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... " from her work on the Taskforce.</p>]]></description>
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 <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-fa ...
```

Source: https://eatrightwisc.site-ym.com/resource/rss/news.rss

<rss version="2.0" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom">
<channel>
<title>News & Press</title>
<link>https://www.eatrightwisc.org/news/</link>
<description><![CDATA[ Read about recent events, essential information and the latest community news. ]]></description>
<lastBuildDate>Fri, 3 May 2024 19:55:06 GMT</lastBuildDate>
<pubDate>Mon, 25 Mar 2024 10:52:00 GMT</pubDate>
<atom:link href="http://www.eatrightwisc.org/resource/rss/news.rss" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"></atom:link>
<item>
<title>Healthy Food Incentive Program</title>
<link>https://www.eatrightwisc.org/news/668621/</link>
<guid>https://www.eatrightwisc.org/news/668621/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Last week, Governor Evers signed Act 201 into law, Creating and funding a Healthy Food Incentive Program in the state of Wisconsin. This bipartisan legislation provides matching dollars to families participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for the purchase of healthy fruits and vegetables from eligible retailers.<ul style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Didact Gothic', sans-serif;"><li>Eligible retailers include supermarkets, grocery stores, farmers’ markets, nonprofit cooperatives, and farmers who sell directly to consumers, among other types of food sellers.</li><li>Retailers must be authorized retailers in the FoodShare program participating in the healthy food incentive program.</li></ul>WAND supported this bill as part of its <a href="https://www.eatrightwisc.org/news/663101/-Childhood-Obesity-Taskforce-Introduces-3-Bills.htm" target="_blank">engagement efforts</a> with The Speaker's Task Force on Childhood Obesity during the 2023-24 legislative session and is excited to see it become a reality! Read more about the bill becoming law <a href="https://legis.wisconsin.gov/assembly/79/joers/media/nrznr2cm/322-governor-evers-signs-healthy-food-incentive-program-into-law.pdf" target="_blank" style="color: #64c261;">here</a>.]]></description>
<category>Advocacy News</category>
<pubDate>Mon, 25 Mar 2024 11:52:00 GMT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Legislative Session- Bills Updates</title>
<link>https://www.eatrightwisc.org/news/666075/</link>
<guid>https://www.eatrightwisc.org/news/666075/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Last week, the state Senate and state Assembly held multiple
session days and voted on various bills and resolutions.  The Assembly
adjourned for the 2023-2024 legislative session Thursday, February
22.  If it deems it absolutely necessary, the Assembly could
call itself back into session, however, that is not likely.  The
Senate is expected to hold one more session day in mid-April and will then
likely adjourn.  
<img alt="" src="https://www.eatrightwisc.org/resource/resmgr/advocacy/2024_virtual_compact_crash_course/Compact_Action_Alert_icons.png" style="width: 600px; height: 160px; vertical-align: middle; margin: 10px 30px;" />Even though the Assembly has adjourned for
the session, individual bills may still be introduced in the Assembly. 
With that in mind, WAND expects that the Assembly version of the Dietitian
Licensure Compact will be introduced soon.  The Senate version of the
Dietitian Licensure Compact bill – <a href="https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2023/proposals/reg/sen/bill/sb1059">Senate
Bill 1059</a> – was introduced in the state Senate earlier in February.  
The following are updates on bills/resolutions of interest
to WAND:  
Wednesday, February 21 Assembly Session 
<ul style="margin-top: 0in; list-style-type: disc;">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1;"><a href="https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/session/2023/REG/AB1013">AB-1013</a>
Food Incentive
Program (Joers, Alex) Healthy food incentive program.</li>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in; list-style-type: circle;">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l1 level2 lfo1;">The Assembly passed this bill, and it now goes to the
Senate for its consideration.<span style="mso-fareast-font-family:
'Times New Roman';"></li>
</ul>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1;"><a href="https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/session/2023/REG/AB1014">AB-1014</a>
Childhood Obesity
(Hurd, Karen) Childhood obesity prevention and management grants. </li>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in; list-style-type: circle;">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l1 level2 lfo1;">The Assembly passed this bill, and it now goes to the
Senate for its consideration.<span style="mso-fareast-font-family:
'Times New Roman';"></li>
</ul>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1;"><a href="https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/session/2023/REG/AB1015">AB-1015</a>
Childhood Obesity
(Hurd, Karen) Childhood obesity prevention and management grants and
making an appropriation.</li>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in; list-style-type: circle;">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l1 level2 lfo1;">The Assembly passed this bill, and it now goes to the
Senate for its consideration.<span style="mso-fareast-font-family:
'Times New Roman';"></li>
</ul>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1;"><a href="https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/session/2023/REG/AB1016">AB-1016</a>
Physical Activity
(Penterman, William) Requiring public and private schools to offer a
minimum amount of physical activity each week. </li>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in; list-style-type: circle;">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l1 level2 lfo1;">The Assembly passed this bill, and it now goes to the
Senate for its consideration.<span style="mso-fareast-font-family:
'Times New Roman';"></li>
</ul>
</ul>
Tuesday, February 20 Senate Session 
<ul style="margin-top: 0in; list-style-type: disc;">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2;"><a href="https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/session/2023/REG/SB539">SB-539</a>
NonProfit
Assistance (Tomczyk, Cory) County assistance to certain
nonprofit organizations. </li>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in; list-style-type: circle;">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level2 lfo2;">This bill passed the Senate and was sent to the
Assembly for its consideration.  However, the Assembly did not take
any action on this bill before it adjourned on February 22. 
Therefore, it is very likely that this bill will move no further in the
legislative process.</li>
</ul>
</ul>
 ]]></description>
<category>Advocacy News</category>
<pubDate>Mon, 26 Feb 2024 11:51:00 GMT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title> Childhood Obesity Taskforce Introduces 3 Bills</title>
<link>https://www.eatrightwisc.org/news/663101/</link>
<guid>https://www.eatrightwisc.org/news/663101/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<img alt="" src="https://www.eatrightwisc.org/resource/resmgr/advocacy/231101-speakers-task-force-o.png" style="width: 300px; height: 200px; float: left; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;" />The<a href="https://legis.wisconsin.gov/assembly/committees/childhood-obesity/about/" target="_blank"> Speaker's Taskforce on Childhood Obesity</a> had a press conference Tuesday morning and introduced three bi-partisan bills after holding several hearings across the state in late 2023 about potential policy and program solutions to this complex issue. Watch the video of the <a href="https://wiseye.org/2024/01/16/news-conference-speakers-task-force-on-childhood-obesity/" target="_blank">full press conference</a> on Wisconsin Eye by creating a free account.WAND Public Policy and Advocacy Committee members Cassie Vanderwall (Consumer Protection Coordinator) and Amy Stinson (Nutrition Payment Services Specialist) <a href="https://www.eatrightwisc.org/news/656987/Members-Testify-at-Childhood-Obesity-Taskforce-Hearing.htm" target="_blank">shared at the Taskforce's hearing in Milwaukee on October 27</a> how RDNs play a pivotal role in chronic disease prevention, treatment and reversal offering holistic care across the lifespan. Bills introduced as a result of the Taskforce include: Healthy Food Incentive Program: Introduced by Representatives Alex Joers, Karen Hurd, Robyn Vining, Elijah Behnke, William Penterman, Melissa Ratcliff, Donna Rozar, Peter Schmidt & Senator Joan Ballweg. Under the bill (5718) and program, “FoodShare recipients who use FoodShare benefits for purchases at an eligible retailer would receive an amount up to the amount of benefits used at the eligible retailer for the purpose of purchasing fruits and vegetables from the eligible retailer. According to the Co-Sponsorship memo, “Nutrition Incentive Programs allow families to stretch their grocery budget and prioritize buying healthy, locally-grown produce. They are oftentimes referred to as Double Dollars, Double Up Food Bucks, or Market Match. They provide matching dollars so that families participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can purchase additional fruits and vegetables from participating farmers markets, community-supported agriculture programs (CSA’s), grocery stores, and other healthy food retailers.” Childhood Obesity Prevention Grants: Introduced by Representatives Karen Hurd, Robyn Vining, Elijah Behnke, William Penterman, Donna Rozar, Peter Schmidt, Alex Joers, Melissa Ratcliff & Senator Cory Tomczyk LRB-5317 requires the Department of Health Services, in coordination with relevant state agencies, to award two-year grants (total $5 million) to organizations, cities, villages, towns, counties, school districts, or Indian tribes for childhood obesity prevention and management programs. Under the bill, “childhood obesity prevention and management program” means any of the following designed to assist a person who is 22 years of age or younger or an unborn child (collectively,“child”): 1. Early interventions and screenings to better identify and promote healthy growth and development and to prevent and manage childhood obesity. 