Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How serious is the loss of licensure board threat?
A: At this point, we are unsure. The legislature will hear about this issue in the February supplemental session. It is good to let our representatives know the licensure board plays an important role but it is not a likely target unless revenue forecasts are extremely poor come January 2010. Monica Hunsberger, Director of Legislative Issues for ODA, has a meeting scheduled with the Governor this fall. Until then, wait to contact your legislators.
Q: What is the ODA Board doing to address the potential loss of licensure?
A: The ODA Board is very quickly developing a plan of action for all members. We have been in contact with ADA, the Governor’s Office, and we are crafting talking points and templates for members to contact the media and their elected representatives.
Q: What is the best approach to dispelling the state cost inaccuracy reported in the Oregonian?
A: The funding for the state licensure board is covered by our licensure dues. (see previous question). We are working to dispel this with the media.
Q: When will we know more about state revenue and the likelihood of threat?
A: 1/26/2010 is an important budget date according to the Governor’s staff.
Q: How many licensed dietitians are there in Oregon?
A: As of June 2009, we had 539 licensed dietitians.
Q: What does it take to become licensed in Oregon?
A: You must provide proof of RD status and pay a fee to the state licensure board.
Q: What is the history of licensure in Oregon?
A: Here is a link for licensure history:
http://www.bld.state.or.us/OBELD/pdfs/NewsletterSpring2008.pdf
Q: How are licensed dietitians more valuable or specialized than non-licensed dietitians?
A: Licensure offers consumer protection, demonstrates that you are operating truthfully, and serves as a tracking system for complaints that might be brought against you or someone acting untruthfully. For example, a person could say they are licensed when they are not. It does not make an RD specialized in anyway.
Q: Do you have to be licensed to work in Oregon?
A: No, but many employers requiring licensing as a condition of employment.
Q: Do you have to be licensed to receive Medicare reimbursement?
A: In states that have licensure, some services that are reimbursed, such as Medicare MNT, will only be reimbursed when provided by a licensed dietitian. When a state does not have licensure, this requirement cannot apply, and non-licensed dietitians can be reimbursed for services such as Medicare MNT.
Q: What is the relationship between the ODA Board and Licensure Board?
A: There is no formal relationship and one does not influence the other. The ODA Board serves it members and the licensure board works for consumer protection, offers RDs licensure, and monitors any complaints related to inappropriate use of the licensed title. Certainly many members are members of both groups but they are completely separate. Members of the licensure board essentially report to the Governor.
Q: What is the Oregon Health Policy Board?
A: A newly created board that came out of the 2009 Legislative Session. This board has nothing to do with the ODA Board or the Licensure Board but it may impact our practice in the future. At this point there is a call for members. Nominations were due on Aug. 7th, 2009.