Provision and Access to Nutrition Care for the Prevention and Treatment of Malnutrition in Older Adults Within Long-Term Care and Community Settings: A Consensus Statement of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

It is the consensus of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics that equitable access to nutrition care, including medical nutrition therapy provided or facilitated by registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs), can improve nutrition and health outcomes for older adults in long-term care and community settings. The target audience includes RDNs, policymakers, insurance providers, and other interested parties. The consensus statement is based on the Evidence Analysis Center's malnutrition in older adults systematic reviews that evaluated nutrition assessment and nutrition interventions, and the expertise of content experts. Strategies to improve access to nutrition care within a regulatory and systemic context are presented. The consensus statement identifies key barriers to nutrition care, including fragmented health care systems, insufficient research, and limited reimbursement for nutrition services. Several strategies are proposed, including policies to ensure comprehensive screening and referral, evidence-based individualized nutrition care, expanded reimbursement for nutrition services, adequate RDN staffing, increased research, and coordination with available community nutrition programs. Improved access to nutrition care is essential to reducing malnutrition and improving the overall health of older adults.