History of DHCC (formerly CD-HCF)

A major component of the American Dietetic Association structure is that of the dietetic practice groups (DPGs), which celebrated their “formal” 30th Anniversary in 2007. One of the first DPGs was the Dietetics in Health Care Communities (DHCC). We like to refer to ourselves as the oldest, as we were one of the first special interest groups, and are celebrating 33 years of commitment to our members and clients.

Necessity was the mother of invention in the development of DHCC.

In 1974, Ellyn Luros, RD, contacted ADA about starting a special interest group for Consulting Dietitians in long-term care (LTC) and finding out if there was a clearing group for regulations for LTC for each state. At ADA’s suggestion, Ellyn wrote to each state and learned that there was no consistency in regulations since the LTC regulations had only come into play in 1966 and each state was really just feeling their way for requirements.

ADA decided to form this special interest group. Claudia Mendel MS, RD, was the first chair of DHCC in 1975-76 and Gaynold Jensen, RD, became the newsletter editor. Ross Products, now Abbott Nutrition, provided the financial backing and continues to provide funding for the quarterly newsletter, The Consultant Dietitian as well as other special projects.

The concept of special interest groups was introduced in October 1970 to the House of Delegates with varied opinions expressed.

By the next year, 10 specialty-networking groups were contacted to determine their interest to formalize this idea. As processes go, meetings were held, concepts discussed and in 1975 the vision was given focus around the American Dietetic Association and the special needs of the networking groups. This process of change took an additional two years, and in 1977 when the Council on Practice was organized, the special interest groups became known as the dietetic practice groups (DPG’s).

DHCC's Focus & Role changes

As ADA’s mission and vision grew, as regulatory process changed and the need to have a voice became apparent, as roles accelerated into new areas of community dietetics, dietetic consultation and management beyond the acute care walls, and as the need to communicate and develop standards of practice grew so did DHCC’s focus and role to its members.

The current DHCC mission statement … committed to leading the future of dietetics by strengthening members with food, nutrition, management skills that promote quality of life for the people we serve, and vision – DHCC members are a credible source of food and nutrition services across the continuum of care result in a focus on our membership.

During the DPG Showcase at the 2007 ADA Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo (FNCE), CD-HCF membership was polled as to areas of work. In addition to long-term care, home care and corrections, areas of practice include, assisted living, continuing care retirement communities (CCRC), retirement villages, hospice, groups homes of all ages and diagnosis status, psychiatric, hospital, substance abuse and rehab centers, health maintenance organizations, health and fitness facilities, food and equipment distributors and manufacturers, and education programs. With this scope of practice and support services for its members, DHCC has repeatedly had one of the largest DPG memberships since its inception.

DHCC's Services to Members

Services to the members include taking an active role in formulating and reviewing position papers, supporting FNCE programming and activities, responding to legislative concerns, participating in evidence-based research, supporting forward movement of the profession, as in the current Nutrition Care Process. By taking an active role, DHCC is then able to provide the tools and resources to its members. With the organizational structure, all areas and sub-units have representation on the Executive Committee, and Networks are established to promote communication and working relationships with other health care organizations.

Most Popular Member Benefits

The number one member service cited by 93% of the respondents (34% of total membership) to the 2007 DHCC member survey was the quarterly Consultant Dietitian newsletter, which also provides the opportunity for free CPEUs to the member. Other benefits include www.cdhcf.org where current information aides in providing up to date information. The electronic mailing lists (EML) for general membership, the sub-units of Corrections and Home Care, and the California geographical sub-unit provide our members with the ability to be connected to Q & A’s from others all over the world and receive cutting-edge information now! These forums also become areas for lively conversation and debate.

Other member benefits include a video loan library, Federal and State LTC regulation references, resources that support member practices, and publications, publications and more publications. DHCC also offers several scholarships for students, and the Gaynold Jensen Educational member stipend. There are opportunities for various additional awards and honors to members, which are listed on the website. Nevertheless, even with all of this, DHCC’s strongest benefit is its members. Committed professionals who on a daily basis are focused on professional standards of practice and ethics, as they provide the very best care, services, and quality of life to the residents, patients and/or clients served.

DHCC Opportunities & Committment

DHCC provides the opportunity to ask questions, debate issues and standards, and bring forth evidence based research to support our mission and vision. To aide in forming policy and interpretations - DHCC and its members do have a voice.

DHCC is committed to the profession, to the American Dietetic Association, and to each other. Each day this organization mentors is constituents in some way shape or form. Whether it is in an article, seminar, the Forum, one on one personal development, educational session within a consulting firm’s employees, guidance from ADA leadership or staff, House of Delegates, Professional Issues Delegates or DHCC Executive Committee, we pull each other upward to that next level of expertise.

In part from Suzanne Cryst’s article in Today’s Dietitian, August 2007

Mathieu J. Dietetic Practice Groups Celebrate 30th Anniversary. J Am Diet Assoc . 107 (9), Sept 2007, p.1471-72

As of June 1, 2009, CD-HCF will be known as DHCC.

For More information on the Name Change, see news of the Month.

DHCC, a dietetic practice group of the American Dietetic Association, boasts membership of nearly 4800 dietitians committed to the nutrition health and safety of individuals living in long-term care facilities, correctional facilities, and home health care.

DHCC members are setting industry standards and forecasting future trends.

This information is provided as a public service by DHCC a dietetic practice group of the American Dietetic Association and the information is not intended to replace medical advice. Individuals should contact a registered dietitian to answer food and nutrition-related questions or for nutrition services. All information is the property of DHCC DPG/ADA and may not be copied or modified for commercial purposes without the written consent of DHCC DPG/ADA.

A Dietetic Practice Group of the American Dietetic Association

CD-HCF