Learning Outcome: Participants will be able to: describe the importance of having a seat at both the state and local tables during a statewide healthcare transformation; describe the statewide data collection efforts and lessons learned; describe the work done by affiliate members on the state licensure statute; and describe the importance of communication and marketing to members and others during healthcare transformation.

Background: Our affiliate recognizes the importance of advocacy, relationships, licensure, data collection, communication and marketing during healthcare transformation and has included these activities in our strategic plan.

Methods: Membership survey, presentations to state legislators, meetings with state healthcare innovation stakeholders, member e-blasts, affiliate-sponsored data collection, member licensure committee, exhibit at Family Physician conference and social media.

Results: Member appointed by governor to state healthcare coalition; the coalition meets monthly and information is shared by e-mail and on board conference calls. This appointment has given RDNs access to healthcare transformation resources and provided many opportunities to talk one-on-one with patient-centered medical home pilot clinic providers. RDNs were also selected to serve on three regional collaboratives. RDNs have been provided information on how to enroll as providers on the newly developed online wellness resource managed by the Department of Health and Welfare. Weight, lipid and A1c hemoglobin data collected by an affiliate committee was presented to state legislators in February 2016. The dietitian statute revisions will be presented to the legislature in 2017; additions include 2016 definitions from the Academy, scope of practice, diet orders, and advanced practice.

Conclusions: Our affiliate’s efforts, especially the appointment of a member on the state coalition, are crucial to promoting RDNs in patient-centered-medical homes and primary care clinics. Expanding the influence of RDNs helps to promote all RDNs in their area of practice as the food and nutrition experts.