioners and researchers identify critical clinical questions and highly trained evidence analysts distill the technical information into readable summaries. Access this resource by going to ADA’s member-only Web site and clicking on the “Research” link. Dietetics Practice-Based Research Network: This network provides data collection and dissemination of results that address dietetic practice and create collaboration between researchers and dietetics practitioners to develop and test tools and to document the value of food and nutrition services. For more information, go to ADA’s member-only Web site and click on the “Research” link. Free Journal Continuing Education Professional Credit (CPE): As of March 2005, the Journal has been offering free continuing professional education units to members. Members can earn up to 4 CPE hours in each issue of the Journal. The Journal has also begun offering free continuing medical education (CME) credit to broaden its readership, strengthen the alliance between dietetics professionals and physicians, and encourage a multidisciplinary approach to health care. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES In addition to all of the offerings listed above, ADA has many more resources designed to help members in every area of dietetics practice. The following are just a few of them. Scope of Dietetics Practice Framework: The Scope of Dietetics Practice Framework provides a flexible decision-making structure that empowers its practitioners to provide safe, effective, timely health care services. It encompasses the entire prac-
502
April 2006 Volume 106 Number 4
tice of dietetics and is intended for use by practicing registered dietitians (RDs), dietetic technicians, registered (DTRs), and students to guide their career development. It can also be used as an aid to organizations when making employment decisions. ADA’s Book and Publication Catalog: Turn to this resource for the latest in peer-reviewed and practicerelated professional materials as well as a vast array of client and consumer education publications. Receive member-preferred pricing on publications and other ADA products and services. Nutrition Care Manual (NCM): ADA’s Nutrition Care Manual (www. nutritioncaremanual.org) is the preeminent source of research-based nutrition information and clinical tools available to dietetics professionals and other health care professionals. In addition to diet and disease information (including patient education materials), the Nutrition Care Manual has a searchable database format to make information easy to find. Other time-saving features include a customizable formulary of nutritional solutions, calculators, disease-specific screening and assessment forms, and a section on cultural food practices. Members benefit from discounted prices on this indispensable tool. On the Pulse: More governmentfocused than ADA’s Daily News, On the Pulse is a weekly e-mail newsletter on ADA’s legislative and regulatory priorities. It also addresses reimbursement, science, and practicerelated matters. Sign up by going to ADA’s member-only Web site and clicking on the “Journal/Publications” link and then selecting On the Pulse. CEO Digest: ADA’s chief executive officer, Ronald Moen, has developed this monthly electronic newsletter to keep members well informed about ADA news and Association activities. Knowledge Center: ADA understands that knowledge is power, which is why it created a dynamic resource center well suited to members’ needs. The Knowledge Center is a helping hand and a resource for quick food and nutrition reference assistance. Information is available via phone at 800/877-1600, ext 4853 or 4784, or e-mail at [email protected]. Nationwide Nutrition Network: Well suited for members representing private practices, group practices, or their employers, the Nationwide Nu-
trition Network is an online referral service that connects members to potential clients such as consumers, businesses, and other colleagues. Members can list information about their practice and specialization. To obtain an enrollment form, e-mail [email protected] and include your name and member number. Evidence-Based Guidelines and Toolkits for Practice of Medical Nutrition Therapy: Located in the Evidence Analysis Library, these guidelines provide disease-specific nutrition recommendations using a systematic approach that assures nutrition care is based on scientific evidence. Toolkits accompany the guidelines and provide Medical Nutrition Therapy tools used for documenting patient encounters and collecting outcomes. Overweight and Obesity Leadership Initiative: ADA and ADA Foundation activities in this program are focused around four areas identified by the ADA Foundation Expert Panel: Family Focus, Community, Professional Development, and National Planning. The activities are a combination of ADA and ADA Foundation initiatives and focus on achieving a balance between nutrition and physical activity as a key concept. For a more extensive list of benefits, visit the members-only section of ADA’s Web site at www.eatright.org or call the Member Service Center at 800/877-1500, ext 5000, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Central Standard Time.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
