ANFP Applauds Safe Food For Seniors Act

The Association of Nutrition & Foodservice Professionals is among the organizations and healthcare groups supporting the Safe Food for Seniors Act of 2013 (H.R. 2181), introduced in Congress in May. The bipartisan bill would amend the Social Security Act with respect to the qualification of the foodservice director at a federally funded (Medicare or Medicaid) nursing facility.

The Safe Food for Seniors Act requires that these facilities train their foodservice directors, in the absence of a full-time dietitian, as a Certified Dietary Manager, Certified Food Protection Professional (CDM, CFPP), or a Dietetic Technician, Registered (DTR), or have the equivalent training from military experience or traditional education.

By recognizing the CDM, CFPP credential nationwide, the bill would utilize dietary managers to their fullest capabilities as leaders and essential members of a healthcare team.

The ANFP views the introduction of H.R. 2181 as a major step for the non-commercial foodservice profession. The half-century old St. Charles, Ill.-based association has more than 14,000 members.