2. Parental support for and education on childhood weight management, including support for guardians, caregivers, or others who have or will have responsibility for the child other than the parent. 3. Removal of barriers and promotion of better access to proper nutrition and spaces for play and other physical activities. 4. School-based efforts to impact circumstances contributing to childhood weight management. 5. Early childhood care and education, including both school-based and out-of-school care efforts to impact circumstances contributing to healthy growth and development and reduce childhood obesity. 6. Any other type of program, approach, or innovative practice that addresses the factors that prevent childhood obesity and mitigate its impact. Hours of Physical Activity for Students: Introduced by Representatives Penterman, Rozar, Hurd, Behnke, Schmidt and Sen. Tomczyk Under this bill, beginning in the 2024-25 school year, public schools, including independent charter schools, and private schools participating in a parental choice program must offer at least 180 minutes of physical activity each week to pupils in kindergarten to eighth grade. Under the bill, physical activity is defined as participation in exercise, sports, recreation, wellness, or fitness activities. The bill specifies that physical activity may occur during recess, physical education class, school-sponsored athletics, or any other school-sponsored activity. Other Notes: In addition to the press conference, Rep. Robyn Vinning, Co-Chair of the Taskforce, released a <a href="https://legis.wisconsin.gov/assembly/14/vining/media/2501/rep-robyn-vining-s-top-10-takeaways-from-the-task-force-on-childhood-health.pdf" target="_blank">press release</a> of her "<a href="\https://mailchi.mp/6208aa7d118a/forward-fridays-october-13-9380638" target="_blank">10 Takeaways</a>" from her work on the Taskforce.]]></description>
<category>Advocacy News</category>
<pubDate>Tue, 23 Jan 2024 17:37:00 GMT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>New Leadership Academy to Improve Skills to Improve Nutrition Security</title>
<link>https://www.eatrightwisc.org/news/660580/</link>
<guid>https://www.eatrightwisc.org/news/660580/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<img alt="" src="https://www.eatrightwisc.org/resource/resmgr/grants/LeadershipAcademy_logo.jpg" style="width: 650px; height: 255px; vertical-align: middle; margin-bottom: 10px;" />WAND is excited to announce our new Leadership Academy! This year-long project, funded by a seed grant from the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment, aims to address nutrition security for community members most in need.Dietitian nutritionists are uniquely positioned to improve nutrition security in our state! If you work with patients or clients, work in the community with community members or are a part of a food/nutrition security project, consider participating in 2024.This opportunity is open exclusively to WAND members. Included along with approximately 6 virtual sessions, Leadership Academy participants will attend at least 3 in-person meetings at:<ul><li>WAND’s Annual Conference in Oshkosh, April 18-19</li><li>Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo (FNCE) in Minneapolis, October 4-7</li><li>WAND’s Leadership & Career Day in Stevens Point, November 1</li></ul>All training and registration fees and materials are FREE of charge. Project participants would be required to cover their own travel costs to attend required in-person sessions.For all the details on WAND’s Leadership Academy and to express your interest in participating in the 2024 project cohort, <a href="https://www.eatrightwisc.org/page/LeadershipAcademy" target="_blank">fill out and submit the form online</a> no later than Monday, January 8, 2024. WAND is looking for 16-20 participants in this inaugural year of the Leadership Academy. Notice of selection will be emailed to members in mid-January.Download (and share) the informational flyer <a href="https://www.eatrightwisc.org/resource/resmgr/grants/leadershipacademy_flyer.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>. ]]></description>
<category>Membership News</category>
<pubDate>Fri, 15 Dec 2023 12:39:00 GMT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Members Testify at Childhood Obesity Taskforce Hearing</title>
<link>https://www.eatrightwisc.org/news/656987/</link>
<guid>https://www.eatrightwisc.org/news/656987/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<img alt="" src="https://www.eatrightwisc.org/resource/resmgr/advocacy/Cassie_Amy_hearing102723.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 450px; vertical-align: top; margin-bottom: 6px;" />
<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; color: #000000;">WAND Public Policy and Advocacy Committee members Cassie Vanderwall (Consumer Protection Coordinator) and Amy Stinson (Nutrition Payment Services Specialist) shared at the <a href="https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2023/committees/assembly/2692" target="_blank">Speaker's Taskforce on Childhood Obesity</a> hearing in Milwaukee on Friday, October 27 how RDNs play a pivotal role in chronic disease prevention, treatment and reversal offering holistic care across the lifespan.
<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; color: #222222;">Obesity is a complicated disease influenced by biological and environmental factors. There is no one solution to obesity, but multi-faceted and collaborative interventions can make Wisconsin a healthier place for our children and future workforce.



<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; color: #222222;"><img alt="" src="https://www.eatrightwisc.org/resource/resmgr/advocacy/Cassie_Amy_2Testify102723.JPG" style="width: 250px; height: 166px; float: left; margin-right: 10px;" />Their testimony was the last of the 3 scheduled speakers for the hearing and lasted about 15 minutes. Legislators engaged in Q&A afterwards followed by more informal discussion. Thank you both for sharing important viewpoints and expertise!

<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; color: #222222;">View the entire hearing's archived recording on <a href="https://wiseye.org/2023/10/27/speakers-task-force-on-childhood-obesity-3/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Eye</a> by creating a free account if you don't already have one.

<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; color: #222222;"> 

<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; color: #222222;"> 

<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; color: #222222;"><a href="https://www.eatrightwisc.org/resource/resmgr/advocacy/healthy_bodies_healthy_futur.pdf" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://cdn.ymaws.com/eatrightwisc.site-ym.com/resource/resmgr/advocacy/healthy_bodies_healthy_futur.jpg" style="width: 250px; height: 324px; float: left; margin-top: 6px; margin-right: 10px;" /></a>Download and share the <a href="https://www.eatrightwisc.org/resource/resmgr/advocacy/healthy_bodies_healthy_futur.pdf" target="_blank">2-page infographic</a> prepared for the Taskforce from RDNs who specialize in childhood/pediatric obesity and public policy. You are the content expert they need to hear from on this topic!

<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; color: #222222;">Learn more about Speaker Vos' Taskforces, including the Childhood Obesity Taskforce, formed in 2023 <a href="https://www.wispolitics.com/2023/speaker-vos-creates-four-bipartisan-task-forces/" target="_blank">here</a>.
]]></description>
<category>Advocacy News</category>
<pubDate>Thu, 2 Nov 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>FY2023-25 State Budget Updates</title>
<link>https://www.eatrightwisc.org/news/646491/</link>
<guid>https://www.eatrightwisc.org/news/646491/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[On Wednesday July 5, Governor Tony Evers signed Senate Bill 70 – the Fiscal Year 2023-2025 budget bill – into law. It is now 2023 Wisconsin Act 19. This budget will spend nearly $99 billion over the next two fiscal years. <a href="https://www.eatrightwisc.org/resource/resmgr/advocacy/WAND_FY23-25_Budget_Highligh.pdf" target="_blank">Click here</a> for a document highlighting the various budget provisions of interest to WAND. In particular, it is worth noting that the budget includes resources to improve the occupational credential processing backlog at the state Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) - $3.5 million for software, seven contract workers focusing on license processing, and six customer service call center workers focused on license processing. In addition, Governor Evers issued a veto message that specifies 51 separate line-item vetoes he made to this budget bill. The Governor’s budget and veto message may be <a href="https://doa.wi.gov/budget/SBO/2023-25%20Veto%20Message%20FM.pdf" target="_blank">viewed here</a>. ]]></description>
<category>Advocacy News</category>
<pubDate>Sun, 16 Jul 2023 12:40:00 GMT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Review of Academic Standards in Nutrition</title>
<link>https://www.eatrightwisc.org/news/573052/</link>
<guid>https://www.eatrightwisc.org/news/573052/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[On
July 13th, 2021, the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction began a review
of academic standards in Nutrition. Wisconsin Academic Standards are reviewed,
revised, or both on an ongoing basis, and their adoption and use by schools is
voluntary in state statute. The process began with a<a href="https://dpi.wi.gov/sites/default/files/imce/science/final-notice-of-intent-science-standards.pdf"> </a><a href="https://dpi.wi.gov/sites/default/files/imce/team-nutrition/pdf/nutrition-education-standards-notice-of-intent.pdf">Notice of Intent</a> to review and includes a
month-long public comment period. Additional information related to the review
of the Nutrition standards is available on the Department’s <a href="http://dpi.wi.gov/team-nutrition/nutrition-education.">Nutrition Education
webpage</a>.
