Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Revised 2017 Standards of Practice in Nutrition Care and Standards of Professional Performance for Nutrition and Dietetics Technicians,Registered

Nutrition and dietetics technicians, registered (NDTRs) face complex situations every day. Competently addressing the unique needs of each situation and applying standards appropriately are essential to providing safe, timely patient-/client-/customer-centered quality nutrition and dietetics care and services. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (Academy) leads the profession by developing standards that can be used by NDTRs (who are credentialed by the Commission on Dietetic Registration) for self-evaluation to assess quality of practice and performance. The Standards of Practice reflect the NDTR’s role under the supervision of registered dietitian nutritionists in nutrition screening and the Nutrition Care Process and workflow elements, which includes nutrition screening, nutrition assessment, nutrition diagnosis, nutrition intervention/plan of care, nutrition monitoring and evaluation, and discharge planning and transitions of care. The Standards of Professional Performance consist of six domains of professional performance: Quality in Practice, Competence and Accountability, Provision of Services, Application of Research, Communication and Application of Knowledge, and Utilization and Management of Resources. Within each standard, indicators provide measurable action statements that illustrate how the standard can be applied to practice. The Academy’s Revised 2017 Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance for NDTRs along with the Academy/Commission on Dietetic Registration Code of Ethics, and the Scope of Practice for the NDTR provide minimum standards and tools for demonstrating competence and safe practice, and are used collectively to gauge and guide an NDTR’s performance in nutrition and dietetics practice.     

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Revised 2017 Scope of Practice for the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (Academy) is the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals and the association that represents credentialed nutrition and dietetics practitioners—registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) and nutrition and dietetics technicians, registered (NDTRs). RDNs integrate research, professional development, and practice to stimulate innovation and discovery; collaborate to solve the greatest food and nutrition challenges now and in the future; focus on systemswide impact across the food, wellness, and health sectors; have a global impact in eliminating all forms of malnutrition; and amplify the contribution of nutrition and dietetics practitioners and expand workforce capacity and capability. The Revised 2017 Scope of Practice for the RDN reflects the position of the Academy on the essential role of the RDN in the direction and delivery of food and nutrition services. The scope of practice for the RDN is composed of education and credentialing, practice resources, Academy Standards of Practice and Professional Performance, codes of ethics, accreditation standards, state and federal regulations, national guidelines, and organizational policy and procedures. The Revised 2017 Scope of Practice for the RDN is used in conjunction with the Revised 2017 Standards of Practice (SOP) in Nutrition Care and the Standards of Professional Performance (SOPP) for RDNs. The SOP address activities related to direct patient and client care. The SOPP address behaviors related to the professional role of RDNs. These standards reflect the minimum competent level of nutrition and dietetics practice and professional performance for RDNs. A companion document addresses the scope of practice for the NDTR.     

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Revised 2017 Scope of Practice for the Nutrition and Dietetics Technician,Registered

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (Academy) is the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals and the association that represents credentialed nutrition and dietetics practitioners—nutrition and dietetics technicians, registered (NDTRs) and registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs). An NDTR’s scope of practice in nutrition and dietetics has flexible boundaries to capture the depth and breadth of the individual's practice. The NDTR’s practice expands with advances in many areas, including nutrition, food production, food safety, food systems management, health care, public health, community health, and information and communication technology. The Revised 2017 Scope of Practice for the NDTR reflects the position of the Academy on the essential role of the NDTR in the management and delivery of food and nutrition services. The scope of practice for the NDTR is composed of education and credentialing, practice resources, Academy Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance, codes of ethics, accreditation standards, state and federal regulations, national guidelines, and organizational policy and procedures. The Revised 2017 Scope of Practice for the NDTR is used in conjunction with the Revised 2017 Standards of Practice in Nutrition Care and the Standards of Professional Performance for NDTRs. The Standards of Practice address activities related to direct patient and client care. The Standards of Professional Performance address behaviors related to the technical role of NDTRs. These standards reflect the minimum competent level of nutrition and dietetics practice and professional performance for NDTRs. A companion document addresses the scope of practice for the RDN.     

