Lisa Moloney Headshot

Lisa Moloney, PhD, RN

Nutrition Researcher at Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

BIO

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.

LEARN MORE

LEARN MORE