 Any individual, group, or agency may submit written or information regarding
these academic standards by August 5, 2021 through an <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/nutritioninput">online survey link</a> or email to <a href="mailto:Nutrition.Standards@dpi.wi.gov">Nutrition.Standards@dpi.wi.gov</a>.]]></description>
<category>WAND News</category>
<pubDate>Tue, 13 Jul 2021 13:50:35 GMT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Take Action Today to Fight for Funding for Crucial Nutrition Programs</title>
<link>https://www.eatrightwisc.org/news/553334/</link>
<guid>https://www.eatrightwisc.org/news/553334/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<img alt="" src="https://www.eatrightwisc.org/resource/resmgr/advocacy/action_alert.jpg" style="width: 375px; height: 141px; float: left; margin-right: 8px;" />During the annual appropriations process, the Academy advocates for funding for federal programs that help people live a healthy life. Your voice matters - members of Congress need to hear from Academy members on these important issues that impact our profession and communities. <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001gUWfLc322E26ccxBZjmzXq_hIEgkTuAtJ9ROAZQhK5LJJp9HwLJ_MEloTYdcLlQ2r5WAJ0FNRl47TvlEMLS7pBXpYPVjCps5ou5NRZ0e6xBmFZ2hDKRG1l3t3YEdlyzne88RBLEdM9MyxyHzRDw40RNCWX7rgcVmFFhUEt0m1Ma-514Nk39-oHl7vaEmXbH3AmeEenROxJzWXA0kdncdxA5lbVyQZ5gLD_fHmdhts2EgI8vRsb7pZy_luOpy7gl2mUM3AavEMeoVSc12asbHfZcp7KG8FOIXa18Iz4qHXYVhjLZy3VCX9SjWJoBOXJiq1Xdpp_RbXE-TCgmAadEb0soH4ZozNsDA11LDeZbYd8lY79UdwbeepXZEwPDd93bY6bcOcqM4SV412-SLJkHh_k3DnequaEUr&c=pdk9HcrVOGOUDl68kAbG5m0edahAfsShtk2UPNvx91MHk56KKHIfDw==&ch=WYqk4hFEjg-MlJTrF-8ePVM9XDG6lsQ99r2Qrw_N9Mqp1W1_Yr0m6g==" target="_blank">Take action now!</a> ]]></description>
<category>Membership News</category>
<pubDate>Tue, 23 Feb 2021 22:19:06 GMT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Your Support is Requested to Expand Access to MNT!</title>
<link>https://www.eatrightwisc.org/news/542907/</link>
<guid>https://www.eatrightwisc.org/news/542907/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<div style="color: #403f42; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: #ffffff; text-align: justify;">The Academy is a proud champion of the bicameral, bipartisan Medical Nutrition Therapy Act (<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/6971" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: #029649; font-size: 14px;">H.R. 6971</a>/<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/senate-bill/4504" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: #029649; font-size: 14px;">S. 4504</a>).</div><div style="color: #403f42; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: #ffffff; text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="color: #403f42; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: #ffffff; text-align: justify;">This legislation would provide coverage for Medicare beneficiaries to obtain treatment from registered dietitian nutritionists for many common and costly chronic diseases. The bill would also allow the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services to further expand access to MNT without additional action from Congress and would allow physician assistants, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists and psychologists to refer their patients for MNT.</div><div style="color: #403f42; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: #ffffff; text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="color: #403f42; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: #ffffff; text-align: justify;">To help advocate for the MNT Act, we need your help. </div><div style="color: #403f42; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: #ffffff; text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="color: #403f42; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: #ffffff; text-align: justify;">If you have not already done so, please <a href="https://www.eatrightpro.org/action-sso" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: #029649; font-size: 14px;">complete the MNT Act action alert</a> to urge your members of Congress to become sponsors. </div><div style="color: #403f42; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: #ffffff; text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="color: #403f42; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: #ffffff; text-align: justify;">You can further support the MNT Act by<a href="https://www.votervoice.net/EATRIGHT/Surveys/6213/Respond" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: #029649; font-size: 14px;">sharing your story</a>about the effectiveness of providing MNT for Medicare beneficiaries or any time you might have been unable to see a patient due to lack of Medicare coverage.</div><div style="color: #403f42; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: #ffffff; text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="color: #403f42; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: #ffffff; text-align: justify;">Thank you for your support! </div><div style="color: #403f42; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: #ffffff; text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="color: #403f42; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: #ffffff; text-align: justify;">Emily Moore-Briggs, MS, MHA, RDN, CD</div><div style="color: #403f42; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: #ffffff; text-align: justify;">President of The Wisconsin Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 2020-2021</div><div style="color: #403f42; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: #ffffff; text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="color: #403f42; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: #ffffff; text-align: justify;">Tracey Sullivan Elmes, MS, RD, CD</div><div style="color: #403f42; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: #ffffff; text-align: justify;">Public Policy Coordinator of The Wisconsin Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics</div><div style="color: #403f42; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: #ffffff; text-align: justify;">Public Policy and Advocacy Committee, Chair </div>]]></description>
<category>Advocacy News</category>
<pubDate>Thu, 10 Dec 2020 21:46:24 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>CMS Proposed Medicare Changes for 2021 Address Telehealth</title>
<link>https://www.eatrightwisc.org/news/522443/</link>
<guid>https://www.eatrightwisc.org/news/522443/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[On August 3, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services issued the advance copy of its <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001KnmivI_F8zHMt8jHvUSjYNYMSPYk6RSUXSwSKl7LIdSLJTP3vHGSloNHqLTn7EJRvd1GUztZfhB0sWMZRBijLyUCF7zZp543JScBkCvWsk2mYcfCAFZH_Y3OR_-5VQI_PPpyv3Y_0xvhDZoJ0Y4roU76u54GHLiTe6j-XcZls17YAydOi8MDuFd_KXgFZ5tg&c=akPQer69YpwhpdpYz-yJwv-nb1Wrlu9iCLQ1OSqeHYl_VCjsV_Y1bQ==&ch=oYIiBUfcBAW1pmYL9ARv3VipQegeKdk7CyMN29MogQ540NqlLHm-4w==" target="_blank">proposed 2021 Physician Fee Schedule rule</a>. While congressional action is needed to allow CMS to make permanent many of the temporary flexibilities available under the current public health emergency that have improved access to MNT and DSMT services for Medicare beneficiaries, the Academy will submit comments to CMS addressing their limited proposals that could impact RDNs who are Medicare providers. Academy comments will also address other important provisions of the proposed rules relevant to members. Members who are interested in helping inform the Academy’s comments should contact <a href="mailto:mschofield@eatright.org" target="_blank">Marsha Schofield</a> by August 21.]]></description>
<category>Advocacy News</category>
<pubDate>Wed, 19 Aug 2020 21:58:29 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Academy Introduces Incident Reporting Tool</title>
<link>https://www.eatrightwisc.org/news/515599/</link>
<guid>https://www.eatrightwisc.org/news/515599/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<h3><a href="https://www.eatrightpro.org/advocacy/licensure/incident-reporting-tool">For Reporting Harm Documenting Success Stories</a></h3>
<a href="https://www.eatrightpro.org/advocacy/licensure/incident-reporting-tool"><img alt="" src="https://www.eatrightwisc.org/resource/resmgr/incident_reporting_tool/incident-rep-300x250-v2-squa.jpg" style="width: 291px; height: 211px; margin-top: 8px; margin-right: 8px; float: left;" /></a>
The public and healthcare professionals both benefit from having a complete accurate picture of the nature of the risk caused by unqualified and unlicensed providers. At the same time, increasing awareness of the value of quality RDN-provided services advances the profession and enables recognition of effective, superior practice. Whether you are using this Incident Reporting Tool as a consumer or as a health care provider, efforts are critical in ensuring the public is provided excellent care and that service delivery is documented to ensure high standard of professional practice in the future. Likewise reporting excellence in care is essential in assuring the services delivered are documented for future standards of professional practice.
