Delegate

 
Function:

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics House of Delegates, commonly known as HOD, is charged with the mission of governing the profession.  It is a deliberative body, acting as the voice of the members, which evaluates major issues and trends, deliberates on possible alternatives, and develops policy on major professional issues.  To accomplish its mission, the HOD:

• monitors and evaluates trends affecting the profession
• monitors member issues and mega issues, and the resulting actions
• approves standards of education and standards of practice
• reviews, debates and approves professional standards
• establishes the size and structure of the House
• adopts and revises with the Commission on Dietetic Registration a code of ethics for dietetics practitioners
• makes recommendations on standards, qualifications, and other issues related to credentialing to the Commission on Dietetic Registration
• makes recommendations on accreditation, approval and related issues to the Commission of Accreditation for Dietetics Education
• provides direction  for quality management in dietetics practice
• identifies and develops position statements
• provides oversight to the Academy and affiliates bylaws and
• assists with recruitment and retention efforts related to leadership development. 

The House has approved changes to the composition of the House and the method for conducting business.  This new structure reduces the number of delegates and started using Knowledge Based Strategic Governance in 2000 to provide a more effective decision making.  The HOD includes 115 delegates, 83 of these represent the affiliates, 18 are professional issue delegates, representing the 28 dietetic practice groups and 10 at large members.  Of these 10, two represent the DTR’s, one represents CDR, one ACEND, one representing the under 30 members, and three represent the broad membership.

The HOD meets twice yearly, but conducts business all year long, dialoguing and voting electronically.  The spring meeting is a shorter meeting, the fall meeting is held just prior to FNCE.  The key issues to be discussed during these meetings are determined by the House Leadership Team, and usually sent to the delegates about two months prior to the meeting, to allow the delegate time to solicit input from constituents. 

Prior to the meeting, any member can access the HOD website to review the background documents on the issues that will be discussed and forward their comments, suggestions and concerns to their delegate.  Both members and affiliate boards are invited to these meetings.