Bill to increase medical efficiency passes the Indiana House

STATEHOUSE – State Representative Ron Bacon (R-Chandler) has authored a bill to increase medical efficiency. Tuesday, the bill was passed unanimously by the House of Representatives and will now go to the Senate for further consideration and debate.

House Bill (HB) 1157 allows qualified dieticians to order medically prescribed diets. Under current Indiana law, after a patient is evaluated by other specialists, including a dietitian, and a medically prescribed diet is deemed necessary, a doctor must fill the order.

“By allowing dieticians to order medically prescribed diets, hospitals will not only save time, but also resources,” said Rep. Bacon. “However it is important to point out that this does not just impact the hospitals. When dieticians are able to work independently of the physician, they will have the ability to enact a treatment plan in a timelier fashion and ensure expedited care for patients as well.”

A patient would still have to consult with a physician if they chose to see a dietitian outside of a hospital.

For more information on HB 1157, please visit: iga.in.gov.