Why Do Practice Standards for Nutrition Advice Matter for Your Family?

Having confidence in the nutrition care that your family receives from a qualified nutrition consultant is important. It can make all the difference to your peace of mind. Registered dietitians are a regulated health profession. They are held accountable to high practice standards for safe nutrition care.

How does this work? The College of Dietitians of Ontario is the body that regulates dietitians. The college sets and enforces high practice standards for dietitians. They do this to protect the public.

One standard requires dietitians to be knowledgeable about the most current science-backed nutrition. To be certified as a registered dietitian or an RD, a person must complete a four-year university degree, practical training and a national exam. Every year, the college monitors dietitians to make sure they keep up to date. RDs report to the college what they have done to keep their knowledge and skills current for safe client care.

Another standard is that registered dietitians must always treat clients with care and respect. They are accountable to the college for all of their actions when they are treating clients. If ever you need to talk to someone about a concern or make a complaint about your dietitian, you can call the College of Dietitians of Ontario for help.

In Ontario, only members of the College of Dietitians of Ontario can use the title “dietitian.” When you see the Registered Dietitian title, you can feel confident that this health professional is highly trained. They have also met the college’s rigorous standards for safe, ethical and competent nutrition services. Click here to watch the video:

There is a list of qualified dietitians called a “register.” You can check the register of dietitians online to make sure that yours is a registered health professional. The register contains business contacts, restrictions on a dietitian’s practice if there are any, and gives important information about a dietitian’s registration and disciplinary history.

Check the register and learn more at www.collegeofdietitians.org.