By:  Gallegos                                         S.C.R. No. 83

         97S1386/1                           

                            SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

 1-1           WHEREAS, The discipline of clinical nutrition applies

 1-2     principles derived from the sciences of biochemistry and physiology

 1-3     to promote good health and thereby contribute to the urgent,

 1-4     nationwide effort to contain the cost of health care; and

 1-5           WHEREAS, Clinical nutrition therapy, while recognizing

 1-6     individual biochemical differences and specific nutritional needs,

 1-7     develops an appropriate intervention program using safe and

 1-8     effective food supplements as a cost-effective means of achieving

 1-9     and maintaining the nutritional balance required for mental and

1-10     physical health; and

1-11           WHEREAS, Certified clinical nutritionists and clinical

1-12     nutrition specialists must hold a baccalaureate degree in nutrition

1-13     or a related science, and many practitioners also have earned

1-14     advanced degrees; these health care professionals work both in

1-15     private settings and in collaboration with other providers to

1-16     correct nutritional deficiencies and, in doing so, help to avoid

1-17     the need for more costly medical interventions; and

1-18           WHEREAS, The dedication of a special day to focus attention

1-19     on the many benefits that the science of nutrition brings to

1-20     individuals, the discipline's importance in the proper training of

1-21     all health care providers, and the value of expanded public access

1-22     to clinical nutritionists would contribute greatly to the health

1-23     and well-being of the citizens of this state; now, therefore, be it

 2-1           RESOLVED, That the 75th Legislature of the State of Texas

 2-2     hereby designate May 8, 1997, Clinical Nutrition Day in Texas and

 2-3     encourage all citizens, health care providers, and policymakers to

 2-4     avail themselves of this opportunity to learn more about the

 2-5     positive impact that clinical nutrition can make in the daily lives

 2-6     of all of our state's citizens; and, be it further

 2-7           RESOLVED, That the Texas State Chapter of the International

 2-8     and American Associations of Clinical Nutritionists and its members

 2-9     be commended for their significant contributions to the well-being

2-10     of the citizens of this state; and, be it further

2-11           RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be

2-12     prepared for the Texas State Chapter of the International and

2-13     American Associations of Clinical Nutritionists as an expression of

2-14     high regard for the profession of clinical nutrition by the

2-15     Legislature of the State of Texas.