Disease Intervention through Nutrition Education Act; DINE Act
Summary
The Disease Intervention through Nutrition Education Act (DINE Act) aims to amend the Older Americans Act of 1965 to incorporate food-based interventions. This includes screening for food program eligibility, referrals to food is medicine programs, and improved nutrition through medically tailored meals and produce prescriptions. The bill also promotes innovative approaches like produce prescriptions and enhances nutrition education and counseling.
Expected Effects
The DINE Act will likely expand access to food-based interventions for older Americans. This could lead to improved health outcomes and reduced healthcare costs. It will also likely increase the administrative burden on existing programs under the Older Americans Act.
Potential Benefits
- Improved nutrition and health outcomes for older adults.
- Increased access to food is medicine programs.
- Enhanced screening and referral processes for food assistance.
- Promotion of innovative approaches to nutrition services.
- Potential reduction in healthcare costs due to preventative measures.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased administrative burden on existing programs.
- Potential strain on resources for community-based organizations.
- Possible challenges in implementing and scaling food-based interventions.
- Dependence on the availability and accessibility of medically tailored meals and produce prescriptions.
- Risk of inequitable access if programs are not implemented effectively across diverse communities.
Constitutional Alignment
The DINE Act aligns with the Constitution's general welfare clause, as it aims to promote the health and well-being of older Americans. Specifically, the preamble states the Constitution is intended to "promote the general Welfare". The act falls under Congress's power to legislate for the common good. No specific constitutional conflicts are apparent.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).