Dietitian Ethics and Professional Conduct

Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct

• Ethics are the common moral framework for all health professions. Dietitians, operating within a social context, must adhere to ethical principles to contribute to society.
• Professional conduct outlines the "do's and don'ts" of dietetic practice, setting standards of behavior expected by the governing body.

Purpose of the Code

• Establish standards for ethical and professional behavior towards consumers, society, and the profession itself.
• Provide tools for evaluating the ethical conduct of dietitians.

Principles of the Profession

• Dietetics is a profession with a specific body of knowledge, skills, and tertiary education.
• Registered dietitians are bound by ethical principles and adherence to the Code.
• The code isn't exhaustive; additional obligations and situations may exist.

Professional Decision Principles

• Autonomy: Consumers have the right to make their own choices after getting objective information.
• Beneficence: Act in the best interests of consumers.
• Non-maleficence: Avoid causing harm.
• Justice: Act fairly and provide services impartially.

Principles of the Code

• Prioritize the best interests of consumers (health and well-being).
• Collaborate and partner with consumers.
• Maintain confidentiality and consumer privacy.
• Adhere to high professional standards, taking responsibility and accountability.
• Advertise products/services ethically and responsibly; uphold professional integrity.
• Work with colleagues effectively to serve consumers' best interests.
• Act in a manner promoting trust and confidence in the profession.
• Maintain professional competence.

Principle One: Consumer Welfare

• Prioritize the health and wellbeing of consumers.
• Treat all consumers with respect and dignity.
• Base dietetic practice on the best scientific evidence.
• Provide services minimizing harm and maximizing consumer quality of life.
• Refer consumers to other practitioners when necessary.
• Respect consumer needs, values, and culture.
• Acknowledge professional/consumer power imbalances.

Principle Two: Partnership with Consumers

• Actively engage with communities to promote health and nutrition.
• Respect consumer autonomy and freedom of choice.
• Establish respectful partnerships, acknowledging consumer needs and goals.
• Effectively communicate with consumers.
• Explain treatment options, including risks, benefits, and costs.
• Provide impartial, honest, and relevant information.
• Communicate scientific advice accurately and understandably.
• Respect consumers' right to refuse treatment.

Principle Three: Confidentiality

• Maintain confidentiality for patient/client information.
• Use information only for the intended purpose unless otherwise authorized or required by law.
• Maintain confidentiality after the professional relationship ends.
• Maintain accurate, comprehensive, and up-to-date records.
• Protect consumer dignity and privacy.
• Avoid disclosing personal health information without consent.

Principle Four: Professional Conduct and Accountability

• Justify all professional decisions.
• Practice safely and competently.
• Avoid alcohol and drug influence when practicing.
• Avoid sexual and intimate relationships with clients/patients.

Principle Five: Advertising Ethics

• Advertise products/services in ways that protect and promote public health and well-being.
• Uphold the integrity of the profession while ensuring honest and non-deceptive ads.
• Avoid claims of benefits not supported by scientific evidence.
• Do not allow commercial gain to compromise professional decision-making.

Principle Six: Collaboration with Colleagues

• Treat colleagues respectfully and reasonably.
• Support colleagues' professional development.
• Effectively communicate and cooperate with other health practitioners to optimize nutrition outcomes.
• Ensure smooth transfer of dietetic care.
• Recognize and respect differing opinions.

Principle Seven: Maintaining Public Trust

• Uphold the duty of care to protect and enhance consumer health.
• Notify the relevant authority of any breaches/potential breaches in the code.
• Report unethical/incompetent behavior to appropriate bodies, ensuring services are delivered safely.
• Clarify conflicts of interest and their potential impact on advice/decision-making with consumers.
• Not offer/accept incentives/gifts to influence professional judgment.
• Maintain the reputation of the profession.

Principle Eight: Maintaining Competence

• Hold a current Annual Practicing Certificate when practicing dietetics.
• Maintain high standards of skill/knowledge through continuing professional development.
• Participate annually in the Dietitians Board Continuing Competence Program.
• Practice within the limits of individual competencies, training, experience, and supervision.