September 2026
![]()
Evidence-Based Prevention Workgroup Member
HCPLAN members play a vital role in advancing healthier communities and stronger health care connections. In September 2026, Dr. Lisa Moloney, a member of the Evidence-Based Prevention Workgroup, shared insights into how the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is advancing value-based care by developing quality measures, including the Malnutrition Care Score, and highlighting the value of Medical Nutrition Therapy.
How is the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics advancing value-based care?
![]()
“The Academy supports value-based care by demonstrating the clinical and economic value of Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) through systematic reviews, developing quality measures including the Malnutrition Care Score and an upcoming obesity measure, and advancing policies that support RDN services and reimbursement, including expanded access to MNT through the Medical Nutrition Therapy Act.”
What measurable outcomes have resulted from this approach?
![]()
“Measurable outcomes include development and CMS adoption of the Malnutrition Care Score. In 2029, adoption of the Malnutrition Care Score will be mandatory for all hospitals enrolled in the IQR (Inpatient Quality Reporting) program. Additionally, there is a recognition of RDNs in value-based payment models, inclusion of nutrition in national health data standards (e.g., HL7 standards), and continued access to MNT through telehealth, demonstrating greater integration of nutrition services into health care quality, delivery, and reimbursement.”
How does this work align with the HCPLAN’s Evidence-Based Prevention priorities?
![]()
“The Academy’s work aligns with the HCPLAN’s Evidence-Based Prevention priorities by building evidence for why there should be increased access to MNT, including the position paper, The Effectiveness of Medical Nutrition Therapy in Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Disease, synthesizing 25 systematic reviews on the effectiveness of MNT for chronic disease, and using this evidence to support quality measurement, policy, expanded coverage, and integration of nutrition services into health care delivery and payment models.”
In one sentence, what is your organization’s “why” for value-based care?
![]()
“The Academy advances value-based care to improve the nation’s health and nutritional status by demonstrating the value of nutrition and RDN services, expanding access to effective nutrition care, and advancing the profession so that all people can thrive through the transformative power of food and nutrition.”
What aspect of your current work with the HCPLAN are you most excited about, and why?
![]()
“I am most excited about bringing together real-world experiences and evidence to define practical pathways for payers to support and reimburse evidence-based preventive nutrition services, while highlighting the important role of registered dietitian nutritionists and helping ensure that more people can access the nutrition care they need to improve their health.”
Learn more about the HCPLAN’s Evidence-Based Prevention work.
















Emily DuHamel Brower, M.B.A., is senior vice president of clinical integration and physician services for Trinity Health. Emphasizing clinical integration and payment model transformation, Ms. Brower provides strategic direction related to the evolving accountable healthcare environment with strong results. Her team is currently accountable for $10.4B of medical expense for 1.6M lives in Medicare Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs), Medicare Advantage, and Medicaid and Commercial Alternative Payment Models.
Victor is the Chief Medical Officer for TennCare, Tennessee’s Medicaid Agency. At TennCare, Victor leads the medical office to ensure quality and effective delivery of medical, pharmacy, and dental services to its members. He also leads TennCare’s opioid epidemic strategy, social determinants of health, and practice transformation initiatives across the agency. Prior to joining TennCare, Victor worked at Evolent Health supporting value-based population health care delivery. In 2013, Victor served as a White House Fellow to the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Victor completed his Internal Medicine Residency at Emory University still practices clinically as an internist in the Veteran’s Affairs Health System.
Tamara Ward is the SVP of Insurance Business Operations at Oscar Health, where she leads the National Network Contracting Strategy and Market Expansion & Readiness. Prior to Oscar she served as VP of Managed Care & Network Operations at TriHealth in Southwest Ohio. With over 15 years of progressive health care experience, she has been instrumental driving collaborative payer provider strategies, improving insurance operations, and building high value networks through her various roles with UHC and other large provider health systems. Her breadth and depth of experience and interest-based approach has allowed her to have success solving some of the most complex issues our industry faces today. Tam is passionate about driving change for marginalized communities, developing Oscar’s Culturally Competent Care Program- reducing healthcare disparities and improving access for the underserved population. Tamara holds a B.A. from the University of Cincinnati’s and M.B.A from Miami University.


Dr. Peter Walsh joined the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing as the Chief Medical Officer on December 1, 2020. Prior to joining HCPF, Dr. Walsh served as a Hospital Field Representative/Surveyor at the Joint Commission, headquartered in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois.