Do not include patients' protected health information. The Wisconsin Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics will securely maintain these incident reports, follow-up as needed, and provided compiled de-identified data. Use of the Incident Reporting Tool will enhance efforts to prevent further harm and recognize success to better promote enhanced nutrition care and protect public safety.
The primary goal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' (Academy) and its credentialing agency the Commission on Dietetic Registration's (CDR) Code of Ethics for the Nutrition and Dietetics Profession (Code) "is the protection of the individuals, groups, organizations, communities, or populations with whom the practitioner work and interacts." According to the Code:
<ul style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<li>"The nutrition and dietetics practitioner supports and promotes high standard of professional practice, accepting the obligations to protect clients, the public and the profession; upholds the [Code]; and shall report perceived violations of the Code through established processes."</li>
<li>"Nutrition and dietetics practitioners shall report inappropriate behavior or treatment of a patient or client by another nutrition and dietetics practitioner or other professionals."</li>
</ul>
The Incident Reporting Tool provides a mechanism for facilitating Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) and Nutrition and Dietetics Technician, Registered (NDTR) compliance with ethical obligations. Note that some questions are optional. Simply complete the information to the best of your knowledge.
To report an incident of actual or potential harm or violation of state licensure laws or a success story showing the value of effective dietetics practice, <a href="https://www.eatrightpro.org/advocacy/licensure/incident-reporting-tool" style="background-color: transparent;">click here</a> to be redirected to the Academy's website to report.
<a href="https://www.eatrightpro.org/advocacy/licensure/incident-reporting-tool" style="background-color: transparent;">*All above information is from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.</a>
<hr />
<h4>Incident Reporting Tool Overview</h4>
<ul style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<li><a href="https://www.eatrightwisc.org/resource/resmgr/incident_reporting_tool/incident_reporting_tool_-_wa.mp4" style="background-color: transparent;">Review the webinar</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.eatrightwisc.org/resource/resmgr/incident_reporting_tool/incident-reporting-tool-rol.pptx" style="background-color: transparent;">Download the PowerPoint Slides</a></li>
</ul>
 
 ]]></description>
<category>Membership News</category>
<pubDate>Thu, 2 Jul 2020 17:56:02 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Gov. Evers Goes All In for Agriculture </title>
<link>https://www.eatrightwisc.org/news/508615/</link>
<guid>https://www.eatrightwisc.org/news/508615/</guid>
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Gov. Evers Goes All In for Agriculture with $50 Million in Relief for Wisconsin Farmers, $15 Million Food Security Initiative
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MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today announced the Wisconsin Farm Support Program, a $50-million investment to provide direct payments to Wisconsin farmers in support of the agricultural sector during the COVID-19 pandemic, and a $15-million Food Security Initiative to combat hunger in Wisconsin. 
 
Wisconsin is a national agriculture leader, but COVID-19 has created unprecedented challenges for our farmers, food processors, and all those in the food supply chain. Federal aid so far has attempted to support agriculture nationwide, but Wisconsin farmers have been left out. 
 
Eligible farmers will be asked to apply for the aid through the Wisconsin Department of Revenue, which is working in collaboration with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP). Farm support payments could begin arriving as early as June. 
 
“Farmers have asked for help, and this direct aid is meant to aid the farmers who are the foundation of our food system. Farmers also serve as the backbone of many of Wisconsin’s local rural economies, and these direct payments will help revitalize local economies and jump-start Wisconsin’s food supply chain, which has been significantly disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Gov. Evers said. “DATCP and I have engaged in productive meetings with agriculture stakeholders to ensure a fair, accessible distribution system for these aid payments, and I look forward to getting this relief into the hands of farmers around the state.”
 
To complement the Wisconsin Farm Support Program and combat food insecurity, the governor has also committed $15 million to the Food Security Initiative. A portion of the funding will go toward helping food banks, pantries, and other nonprofit organizations fighting food insecurity adapt to challenges posed by the COVID-19 public health crisis. This may include adjustments to public health and social distancing guidelines, such as curb-side pick up or delivery services, purchasing prepared meals from local restaurants for distribution, as well as other expenses that are being incurred by these organizations as they continue to provide services to families in need. The initiative will emphasize the importance of prioritizing the use of Wisconsin products wherever possible in feeding citizens who find themselves in need of support. Applicants are strongly encouraged to partner with local food experts to aid in connecting with farmers in their area.
 
Additionally, the Food Security Initiative will help food banks, pantries, and other nonprofit organizations purchase, process, and/or store Wisconsin agricultural products for distribution to local consumers in need. Furthermore, these grants will bolster Wisconsin’s food supply chain by strengthening bridges, from producers and processors to food banks and consumers. This section of the Food Security Initiative will help ensure that the funding provided in the federal CARES Act goes to help Wisconsin organizations distribute nutritious Wisconsin food products to Wisconsin consumers who need them most. This initiative is a win-win for Wisconsin as it fights food insecurity while also investing in the agriculture industry, supporting Wisconsin’s food supply chain from farm to family. Successful applicants are encouraged to partner with organizations that work directly with Wisconsin’s agricultural producers and food processors to maximize the use of Wisconsin products.
 
“During this difficult time, people across our state don’t have enough to eat in a state that helps feed the entire country,” said Gov. Evers. “Connecting the dots between struggling food producers with organizations that are working to address food insecurity requires a coordinated effort—one that draws upon the ingenuity of our residents and their devotion to their neighbors and communities. Our farmers and agribusinesses have never wavered in their commitment to providing nutritious, high-quality food for folks here in Wisconsin and around the world. Now, we’re going all in together to support both Wisconsin’s agriculture industry and people in need throughout the state.”
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<category>Membership News</category>
<pubDate>Wed, 20 May 2020 22:17:17 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Governor Announces Badger Bounce Back Plan</title>
<link>https://www.eatrightwisc.org/news/504044/</link>
<guid>https://www.eatrightwisc.org/news/504044/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Governor Evers today announced Wisconsin's "Badger Bounce Back" plan which outlines important criteria for Wisconsin to be able to reopen its economy in phases and includes steps to make sure workers and businesses are prepared to reopen as soon as it is safe to do so. In coordination with this announcement, at the direction of the governor, Wisconsin Department of Health Services Secretary-designee Andrea Palm issued Emergency Order #31 establishing the process and outlining the phases of the plan. The emergency order is available <a href="https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/WIGOV/2020/04/20/file_attachments/1431309/EMO31-BadgerBounceBack.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>.
 
The Badger Bounce Back plan is informed in part by the President's Guidelines for Opening Up America Again that was issued by the White House on April 16, 2020. Currently, Wisconsin does not meet the criteria the White House established to start reopening our state. The Badger Bounce Back plan takes important steps to get the state of Wisconsin there.  
 
The goal of the Badger Bounce Back plan is to decrease cases and deaths to a low level and increase capacity in our healthcare system so the phased reopening of businesses is possible. As part of that plan the state will be working to increase access to more testing and expand lab capacity. Under the Badger Bounce Back plan, everyone who needs a test should get a test. The state is setting a goal of 85,000 tests per week, averaging about 12,000 tests per day. More information on the state's testing efforts was released earlier today, and is available for review <a href="https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WIGOV/bulletins/2876dd0" target="_blank">here.</a>
 
Next, the state will be expanding contact tracing and more aggressively tracking the spread with the goal of every Wisconsinite who tests positive being interviewed within 24 hours of receiving their test results and their contacts being interviewed within 48 hours of test results. 
 
Additionally, the state will continue to pursue every avenue to grow Wisconsin’s supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare and public safety entities to conduct COVID-19 testing, patient care, and public safety work. Finally, the plan works to bolster healthcare system capacity where patients can be treated without crisis care and there are more robust testing programs in place for at-risk healthcare workers.
