Q: How is the new role different from my current 1099 RD capacity with Foodsmart?
A: We’re now offering two types of contracting opportunities for RDs, each designed to meet different lifestyle and career goals. The Partner RD program is designed for those who are able to make a deeper time commitment in exchange for higher earning potential, access to more patients through multi-state licensure and greater schedule consistency and predictability.
Under the Partner RD model, you could earn $6K+ more per year, simply by committing more consistent hours. Partner RDs must agree to a one year commitment.
| Network RD (Current 1099 model) | Partner RD (Optional New 1099 model) |
Minimum weekly commitment | At least 10 hours per week | At least 15 hours per week |
Visit Compensation | $12 per unit billed ($48/hour)
$13 per 15 minute unit ($52/hour) for Spanish/Vietnamese speakers | $13.20 per unit billed ($52.80/hour) – 10% increase
$14.30 per unit billed ($57.20) for RDs who can complete a visit in Spanish/Vietnamese without an interpreter
|
No Show Compensation | $13 | $13 |
Scheduling | Schedule built in FFD with standard lead time | Schedule built in FFD at least 2 months in advance |
Licensing reimbursement | Reimbursement for 1 additional state* license
(*state approved by company)
| Reimbursement for up to 3 additional state* licenses
(*states approved by company)
|
Q: I’m currently a 1099 RD—can I switch to this new Partner role?
A: Yes, we’d love to have you! If you're interested in a more consistent schedule and higher pay rate, you can apply to become a Partner RD. You’ll need to commit to providing 15+ hours of availability per week and maintain that availability for a minimum of one year. If you're interested, please submit a ticket at the bottom of this article.
If you’d like to transition immediately, please go to the next question. After June 2025, you’ll need to fill out a Support Ticket on FNN and the change in role will go into effect on the 1st of the next month from when you sign your updated contract.
Q: What happens if I occasionally fall short of 15 hours per week on my schedule (e.g., whether for personal reasons, vacation time, or any reason)?
A: We understand that things come up. Occasional dips below 15 hours per week won’t automatically remove you from the Partner tier—but consistent under-delivery may result in a return to Network status. We will review the average number of hours on a rolling 3-month basis. Our goal is to offer flexibility when needed, with proactive communication. We allow a ~3-month grace period and follow a check-in process to understand the reason for falling short on hours. Repeated shortfalls may result in a conversation about shifting back to a Network RD role or adjusting scheduling commitments, in addition to license fees pay-back.
Q. What if I have 14 hours of weekly availability instead of 15?
A: A small variance (e.g., 1–2 hours occasionally) may be acceptable, but the expectation is that you are available for at least 15 hours a week (at least 60 per month). We’ll track the fulfillment of your time commitment over time, not in isolation (i.e., by 3 month averages, not per week).
Q: What if I decide to leave before the 1-year mark?
A: A year-long commitment helps us plan for client coverage. We understand extenuating circumstances may occur, so if you need to end the contract early, please reach out to sarah.ahto@foodsmart.com. We ask for notice at least 30 days prior to your last available shift so we can adjust coverage accordingly. If you realize the Partner RD program is not for you, you may also terminate your participation and revert back to the Network RD model with 30 days notice. In each of these cases, Foodsmart reserves the right to recoup license fees reimbursements, given they are conditioned to the completion of one year as a Partner RD.
Q: Will I need to complete new training or onboarding?
A: There will be a streamlined Partner RD information session to support you in making the transition, including reviewing scheduling and on-demand/overbooked visit processes. We’ll make this transition as smooth as possible, with support every step of the way.
Q. Is there a limit on how many daily or weekly hours a Partner RD works?
A: Partner RDs should work no more than 8 hours per day and no more than 30 hours per week on a regular basis. If a Partner RD is consistently exceeding these limits, we may initiate a discussion about transitioning into a W2 employee (Staff RD) role.
Q: How do we handle licensure requirements for Partner RDs?
A: For Partner RDs, we will reimburse you for the cost of up to three additional state licenses based on a list of approved states. These additional licenses will give you broader credentials that enhance your career flexibility now and in the future.
Q: Will there be designated shifts or flexible scheduling?
A: Your 15 hours/week of minimum availability must be set within our core operating hours of 6am–8pm PT, as this is when most of our patients are available for visits. To help you make the most of your time, we may also suggest adjusting your schedule based on high-demand or unfilled time slots where visits are most needed.
Q: What if I’m not able to commit to 15 hours/week?
A: That’s absolutely okay! If a 15-hour weekly commitment isn’t the right fit for you right now, you can still continue to be part of the Foodsmart team through our Network RD role. The Network model offers greater flexibility with fewer hour requirements, while still allowing you to support our members and earn income based on your availability.
Q: Will Partner RDs still receive compensation for no-shows?
A: Yes, our Partner RDs and Network RDs remain eligible for our standard $13 no-show payment, which includes last-minute cancellations (members who cancel within 4 hours of the visit start time) and no-shows. Partner RDs are expected to leverage on-demand visits to fill their hour time slot in the event of a no-show or last-minute cancellation.
Q: I’m not ready to make the transition to a Partner RD in June, but I might be interested in future months. Can I decide to make that transition in the future?
A: Yes! Moving forward, we ask that you complete the 1099 Partner ticket by the 20th of each month if you’re interested in making the move to the Partner RD model. Any future changes will go into effect on the 1st of the following month.
Click here to submit a 1099 Partner Ticket