Overview
- HHS said 53 schools in 31 states will require at least 40 hours of nutrition education or meet a 40‑hour competency equivalent starting in fall 2026.
- The department released a nonbinding framework with 71 core competencies and a curriculum template that schools can adapt or decline.
- NIH will provide $5 million through a multi‑phase challenge to help medical schools, residencies, nursing, and dietetics programs integrate evidence‑based nutrition training.
- Participating schools agreed to review their current curricula, appoint a faculty champion, and publish a public plan to reach the 40‑hour target, with AAMC and AMA leaders joining the announcement.
- Experts welcomed the focus on prevention but questioned some suggested topics such as dietary supplements, wearables, and composting, as HHS also discusses potential exam enhancements with licensing bodies.