 
The state will be looking for a downward trajectory of influenza-like illnesses and COVID-19 symptoms reported within a 14-day period, and a downward trajectory of positive tests as a percent of total tests within a 14-day period. When the state has seen these efforts be successful, Wisconsin can begin to turn the dial, re-open the state, and get businesses and workers back on their feet. 
 
The Badger Bounce Back plan is available <a href="https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/WIGOV/2020/04/20/file_attachments/1431305/Badger%20Bounce%20Back%20PlanFINAL.pdf" target="_blank">here.</a> The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s portion of the Badger Bounce Back plan aimed at helping to ensure workers and businesses are prepared and ready to bounce back is available <a href="https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/WIGOV/2020/04/20/file_attachments/1431389/WEDC%20BBB_Wisconsin%20READY%20%28003%29.pdf" target="_blank">here.</a> The Badger Bounce Back plan in brief is also available <a href="https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/WIGOV/2020/04/20/file_attachments/1431306/Badger%20Bounce%20Back%20Plan_Fact%20SheetFINAL.pdf" target="_blank">here.</a>]]></description>
<category>Membership News</category>
<pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 2020 13:16:07 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Governor Extends Wisconsin's Safer at Home Order</title>
<link>https://www.eatrightwisc.org/news/502691/</link>
<guid>https://www.eatrightwisc.org/news/502691/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Governor Evers today directed Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) Secretary-designee Andrea Palm to extend the Safer at Home order from April 24, 2020 to 8 a.m. Tuesday, May 26, 2020, or until a superseding order is issued. The order implements some new measures to ensure safety and support the progress we've made in containing COVID-19, but also allows certain activities to start up again. 
 
The extension of the Safer at Home order includes a few changes. Some changes allow more businesses and activities to open back up, while other changes help make businesses safer for employees and customers.
The changes in this order go into effect on April 24, 2020. The order will remain in effect until 8 a.m. on May 26, 2020.
The order is available online (<a href="https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/WIGOV/2020/04/16/file_attachments/1428995/EMO28-SaferAtHome.pdf" target="_blank">link</a>). The Governor’s full press release is also available online (<a href="https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WIGOV/bulletins/286d626">link</a>).]]></description>
<category>Membership News</category>
<pubDate>Mon, 20 Apr 2020 14:25:14 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Take Action Today and Help Americans Keep Food on the Table</title>
<link>https://www.eatrightwisc.org/news/501677/</link>
<guid>https://www.eatrightwisc.org/news/501677/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Have you taken action on the Academy’s most recent action alert? Tell Congress it is vital to include provisions in the next COVID-19 stimulus package that ensures everyone has access to key federal nutrition programs, and protects the jobs of those on the frontlines — including Academy members. <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001APgyGyLF_azJlVNFCDkzv0Utu0ZUQpe6SbOIccLAOZxiK_x6jshgslB5095gHywjBXG9hdPd9gQP7V7pE2uGF4SThMXYJmMtwVKwoTo0fQNmk9GZXlGQjBaCAix6h8Bg2pE5REn3ZyI74OY-YVQLa4qFX416RqA3QenPvNGqe7clmbGVtWYi6qmshAgVpYED3D1xJh-oF3NopJ3qdbvARb8GhPJrKj8pLahMSqYlRXC1EYsKkj847xhruLxI4c8j42aGglfFNkw=&c=8JAIAq6-Z4_V-P6N-2OclOONEUCzRVt_VxW7_faSf0FEnYtNRNKorg==&ch=yGopQmuw3Le40b10F9t-TIxhYpR7UbVBTlCZ8LYZhuLEGcl28HzhkQ==" target="_blank">Take action now</a>.]]></description>
<category>Advocacy News</category>
<pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2020 16:39:28 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>COVID-19 Volunteer Program Announced</title>
<link>https://www.eatrightwisc.org/news/501629/</link>
<guid>https://www.eatrightwisc.org/news/501629/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Governor Evers announced that the state is seeking volunteers to support Wisconsin's healthcare system during the COVID-19 pandemic. Active and retired healthcare professionals and those who wish to help in non-clinical support positions are encouraged to sign up to volunteer through the Wisconsin Emergency Assistance Volunteer Registry <a href="https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/preparedness/weavr/index.htm" target="_blank">(WEAVR)</a>.
 
The number of patients in Wisconsin who need to be treated for COVID-19 is expected to surge in the coming weeks. Building a network of available volunteers now will greatly reduce the hardships on hospitals and clinics that would not normally have the capacity to care for the increase in patients.  
 
Both active and retired healthcare professionals can volunteer for critical clinical roles by entering their information into the <a href="https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/preparedness/weavr/index.htm" target="_blank">WEAVR</a>, a secure, password-protected, web-based volunteer registration system for healthcare and behavioral health professionals. Individuals who are not licensed professionals are also encouraged to sign up to volunteer for non-clinical support positions.
 
Volunteers will be assigned to locations across Wisconsin to support ongoing efforts related to the COVID-19 national emergency. Those who are willing to travel should note that when they sign up. All volunteers should also be aware that they will be required to complete a background check.
The full copy of the Governor’s press release is available online (<a href="https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WIGOV/bulletins/285e4f3">link</a>). 
]]></description>
<category>Membership News</category>
<pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2020 15:05:12 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>The Career Starter Dues Program!</title>
<link>https://www.eatrightwisc.org/news/501079/</link>
<guid>https://www.eatrightwisc.org/news/501079/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<img alt="" style="left: 298.28px; top: 330px; width: 408px; height: 266px; float: left;" src="https://www.eatrightwisc.org/resource/resmgr/images/careerstarterdues-program.jpg" />
The Career Starter Dues Program offers reduced dues rates for members in their first five years of Active category membership eligibility. Dues increase incrementally each year for up to five years to help you get established in the profession. The Career Starter Dues Program allows you to renew your Academy membership at a significantly reduced rate, giving you the financial flexibility and time to learn how to take advantage of the various services the Academy offers.
The graduated dues are offered in a tiered structure based on your RD/RDN or DTR/NDTR eligibility date on file with the Commission on Dietetics Registration. Graduation date can be used in lieu of eligibility date for those who do not pursue a CDR credential. Student members who recently established eligibility for a CDR credential will automatically be moved into this program and Active category membership during the next membership renewal cycle.

Please contact the Academy's Member Service Center at 800/877-1600, ext. 5000 or email <a>membership@eatright.org</a>. Representatives are available weekdays 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Central time).]]></description>
<category>Membership News</category>
<pubDate>Fri, 10 Apr 2020 15:13:53 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Wisconsin Granted Federal Disaster Declaration Due to COVID-19 Pandemic</title>
<link>https://www.eatrightwisc.org/news/499861/</link>
<guid>https://www.eatrightwisc.org/news/499861/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Governor Evers announced that Wisconsin has been granted a major disaster declaration for the entire state of Wisconsin, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The declaration provides access to Public Assistance programs for all 72 Wisconsin counties and the state’s federally recognized tribes. 
 
Gov. Evers earlier this week requested that the federal government provide the following programs to support the state’s response: Public Assistance, Direct Assistance, Hazard Mitigation (statewide), and certain Individual Assistance programs; Crisis Counseling, Community Disaster Loans and the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Program. 
 
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) notified the state today that it is granting the request for Public Assistance to help provide reimbursement for emergency protective measures taken by state and local governments in their response to the COVID-19 outbreak. The declaration also authorizes direct Federal Assistance which means when the State and local governments lack the capability to perform or to contract for eligible emergency work and/or debris removal, the State may request that the work be accomplished by a federal agency. The governor’s additional requests for assistance remain under review.
 
The major disaster declaration covers assistance to public entities, and will cover eligible projects submitted by counties, cities, townships, tribes, and certain private, not-for-profit organizations. Local governments in the declared counties are now eligible for federal assistance and should contact county emergency management directors for further information. Under the program, FEMA provides 75 percent of eligible costs, while the remaining 25 percent is the responsibility of state and local agencies.