2006 ADA Member Benefits Update
T
he most recent Needs Assessment, undertaken jointly by the American Dietetic Association (ADA), the ADA Foundation, and the Commission on Dietetic Registration in late 2004, surveyed dietetics professionals (members and nonmembers) on a number of practice and career issues in order to identify ways in which ADA might better serve them. Among the parameters measured were awareness of the programs, products, and services ADA currently offers. Awareness of ADA’s longest-lived and most central offerings (eg, the Journal, Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo, and member-only Web site) was high. Recognition of benefits that are beyond the most common, core items, however, was much lower, with percentages of members reporting they were not aware of each benefit slipping into double digits, and those of nonmembers climbing to over 60%. Certainly, many members make use of the variety of benefits ADA offers, but the survey findings show that others may not be aware of the opportunities and advantages their ADA membership offers. Below is a listing of some of the important resources ADA provides for its members, accompanied by brief descriptions of their function. Please feel free to share this list with your colleagues. CORE BENEFITS Current ADA members believed that the following resources were the most important and beneficial to their careers. Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo (FNCE): ADA’s annual meet-
This article was written by Ryan Lipscomb, department editor for the Journal in Chicago, IL, and Damon Brown, a freelance writer in Los Angeles, CA. doi: 10.1016/j.jada.2006.02.025
500
ing for members and other allied professionals is the centerpiece of many dietetics professionals’ yearly calendars. More than 100 continuing professional education programs are offered, along with peer networking opportunities, specialty group meetings, social events, and more. Over 300 companies exhibit their products and services at FNCE. Center for Professional Development: In addition to many continuing education opportunities at the annual Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo, the Center for Professional Development offers conferences, workshops, meetings, lectures, live phone teleseminars and Webinars, Webcasts, CD-ROM and online courses, and audiotapes. www.eatright.org: ADA’s continually updated Web site provides information, resources, and links that are essential for any dietetics professional. A secure, member-only site can be accessed using your member ID and password that provides a wealth of information and programs in a location that guards your privacy. Journal of the American Dietetic Association: ADA’s flagship publication is the premier source for information on the practice and science of food, nutrition, and dietetics. The monthly, peer-reviewed journal presents original articles prepared by scholars and practitioners and is the most widely read professional publication in the field. The Journal Web site (www.adajournal.org) provides 24-hour research access and a searchable database of Journal articles back to 1993. Position and Practice Papers Papers: Position papers explain ADA’s stance on issues that affect the nutritional status of the public. Positions, which consist of a position statement and a support paper, are based on sound scientific data. The papers are available both in the Journal and online at www.eatright.org. Affiliate (State) Dietetic Associations: Local affiliate associations
Journal of the AMERICAN DIETETIC ASSOCIATION
provide education programs, networking opportunities, scholarship fundraising efforts, and other benefits. Joining state dietetic associations is automatic and part of ADA membership. Dietetic Practice Groups (DPGs): These 29 professional interest groups allow members to network and learn with others who have interests in these practice areas. DPGs include a vast array of specialties, from Food and Culinary Professionals to Weight Management to Women’s Health and Reproductive Nutrition—and more. Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance: The Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance are part of the Scope of Dietetics Practice Framework. The Standards of Practice are authoritative statements that describe a competent level of practice related to direct client care, including the responsibilities for which registered dietitians are accountable. The Standards of Professional Performance describe a competent level of behavior in the professional role. To view the Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance, go to ADA’s member-only Web site and click on “Advocacy and the Profession,” then select “Quality Management” and look under “Scope of Dietetics Practice Documents.” Policy Initiatives and Advocacy: ADA works within the government to assure that the best interests of dietetics professionals are met. It also provides the annual Public Policy Workshop, a Washington, DC, event that shows members how they can get more involved in key legislative and regulatory issues. Government policy and legislation have a profound effect on the dietetics field, particularly in recent years. ADA makes a special effort to keep an eye on law changes, client liability, and other legal issues so members can focus on serving their clients. It also provides opportunities
© 2006 by the American Dietetic Association
FOR YOUR INFORMATION for member voices to be heard on a national level. Professional Liability Insurance: This package, administered by Marsh, a service of Seabury & Smith, is available for private practice or traditional employment. Lower professional liability rates were introduced in summer 2005. National Nutrition Month Materials: National Nutrition Month (NNM) is a nutrition education and information campaign sponsored annually by ADA that’s designed to focus attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. ADA provides dietetics professionals with access to a wide variety of supporting materials to help convey this important message, including fact sheets, teaching guides, quizzes, press releases, and event ideas. Public Relations: ADA’s public relations activities promote dietetics professionals to the public, professional peers, and legislators. The goal is to inform all audiences of who the food and nutrition experts are and how to contact them. Public education campaigns and ADA spokespeople also inform consumers and other health professionals about nutrition and the important role of the dietetics professional. RECENTLY INTRODUCED BENEFITS These are newer offerings of which some members have yet to take advantage. Those who have, however, have responded affirmatively that they are important resources for any dietetics professional’s career. Daily News: A key resource for keeping abreast of the top news stories concerning dietetics and the profession, ADA’s Daily News is delivered via e-mail every weekday morning and is a brief review of the nation’s leading food, nutrition, and health headlines. The e-mail format allows members to click on Web links to the actual articles and the handy newsletter can be saved for later review. Sign up by going to ADA’s member-only Web site and clicking on the “Journal/Publications” link. ADA Times: Every other month the ADA Times keeps you abreast of what’s going on inside the association. It also provides information es-
sential to growing as a dietetics professional, including legal and financial insights, current nutrition news, and public policy issues. ADACareerLink: This is ADA’s online job service (www.adacareerlink.org). Members can post resumes, target searches by specialty and geographic location, respond directly to job listings, and receive e-mail alerts about new positions. For a fee, member employers can also recruit professionals. Dietetics Listservs: Electronic mailing lists, or listservs, are available for all areas of dietetics. Dietetics-L reflects general questions and answers regarding food, nutrition, and dietetics practice issues, and foodservice-L is devoted to ADA members who specialize in commercial foodservice. Most dietetic practice groups also offer their members listservs dedicated to their particular practice area. Healthy Weight for Kids Initiative: The ADA Foundation launched the Healthy Weight for Kids Initia-
tive in October 2001 to support public education projects and programs that address the national health concern of obesity among our children. By partnering with individuals and organizations, the ADA and ADA Foundation have been able to offer grants that promote youth nutrition and fitness, conduct studies to identify behaviors and attitudes that contribute to unhealthy weight in children, and develop tools to enable families to identify behaviors that contribute to or prevent obesity in children. NEW BENEFITS Over the past several years, as ADA members identified prospective benefits that they wanted to see implemented, ADA responded. The following benefits are some of ADA’s newest offerings. Leadership Institute: ADA’s Leadership Institute is an integrated, intensive, multiformat training program in the theory and practice of leadership in dietetics. The purpose of the program is to enhance the leadership competencies of ADA members
Present Professional Pride at Home or Work
NEW
ADA Ceramic Mug Enjoy the modern styling of this attractive 12 oz. ceramic mug with just a subtle hint of color! Imprinted with the ADA logo and name.
# 8052 Nonmembers ADA Members
$6.00 $4.00 Order Today!
