Urging The Department Of Health To Amend The Hawaii Administrative Rules To Authorize Licensed Dietitians To Prescribe Modified Diets And Plan Therapeutic Diets.
If adopted, the amendments proposed in SR15 would modify the Hawaii Administrative Rules, specifically Section 11-93-8, which currently restricts licensed dietitians from issuing diet orders independently. The changes would grant RDNs the authority to not only prescribe modified diets but also to plan therapeutic diets, thus addressing the challenges stemming from the health professional shortage in the state. This change is anticipated to provide patients with timely access to necessary nutritional support and enhance the roles of dietitians within the healthcare framework.
Senate Resolution 15 (SR15) urges the Department of Health in Hawaii to amend existing administrative rules to allow licensed dietitians to prescribe modified diets and plan therapeutic diets. The resolution highlights the persistent issue of health professional shortages in Hawaii and points toward registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) as capable professionals equipped to manage diet-related conditions effectively. By empowering dietitians with the ability to write diet orders independently, the resolution aims to improve patient care and streamline nutrition services within healthcare settings.
The sentiment surrounding SR15 seems predominantly positive, as it is positioned as a practical solution to improve healthcare delivery in the state. By enabling dietitians to operate with more autonomy, proponents of the resolution express the belief that it would reduce unnecessary burdens on physicians, enabling them to focus on other critical areas of patient care. The adoption of this resolution reflects an acknowledgment of the valuable contributions dietitians can offer in the healthcare landscape.
Notably, there may be concerns about the implications of expanding the scope of practice for dietitians among other healthcare professionals. Some may argue that allowing dietitians to prescribe diets could lead to overlaps in responsibility and complexity in care management. The resolution encourages collaboration between physicians and dietitians, but it will also be essential to navigate the dynamics between different healthcare roles to ensure comprehensive patient care.