The Governor’s full press release is available online (<a href="https://evers.wi.gov/Pages/Newsroom/Press-Releases.aspx">link</a>).]]></description>
<category>Membership News</category>
<pubDate>Mon, 6 Apr 2020 13:29:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Wisconsin DHS Announces Resilient Wisconsin Initiative</title>
<link>https://www.eatrightwisc.org/news/499859/</link>
<guid>https://www.eatrightwisc.org/news/499859/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[The Department of Health Services announced the creation of the Resilient Wisconsin Initiative (<a href="https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/resilient/index.htm">website</a>) on Friday, which provides Wisconsinites with resources to cope with stress and mental health challenges from COVID-19. 
DHS recommends that Wisconsinites do the following: 
<ul>
<li>Get the three goods. That’s good-for-you foods, a good night’s sleep, and a good amount of exercise every day.</li>
<li> Stay connected to your support system. Reach out to family and friends, colleagues, and community groups in whatever way you can—calls, texts, video chats, and more.</li>
<li> Spend time away from focusing on COVID-19. Don’t let the pandemic take over what you read, watch, or talk about. And don’t be afraid to ask friends and family to talk about something else.</li>
<li> Reduce anxiety by reducing your risk. Stay safer at home. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds. Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze. Stay at least 6 feet apart while running essential errands at the store, pharmacy, or gas station. Knowing you’re doing everything you can to stay healthy can help you worry less.</li>
<li> Check in with yourself. Everyone’s reaction to stress is different. Difficulty concentrating or sleeping, irritability, fatigue, and even stomachaches can be normal. But if you find you are overwhelmed or having thoughts of self-harm or suicide, reach out for help right away. Text HOPELINE to 741741 or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.</li>
</ul>]]></description>
<category>Membership News</category>
<pubDate>Mon, 6 Apr 2020 13:22:50 GMT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Emergency Order 16 FAQ and Telehealth Guidance</title>
<link>https://www.eatrightwisc.org/news/499488/</link>
<guid>https://www.eatrightwisc.org/news/499488/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[The Department of Safety and Professional Services (Department) has received numerous inquiries regarding  <a href="https://evers.wi.gov/Documents/COVID19/EMO16-DSPSCredentialingHealthCareProviders.pdf?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery">Emergency Order 16</a> and also the status of telemedicine/telehealth practice as a result of the COVID-19 public health emergency.
The emergency covers a wide range of issues across many health care professions. The order took action that will make it easier to quickly expand the health care workforce by readmitted those with expired licenses and by welcoming providers from other states. It will also enhance flexibility so providers can more effectively respond to areas of greatest need. Please read the order, linked above, and also reference this  <a href="https://dsps.wi.gov/Documents/EO16-FAQ.pdf?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery">Frequently Asked Questions</a> document for clarifications. Both address individuals who have expired licenses and wish to return to practice.
Also, the order addresses telemedicine specifically, but we have also received questions about telehealth practice for other providers. The practice of telehealth is generally allowed under existing Wisconsin law unless there is some profession-specific requirement or restriction. Credential holders must use their professional judgment to determine if telehealth is appropriate for the patient or client being treated, to abide by all other applicable rules of practice and professional conduct, and to be properly credentialed or authorized to practice in the state of Wisconsin. If someone can practice in Wisconsin via an Emergency Order, a compact, or a temporary or permanent license, that individual can practice telehealth in Wisconsin and provide services to Wisconsin residents to the same extent as similarly licensed Wisconsin practitioners.
The Wisconsin Medical Examining Board has the only telemedicine rule currently in effect in Wisconsin. This rule may be found at Wis. Admin. Code Med chapter 24. While this rule applies only to the Medical Examining Board, many of the concepts in this rule may be informative to credential holders in other professions. Here is a <a href="https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/admin_code/med/24.pdf?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery">link</a> to this rule. Note that portions of this rule were suspended when Governor Evers issued  <a href="https://evers.wi.gov/Documents/COVID19/EMO16-DSPSCredentialingHealthCareProviders.pdf?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery">Emergency Order 16</a>. Please review both Med chapter 24 as well as the statutory and rule provisions governing your profession when evaluating telemedicine/telehealth practice options during the COVID-10 public health emergency.
The Department is not able to answer legal questions regarding what the standard of care requires for any specific profession or any specific situation a credential holder may encounter. If practice-related questions arise, the Department encourages credential holders to consult with a supervisor, with their own private or institutional legal counsel, with their colleagues within the profession, or other sources familiar with their profession’s standards of practice. Profession-related statutes and rules can be found by clicking on a profession under the Rule/Statutes column  <a href="https://dsps.wi.gov/Pages/Professions/Default.aspx?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery">here</a>.
Also, there have been recent changes to Medicaid reimbursement of telehealth services. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services issued  <a href="https://www.forwardhealth.wi.gov/kw/pdf/2020-15.pdf?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery">guidance</a> on telehealth reimbursement changes and status during the COVID-19 public health emergency. The guidance is available  <a href="https://www.forwardhealth.wi.gov/kw/pdf/2020-15.pdf?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery">here</a>. The Office of the Commissioner of Insurance has also sent this <a href="https://oci.wi.gov/Documents/Regulation/RFA20200331COVID-19-RemoveBarriersforMedmalCoverage.pdf?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery">letter</a> regarding related insurance (malpractice) issues to insurers.
This information will be posted to our <a href="https://dsps.wi.gov/pages/Home.aspx?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery">website</a>. Please visit often, as we are updating it daily as decisions are made and new information is available.
<a href="https://www.eatrightwisc.org/resource/resmgr/covid-19/fmeo2020-3.pdf">Interstate Reciprocity Temporary License Application</a>
<a href="https://www.eatrightwisc.org/resource/resmgr/covid-19/fmeo2020-3.pdf">Emergency Order #16 Renewal Form</a>
<a href="https://www.eatrightwisc.org/resource/resmgr/covid-19/hcf-notification-form.pdf">Health Care Facility Notification of Temporary Provider Practice</a>
Sincerely,
<img alt="" style="width: 173px; height: 53px;" src="https://www.eatrightwisc.org/resource/resmgr/covid-19/dawn_crim_signature.jpg" /> 

Dawn B. Crim
Secretary-designee]]></description>
<category>Membership News</category>
<pubDate>Fri, 3 Apr 2020 13:19:33 GMT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>New Marquette Law School Poll Finds Strong Support for Coronavirus Closings</title>
<link>https://www.eatrightwisc.org/news/499212/</link>
<guid>https://www.eatrightwisc.org/news/499212/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[A new Marquette Law School poll of Wisconsin registered voters finds strong support for government actions to control the coronavirus pandemic, even as the poll also shows these actions to be having a substantial financial impact on voters.
The survey found:
<ul>
<li> Eighty-six percent say that it was appropriate to close schools and businesses, and restrict public gatherings, while 10 percent say that this was an overreaction to the pandemic;</li>
<li> A large majority of voters approve of Gov. Tony Evers’ handling of the coronavirus issue, with 76 percent saying they approve and 17 percent saying they disapprove;</li>
<li> A majority, 51 percent, approve of President Donald Trump’s handling of the pandemic, while 46 percent disapprove;</li>
<li> Opinion is divided on holding the April 7 spring election as scheduled, with 51 percent saying the date should be moved and 44 percent saying it should be held as scheduled.</li>
</ul>
A full copy of the survey is available online (<a href="https://www.marquette.edu/news-center/2020/new-marquette-law-poll-finds-strong-support-for-coronavirus-closings-even-as-it-shows-substantial-economic-impact.php">link</a>).]]></description>
<category>Membership News</category>
<pubDate>Thu, 2 Apr 2020 15:03:13 GMT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Governor Evers Announces Second Package of Comprehensive Legislative Proposals </title>
<link>https://www.eatrightwisc.org/news/499209/</link>
<guid>https://www.eatrightwisc.org/news/499209/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Governor Evers today announced a second package of comprehensive legislative proposals that would provide critical investments in health services, support for essential workers, and assistance for Wisconsin families and businesses in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The governor’s announcement today comes just days after Gov. Evers announced a first piece of legislation, which included additional funding and flexibility for public health professionals and healthcare professionals, a repeal of the one-week waiting period for unemployment insurance, expanding and improving access to telehealth services, among many other proposals.