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Revised 2017 Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (Competent,Proficient, and Expert) in Diabetes Care

There are 30.3 million people with diabetes and 86 million with prediabetes in the United States, underscoring the growing need for comprehensive diabetes care and nutrition for the management of diabetes and diabetes-related conditions. Management of diabetes is also critical for the prevention of diabetes-related complications such as cardiovascular and renal disease. The Diabetes Care and Education Dietetic Practice Group along with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Quality Management Committee have updated the Standards of Practice (SOP) and Standards of Professional Performance (SOPP) for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) in Diabetes Care. The SOP and SOPP for RDNs in Diabetes Care provide indicators that describe three levels of practice: competent, proficient, and expert. The SOP utilizes the Nutrition Care Process and clinical workflow elements for care and management of those with diabetes and prediabetes. The SOPP describes six domains that focus on professionalism: Quality in Practice, Competence and Accountability, Provision of Services, Application of Research, Communication and Application of Knowledge, and Utilization and Management of Resources. Specific indicators outlined in the SOP and SOPP depict how these standards apply to practice. The SOP and SOPP are complementary resources for RDNs caring for individuals with diabetes or specializing in diabetes care or practicing in other diabetes-related areas, including research. The SOP and SOPP are intended to be used for RDN self-evaluation for ensuring competent practice and for determining potential education and training needs for advancement to a higher practice level in a variety of settings.     

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Revised 2014 Standards of Professional Performance for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists in Management of Food and Nutrition Systems

Management in food and nutrition systems is presented with an ever-challenging tension between effective utilization of manpower resources, mechanical equipment, financial management, material production, and time constraints to produce optimal products. Management drives opportunities for personal development for multiple levels of its employee workforce. Given an increasing need to deliver high-quality food and services to satisfied customers, the Management in Food and Nutrition Systems Dietetic Practice Group, with guidance from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Quality Management Committee, has developed the Revised 2014 Standards of Professional Performance, which replace the 2009 Standards, as a tool for registered dietitian nutritionists working in food and nutrition systems management within health care and non−health care organizations. These Standards of Professional Performance consist of six domains of professionalism: Quality in Practice, Competence and Accountability, Provision of Services, Application of Research, Communication and Application of Knowledge, and Utilization and Management of Resources. Within each standard, specific indicators provide measurable action statements that illustrate how strong communication skills, attention to customer satisfaction, use of various resources, and application of personnel management principles can be applied to practice. The indicators describe three skill levels (ie, competent, proficient, and expert) for registered dietitian nutritionists managing food and nutrition systems.     

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Revised 2017 Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (Competent,Proficient, and Expert) in Oncology Nutrition

Oncology nutrition encompasses nutrition care for individuals along the cancer care continuum. Nutrition is a vital component of prevention, treatment, and healthy survivorship. The practice of an oncology registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) reflects the setting and population served with diverse cancer diagnoses, including expanded roles and responsibilities reflecting the RDN’s interests and organization’s activities. Provision of nutrition services in oncology requires that RDNs have advanced knowledge in the focus area of oncology nutrition. Thus, the Oncology Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group, with guidance from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Quality Management Committee, has developed Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance as tools for RDNs currently in practice or interested in working in oncology nutrition, to address their current skill level and to identify areas for additional professional development in this practice area. The Standards of Practice address and apply the Nutrition Care Process and workflow elements, which are screening, assessment, diagnosis, intervention, evaluation/monitoring, and discharge planning and transitions of care. The Standards of Professional Performance consist of the following six domains of professionalism including: Quality in Practice, Competence and Accountability, Provision of Services, Application of Research, Communication and Application of Knowledge, and Utilization and Management of Resources. Within each standard, specific indicators provide measurable action statements and describe three skill levels (competent, proficient, and expert) for RDNs working in oncology nutrition.     

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Revised 2014 Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (Competent,Proficient, and Expert) in Sports Nutrition and Dietetics

Sports nutrition and dietetics addresses relationships of nutrition with physical activity, including weight management, exercise, and physical performance. Nutrition plays a key role in the prevention and treatment of obesity and chronic disease and for maintenance of health, and the ability to engage in physical activity, sports, and other aspects of physical performance. Thus, the Sports, Cardiovascular, and Wellness Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group, with guidance from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Quality Management Committee, has developed the Revised 2014 Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance as a resource for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists working in sports nutrition and dietetics to assess their current skill levels and to identify areas for further professional development in this emerging practice area. The revised document reflects advances in sports nutrition and dietetics practice since the original standards were published in 2009 and replaces those standards. The Standards of Practice represents the four steps in the Nutrition Care Process as applied to the care of patients/clients. The Standards of Professional Performance covers six standards of professional performance: quality in practice, competence and accountability, provision of services, application of research, communication and application of knowledge, and utilization and management of resources. Within each standard, specific indicators provide measurable action statements that illustrate how the standards can be applied to practice. The indicators describe three skill levels (competent, proficient, and expert) for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists working in sports nutrition and dietetics. The Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance are complementary resources for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists in sports nutrition and dietetics practice.     