Call 800/877-1600, ext. 5000
Fax 312/899-4899 www.eatright.org/catalog
April 2006 ● Journal of the AMERICAN DIETETIC ASSOCIATION
501
FOR YOUR INFORMATION both conceptually and interpersonally, through a combination of information, skill development, and practice-based educational experiences. Evidence Analysis Library: A synthesis of the best nutritional research, including conclusion statements, evidence summaries, and analytic summaries of research articles across nutritionally relevant disease states, into an accessible, online, userfriendly library. ADA’s nationally recognized evidence analysis process ensures that only the highest quality, most relevant research is included. Expert panels of practitioners and researchers identify critical clinical questions and highly trained evidence analysts distill the technical information into readable summaries. Access this resource by going to ADA’s member-only Web site and clicking on the “Research” link. Dietetics Practice-Based Research Network: This network provides data collection and dissemination of results that address dietetic practice and create collaboration between researchers and dietetics practitioners to develop and test tools and to document the value of food and nutrition services. For more information, go to ADA’s member-only Web site and click on the “Research” link. Free Journal Continuing Education Professional Credit (CPE): As of March 2005, the Journal has been offering free continuing professional education units to members. Members can earn up to 4 CPE hours in each issue of the Journal. The Journal has also begun offering free continuing medical education (CME) credit to broaden its readership, strengthen the alliance between dietetics professionals and physicians, and encourage a multidisciplinary approach to health care. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES In addition to all of the offerings listed above, ADA has many more resources designed to help members in every area of dietetics practice. The following are just a few of them. Scope of Dietetics Practice Framework: The Scope of Dietetics Practice Framework provides a flexible decision-making structure that empowers its practitioners to provide safe, effective, timely health care services. It encompasses the entire prac-
502
April 2006 Volume 106 Number 4
tice of dietetics and is intended for use by practicing registered dietitians (RDs), dietetic technicians, registered (DTRs), and students to guide their career development. It can also be used as an aid to organizations when making employment decisions. ADA’s Book and Publication Catalog: Turn to this resource for the latest in peer-reviewed and practicerelated professional materials as well as a vast array of client and consumer education publications. Receive member-preferred pricing on publications and other ADA products and services. Nutrition Care Manual (NCM): ADA’s Nutrition Care Manual (www. nutritioncaremanual.org) is the preeminent source of research-based nutrition information and clinical tools available to dietetics professionals and other health care professionals. In addition to diet and disease information (including patient education materials), the Nutrition Care Manual has a searchable database format to make information easy to find. Other time-saving features include a customizable formulary of nutritional solutions, calculators, disease-specific screening and assessment forms, and a section on cultural food practices. Members benefit from discounted prices on this indispensable tool. On the Pulse: More governmentfocused than ADA’s Daily News, On the Pulse is a weekly e-mail newsletter on ADA’s legislative and regulatory priorities. It also addresses reimbursement, science, and practicerelated matters. Sign up by going to ADA’s member-only Web site and clicking on the “Journal/Publications” link and then selecting On the Pulse. CEO Digest: ADA’s chief executive officer, Ronald Moen, has developed this monthly electronic newsletter to keep members well informed about ADA news and Association activities. Knowledge Center: ADA understands that knowledge is power, which is why it created a dynamic resource center well suited to members’ needs. The Knowledge Center is a helping hand and a resource for quick food and nutrition reference assistance. Information is available via phone at 800/877-1600, ext 4853 or 4784, or e-mail at [email protected]. Nationwide Nutrition Network: Well suited for members representing private practices, group practices, or their employers, the Nationwide Nu-
trition Network is an online referral service that connects members to potential clients such as consumers, businesses, and other colleagues. Members can list information about their practice and specialization. To obtain an enrollment form, e-mail [email protected] and include your name and member number. Evidence-Based Guidelines and Toolkits for Practice of Medical Nutrition Therapy: Located in the Evidence Analysis Library, these guidelines provide disease-specific nutrition recommendations using a systematic approach that assures nutrition care is based on scientific evidence. Toolkits accompany the guidelines and provide Medical Nutrition Therapy tools used for documenting patient encounters and collecting outcomes. Overweight and Obesity Leadership Initiative: ADA and ADA Foundation activities in this program are focused around four areas identified by the ADA Foundation Expert Panel: Family Focus, Community, Professional Development, and National Planning. The activities are a combination of ADA and ADA Foundation initiatives and focus on achieving a balance between nutrition and physical activity as a key concept. For a more extensive list of benefits, visit the members-only section of ADA’s Web site at www.eatright.org or call the Member Service Center at 800/877-1500, ext 5000, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Central Standard Time.