As additional needs and issues arise from agencies and stakeholders, the governor is committed to working with legislators to find bipartisan solutions. The governor’s office welcomes the opportunity to hear and consider any proposals that legislators have to address the impacts of COVID-19 on the health and well-being of Wisconsin residents, businesses and communities. 
This package, among many other proposals, includes:  
<ul>
<li>Increasing funding for Medicaid providers via supplemental payments and rate increases to support the healthcare system’s response to the public health emergency;  </li>
<li>Establishing a fund to reduce providers’ uncompensated care costs targeting reimbursement for treatment-related costs for uninsured individuals;</li>
<li>Establishing a COVID-19 reinsurance program to reduce health insurance premiums; </li>
<li>Providing grant funding to provide food assistance and meal delivery;  </li>
<li>Prohibiting utility cooperatives from disconnecting customers and prohibiting land-lord directed disconnections from rental units during a public health emergency; </li>
<li>Ensuring workers receive back payment for any lost unemployment insurance benefits as a result of the delay in suspending the one-week waiting period; </li>
<li>Providing supplemental payments to child care providers, if that provider needed to shut down during the public health emergency;  </li>
<li>Allowing households to apply for heating assistance under the low-income energy assistance program anytime during the 2020 calendar year; </li>
<li>Increasing the Earned Income Tax Credit for low-income families;  </li>
<li>Providing municipalities the flexibility to implement multiple installments of three or more payments for 2020 property taxes;  </li>
<li>Waiving interest and penalties on delinquent property taxes included in the 2019 payable 2020 tax roll, on and after April 1, 2020;  </li>
<li>Creating a fund through the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Association to provide 6 months of support for prevention of single-family foreclosures and providing refinancing opportunities to current borrowers; and  </li>
<li>Providing grant funding for small businesses and workers through the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation. </li>
</ul>
The Governor’s first COVID-19-related legislation was introduced last week as LRB-5920 and is available <a href="https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/WIGOV/2020/04/01/file_attachments/1416714/19-5920_P2%20%282%29.pdf" target="_blank">here</a> for review. A brief explanation of LRB-5920 is available <a href="https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/WIGOV/2020/04/01/file_attachments/1416715/CV19%20Package%20%231%20Background%203.26.20.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>. A brief explanation of the governor’s second round of proposed legislation announced today is available online (<a href="https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/WIGOV/2020/04/01/file_attachments/1416796/Evers_COVID19%20Bill%202%20Summary_4.1.20v2.pdf">link</a>).]]></description>
<category>Membership News</category>
<pubDate>Thu, 2 Apr 2020 15:01:06 GMT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Wisconsin LFB Published Report on State Funding in CARES Act</title>
<link>https://www.eatrightwisc.org/news/499203/</link>
<guid>https://www.eatrightwisc.org/news/499203/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Wisconsin nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau (LFB) published an analysis of the approximately $2.2 billion Wisconsin is expected to receive from the from the Coronavirus Relief Fund created by the CARES Act. About $1.8 billion would go to the state government while the remaining funds would go to the City of Milwaukee, Milwaukee County and Dane County. The LFB has also provided Wisconsin-specific estimates for some of the programmatic increases provided by the stimulus package. That report is available online (<a href="https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/misc/lfb/misc/112_state_funding_under_coronavirus_aid_relief_and_economic_security_cares_act_4_1_20">link</a>).
The report includes a summary on all programs funded in the Act, including:
<ul>
<li style="margin-bottom: 12pt;">Public Health Emergency Preparedness funding from CDC;</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 12pt;">Administration for Community Living</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 12pt;">Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 12pt;">Direct Payments to State and Local Governments</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 12pt;">Transportation, Housing and Unemployment Programs</li>
</ul>
Details on the full $2 trillion COVID-19 stimulus package are also available in the full bill available online (<a href="https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/FINAL%20FINAL%20CARES%20ACT.pdf">link</a>). The following is a summary of some of the healthcare related provisions in the bill.  

Health and Long-term Care  

Grants to Hospitals and Health Care Providers: Provides $100 billion to reimburse, through grants or other mechanisms, eligible health care providers for health care related expenses or lost revenues that are attributable to coronavirus. Medicaid and Medicare providers are included in the definition of health care provider. To apply, providers must submit an application to the Secretary of Health and Human Services that includes a statement justifying their need.

Delay of Disproportionate Share Hospital Reductions. Delays scheduled reductions in Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payments through November 30, 2020. 

Increasing Provider Funding through Immediate Medicare Sequester Relief. Temporarily lifts the Medicare sequester from May 1 through December 31, 2020, boosting payments for hospital, physician, nursing home, home health, and other care by 2%. The Medicare sequester would be extended by one-year beyond current law to provide immediate relief without worsening Medicare’s long-term financial outlook. 

Medicare Add-on for Inpatient Hospital COVID-19 Patients. Increases the payment that would otherwise be made to a hospital for treating a patient admitted with COVID-19 by 20%. It would build on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) decision to expedite use of a COVID-19 diagnosis to enable better surveillance as well as trigger appropriate payment for these complex patients. This add-on payment would be available through the duration of the COVID-19 emergency period.

Grants to the V.A.: Provides $14.4 billion to the Veteran’s Administration for medical services.  

CDC: Provides $4.3 billion to the CDC. Of these funds, $1.5 billion is set aside for grants to states, territories and tribes to help carry out surveillance, epidemiology, laboratory capacity, infection control, mitigation, communications, and other preparedness and response activities.  

Strategic National Stockpile: Provides $16 billion in funding for the Strategic National Stockpile to procure personal protective equipment, ventilators and other supplies.  

Hospital Preparedness: Provides $250 million for grants to improve the capacity of healthcare facilities to respond to medical events. 

Rural Health: Provides $180 million to expand services and capacity for rural hospitals, telehealth, poison control centers. 

Health Savings Accounts for Telehealth Services. Allows a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) with a health savings account (HSA) to cover telehealth services prior to a patient reaching the deductible.  

Providing Hospitals Medicare Advance Payments. Expands, for the duration of the COVID-19 emergency period, an existing Medicare accelerated payment program. Specifically, qualified facilities would be able to request up to a six month advanced lump sum or periodic payment. This advanced payment would be based on net reimbursement represented by unbilled discharges or unpaid bills. Most hospital types could elect to receive up to 100% of the prior period payments, with Critical Access Hospitals able to receive up to 125%. Finally, a qualifying hospital would not be required to start paying down the loan for four months, and would also have at least 12 months to complete repayment without a requirement to pay interest.

Extension of Physician Work Geographic Index Floor. Extends payments for the work component of physician fees in areas where labor cost is determined to be lower than the national average through December 1, 2020. 

National Academies Report on America’s Medical Product Supply Chain Security: Requires the Department of Health and Human Services to enter into an agreement with the National Academies to examine and report on the security of the United States medical product supply chain. Part of the report requires the examination of the United States’ dependence on critical drugs and devices that are sourced or manufactured outside of the U.S.  

Requiring the Strategic National Stockpile to Include Certain Supplies: Requires the strategic national stockpile to include personal protective equipment, ancillary medical supplies, and other applicable supplies required for the administration of drugs, vaccines and other biological products, medical devices, and diagnostic tests.  

Preventing Medical Device Shortages: Requires manufacturers of medical devices that are critical during public health emergencies to notify the federal government of any discontinuance or interruption to manufacturing of the device that could disrupt the supply of the device in the U.S. The information will be used to compile a list of devices that are determined to be in short supply.  

Rapid Coverage of Preventive Services and Vaccines for Coronavirus: Requires insurers to cover without cost-sharing any qualifying coronavirus preventive service. Qualifying preventive services include any evidence-based item, service, or immunization that is intended to prevent or mitigate coronavirus disease.  

Increased Funding for Health Centers: Provides $1.3 billion in additional funding to community health centers in fiscal year 2020. 
Telehealth Network and Resource Center Grants: Provides $29 million per year through 2025 and reauthorizes Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) grant programs that promote the use of telehealth technologies for health care delivery, education, and health information services.  

Rural health care services outreach, rural health network development, and small health care provider quality improvement grant programs. Provides $79.5 million per year through 2025 and reauthorizes HRSA grant programs to strengthen rural community health by focusing on quality improvement, increasing health care access, coordination of care, and integration of services. 