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Revised 2018 Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (Competent,Proficient, and Expert) in Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Nutrition

In a climate of change, the elevation of post-acute and long-term care (PALTC) services offered through community-based settings has optimized health care delivery. With the population age increasing, there is a growing need for community-based and residential care services, including for older inmates in the prison system. The Dietetics in Health Care Communities Dietetic Practice Group, with guidance from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Quality Management Committee, has updated the Standards of Practice (SOP) and Standards of Professional Performance (SOPP), which describe three levels of practice (competent, proficient, and expert) for registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) working in PALTC nutrition. The SOP uses the Nutrition Care Process and clinical workflow elements for care and management of clients/residents in PALTC settings (eg, long-term acute care hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, inpatient rehabilitation facilities, home health agencies, hospice, assisted living facilities, and corrections facilities). The SOPP describes six domains of professional performance: Quality in Practice, Competence and Accountability, Provision of Services, Application of Research, Communication and Application of Knowledge, and Utilization and Management of Resources. Within the SOP and SOPP standards, specific indicators provide measurable action statements that illustrate how the standards apply to practice. The SOP and SOPP are complementary resources for RDNs providing nutrition care and services for individuals receiving PALTC services, or in other PALTC nutrition-related areas, including research. The SOP and SOPP provide RDNs with a self-evaluation guide for assuring competence, identifying knowledge and skills to enhance expertise and advance level of practice in PALTC nutrition.     

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Revised 2022 Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (Competent,Proficient, and Expert) in Pediatric Nutrition

Pediatrics spans the first 2 decades of life and is a dynamic period with rapid changes in size and physical ability, cognitive development, behavior, and nutrient needs. Registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) who work with the pediatric population provide the nutrition knowledge and support needed to promote optimal health and nutrition during this time across a variety of settings. The Pediatric Nutrition Practice Group, along with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Quality Management Committee, have updated the Standards of Practice (SOP) and Standards of Professional Performance (SOPP) for RDNs working with pediatric populations. The SOP and SOPP for RDNs in Pediatric Nutrition provide indicators that describe 3 levels of practice: competent, proficient, and expert. The SOP uses the Nutrition Care Process and clinical workflow elements for delivering patient/client care. The SOPP describes the 6 domains that focus on professional performance. Specific indicators outlined in the SOP and SOPP illustrate how these standards apply to practice. The SOP and SOPP are intended to be used as a self-evaluation tool for assuring competent practice in pediatric nutrition and for determining potential education and training needs for advancement to a higher practice level in a variety of settings.     

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Revised 2021 Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (Competent,Proficient, and Expert) in Sports and Human Performance Nutrition

Nutrition in sports and human performance incorporates knowledge of the intersection of human physiology and nutrition. Registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) practitioners in sports and human performance focus on nutrition care that is specific to the individual and their sport/occupational requirements. The Dietitians in Sports, Cardiovascular and Wellness Dietetic Practice Group, along with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Quality Management Committee, have updated the Standards of Practice (SOP) and Standards of Professional Performance (SOPP) for RDNs working in sports and human performance. The SOP and SOPP for RDNs in Sports and Human Performance Nutrition provide indicators that describe three levels of practice: competent, proficient, and expert. The SOP uses the Nutrition Care Process and clinical workflow elements for delivering care to athletic/professional populations. The SOPP describes the following six domains that focus on professional performance: Quality in Practice, Competence and Accountability, Provision of Services, Application of Research, Communication and Application of Knowledge, and Utilization and Management of Resources. Specific indicators outlined in the SOP and SOPP depict how these standards apply to practice. The SOP and SOPP are complementary resources for RDNs and are intended to be used as a self-evaluation tool for assuring competent practice in sports and human performance and for determining potential education and training needs for advancement to a higher practice level in a variety of settings.     

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Revised 2018 Standards of Professional Performance for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (Competent,Proficient, and Expert) in Education of Nutrition and Dietetics Practitioners

Registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) engaged in education of nutrition and dietetics practitioners facilitate meaningful learning of required knowledge and supervised practice competencies in nutrition and dietetics curricula and proactively support all facets of the learning environment. Addressing the unique needs of each educational situation and applying standards appropriately is essential to providing evidenced-based, learner-centered, up-to-date education for future nutrition and dietetics practitioners. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (Academy) leads the profession by developing standards that can be used by RDNs for self-evaluation to assess quality of practice and performance. The Standards of Professional Performance consist of six domains of professional performance: Quality in Practice, Competence and Accountability, Provision of Services, Application of Research, Communication and Application of Knowledge, and Utilization and Management of Resources. Within each standard, specific indicators provide measurable action statements that illustrate how the standard can be applied to practice. The Academy's Revised 2018 Standards of Professional Performance for RDNs in Education of Nutrition and Dietetics Practitioners provide standards and indicators for three levels of practice—competent, proficient, and expert—which are used to gauge and guide an RDN’s performance in nutrition and dietetics practice in educational settings.     