Limitation on liability for volunteer health care professionals during COVID-19 emergency response. Makes clear that doctors who provide volunteer medical services during the public health emergency related to COVID-19 have liability protections. In order to have the liability protections provided by the bill, a volunteer provider must be acting within the scope of their license, registration or certification as defined by the state.  

Health Care Workforce  

Reauthorization of health professions workforce programs.
Provides $51.4 million per year between 2021 and 2025 for scholarships to health care students. The funding is given to eligible entities, which includes schools of medicine, nursing, dentistry, optometry, public health, etc. 
Provides $48.9 million per year for the primary care training and enhancement program. Adds language prioritizing grant awards to programs that train physicians in rural areas. 
Provides $41.2 million for eligible entities to establish health care workforce educational programs.
Provides $1.1 million per year for a loan repayment program for medical, dental and nursing students who agree to serve as faculty following graduation.
Provides $15 million per year to provide educational assistance to individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue health care education.  

Extension of Demonstration Projects to Address Health Professions Workforce Needs: Extends the Health Professions Opportunity Grants (HPOG) program through November 30, 2020 at current funding levels. This program provides funding to help low-income individuals obtain education and training in high-demand, well-paid, health care jobs. 

Education and training relating to geriatrics. Provides $40.7 million per year and reauthorizes and updates Title VII of the Public Health Service Act (PHSA), which pertains to programs to support clinician training and faculty development, including the training of practitioners in family medicine, general internal medicine, geriatrics, pediatrics, and other medical specialties. It emphasizes integration of geriatric care into existing service delivery locations and care across settings, including home- and community-based services. The Secretary may provide  awardees with additional support for activities in areas of demonstrated need, which may include education and training for home health workers, family caregivers, and direct care workers on care for older adults. Eligible entities could receive awards of at least $75,000.

Economic Relief  

Recovery Rebates for Americans: Provides a one-time payment of $1,200 to individuals with incomes below $75,000 or a one-time payment of  $2,400 for joint filers with incomes below $150,000. Payments are increased by $500 per child. The bill requires the one-time payments to be made as soon as possible.  

Relief Payments to States, Tribal Governments and Local Units of Government: Provides $150 billion in direct payments to states, tribal governments and local units of government with. To qualify, local governments must have populations of more than 500,000 people. Payments are required to be used to cover expenditures related to COVID-19 that occur between March 1, 2020 and December 30, 2020. Expenditures must not have been accounted for in the state or local government’s most recent budget. The bill requires the Treasury Secretary  to make these payments within 30 days of enactment.

Loans for Small Businesses, Non-profits, Contractors and Self-Employed Individuals. Allows nonprofits and other businesses with less than 500 employees to get loans from the Small Business Administration if they were adversely impacted by COVID-19. Loans can be used to cover payroll costs, health care benefits, mortgage or rent payments, utilities or interest on debt. Borrowers will be eligible for loan forgiveness if they maintain employees and their salaries. The eligibility period runs from February 15, 2020 to June 30, 2020. Maximum loan amounts will be determined using the organization's average monthly payroll amounts over a one year period. The bill appropriates $349 billion for this loan program.

Employee retention credit for employers subject to closure due to COVID-19. Provides a refundable payroll tax credit for 50% of wages paid by employers to employees during the COVID-19 crisis. The credit is available to employers whose (1) operations were fully or partially suspended, due to a COVID-19-related shutdown order, or (2) gross receipts declined by more than 50 percent when compared to the same quarter in the prior year.

Small Business Administration Disaster Loans: Provides $562 million to the Disaster Loan Program.  

Broadband and Telehealth  

Rural Utilities Service--Distance Learning, Telemedicine and Broadband Program: Provides $25 million for telemedicine and distance learning services in rural areas.  

Reconnect Pilot: Provides $100 million for grants for the costs of construction, improvement, or acquisition of facilities and equipment needed to provide broadband service in eligible rural areas. 

Federal Communications Commission Telehealth: Provides $200 million to the FCC to respond to COVID-19. This includes supporting health care providers by providing telecommunications services, information services, and devices necessary to enable the provision of telehealth services.  

Higher Education and Student Loans  

Temporary Relief for Federal Student Loan Borrowers: Requires the Secretary to defer student loan payments, principal, and interest for 6 months, through September 30, 2020, without penalty to the borrower for all federally owned loans. 

Adjustments of Subsidized Loan Limits. For students who dropped out of school as a result of COVID -19 excludes the term from counting toward lifetime subsidized loan eligibility.  

Exclusion from Federal Pell Grant Duration Limit. For students who dropped out of school as a result of COVID -19 excludes the term from counting toward lifetime Pell eligibility. 

Institutional Refund and Federal Student Loan Flexibility. For students who dropped out of school as a result of COVID -19, the student is not required to return Pell grants or federal student loans to the Secretary. Waives the requirement that institutions calculate the amount of grant or loan assistance that the institution must return to the Secretary in the case of students who dropped out of school as a result of COVID-19 

Exclusion for certain employer payments of student loans: Allows employers to provide a student loan repayment benefit to employees on a tax-free basis. Under the provision, an employer may contribute up to $5,250 annually toward an employee’s student loans, and such payment would be excluded from the employee’s income. The $5,250 cap applies to both the new student loan repayment benefit as well as other educational assistance (e.g., tuition, fees, books) provided by the employer under current law. The provision applies to any student loan payments made by an employer on behalf of an employee after date of enactment and before January 1, 2021.]]></description>
<category>Membership News</category>
<pubDate>Thu, 2 Apr 2020 14:52:01 GMT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Wisconsin Partnership Program Releases RFP for $1.5 Million in COVID-19 Grant Funding </title>
<link>https://www.eatrightwisc.org/news/499199/</link>
<guid>https://www.eatrightwisc.org/news/499199/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[The Wisconsin Partnership Program <a href="https://www.med.wisc.edu/news-and-events/2020/march/wpp-announces-funding-for-covid-19-grant-program/">released an RFP</a> Tuesday for a new $1.5 million grant program to support projects that “aim to improve the health of the people of Wisconsin by lessening the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.” 
 About $750,000 will be available for programs led by Wisconsin-based nonprofits, tax exempt, 501(c)(3) organizations or tribal/government entities. Special emphasis will be given to projects that target vulnerable populations. 
Grant applications are due April 15, 2020.]]></description>
<category>Membership News</category>
<pubDate>Thu, 2 Apr 2020 14:49:53 GMT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Governor Evers Sets Up State COVID-19 Voluntary Isolation Facilities </title>
<link>https://www.eatrightwisc.org/news/499197/</link>
<guid>https://www.eatrightwisc.org/news/499197/</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Governor Evers today announced the State of Wisconsin Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) is opening two state-run voluntary isolation facilities in Madison and Milwaukee and is providing guidance to local communities throughout Wisconsin. The two sites are set to open April 1, 2020 are at Lowell Center in Madison and a Super 8 hotel in Milwaukee.
These facilities are for symptomatic individuals suspected to be infected with COVID-19 or who have a confirmed case of COVID-19. Individuals will not be permitted to register at the facility unless referred by a medical provider or public health official. Individuals register and stay at the isolation facility on a voluntary basis. The expected length of stay will be about 14 days, or 72 hours after symptoms dissipate. At any time, either the individual or the facility may terminate the individual’s presence at the site. Those staying at the facility will have wellness checks by phone every four hours during the day and if needed at night.
Additionally, the SEOC also issued guidance for communities seeking to open their own voluntary self-isolation centers. This guidance will aid local communities with the following:
<ul>
<li style="margin-bottom: 12pt;">How do we select, set up, and staff an isolation site?</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"> How does a person get referred to and checked into the isolation site?</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li style="margin-bottom: 12pt;">What happens while occupants are at the isolation site? Including details about medical monitoring/wellness check calls and other on-site services.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li style="margin-bottom: 12pt;">When do occupants leave the site? Including details about discharge and involuntary check out from the isolation site.</li>
</ul>
The full press release is available online (<a href="https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WIGOV/bulletins/2843443">link</a>).]]></description>
<category>Membership News</category>
<pubDate>Thu, 2 Apr 2020 14:48:12 GMT</pubDate>
</item>
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