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Revised 2019 Standards of Professional Performance for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (Competent,Proficient, and Expert) in Clinical Nutrition Management

Clinical nutrition management (CNM) encompasses the varied roles of registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) with administrative responsibilities for clinical nutrition services within an organization. Although RDNs in CNM are typically employed in acute care, they are also employed in settings where management of nutrition services is required, such as foodservice departments, ambulatory clinics, telehealth services, public health organizations, post-acute and long-term care, rehabilitation, and correctional facilities, or specialty departments, for example, dialysis units or cancer centers. RDNs in CNM aim to create work environments that support high-quality customer-centered care, attract and retain talented staff, and foster an atmosphere of collaboration and innovation. The CNM Dietetic Practice Group, with guidance from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Quality Management Committee, has revised the Standards of Professional Performance (SOPP) for RDNs in CNM for three levels of practice: competent, proficient, and expert. The SOPP describes six domains that focus on professional performance: Quality in Practice, Competence and Accountability, Provision of Services, Application of Research, Communication and Application of Knowledge, and Utilization and Management of Resources. Indicators outlined in the SOPP depict how these standards apply to practice. The standards and indicators for RDNs in CNM are written with the leader in mind—to support an individual in a leadership role or who has leadership aspirations. The SOPP is intended to be used by RDNs for self-evaluation to assure competent practice and for determining potential education and training needs for advancement to a higher practice level in a variety of settings.     

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Revised 2020 Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (Competent,Proficient, and Expert) in Eating Disorders

Eating disorders (ED) are complex mental illnesses and are not a result of personal choice. Full recovery from an ED is possible. The severity and inherent lethality of an ED is undisputed, and the role of the registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) is essential. Clinical symptomology presents at varying developmental milestones and is perpetuated through a sociocultural evaluation of beauty and drive for ascetic idealism. ED are globally prevalent in 4.4% of the population aged 5 to 17 years, yet affect individuals across the entire lifespan, including all cultures and genders. The Behavioral Health Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group, along with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Quality Management Committee, revised the Standards of Practice (SOP) and Standards of Professional Performance (SOPP) for RDNs in Eating Disorders. Including the RDN in ED treatment is vital for all levels of care. The RDN must be perceptive to negative symptoms indicative of psychological triggers when exploring food belief systems, patterns of disinhibition, and nutrition misinformation with clients. Through a conscious awareness of medical, psychological, and behavioral strategies, the implementation of the SOP and SOPP supports a dynamic and holistic view of ED treatment by the RDN. The SOP and SOPP are complementary resources for RDNs and are intended to be used as self-evaluation tools for assuring competent practice in ED and for determining potential education, training, supervision, and mentorship needs for advancement to a higher practice level in a variety of settings.     

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Revised 2022 Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (Competent,Proficient, and Expert) in Public Health and Community Nutrition

Awareness of the social determinants of health has been increasing in recent years. These include equitable access to health care and foods that support healthy eating patterns. A wide range of issues related to these determinants influence practice in the public health and community nutrition field. In response to these evolving needs, the Public Health and Community Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group, with guidance from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Quality Management Committee, has developed Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance as a tool for Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDNs) currently in practice or interested in working in public health and community nutrition, to assess their current skill levels and to identify areas for professional development. The Standards of Practice address the four steps of the Nutrition Care Process for community and public health RDNs: assessment, diagnosis, intervention, and evaluation/monitoring. The Standards of Professional Performance consists of six domains of professional performance for community and public health RDNs: Quality in Practice, Competence and Accountability, Provision of Services, Application of Research, Communication and Application of Knowledge, and Utilization and Management of Resources. Within each standard, specific indicators provide measurable action statements that illustrate the ways in which RDNs can address population nutrition and health. The indicators describe three skill levels (Competent, Proficient, and Expert) for RDNs. These tools highlight the unique scope of expertise that RDNs provide to the field of public health and community nutrition.     

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Revised 2019 Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (Competent,Proficient, and Expert) in Nutrition in Integrative and Functional Medicine

Nutrition in integrative and functional medicine encompasses a patient-/client-centered, healing-oriented approach to health that embraces both conventional and complementary therapies. Registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) practitioners in integrative and functional medicine focus on nutrition care that is both preventative and interventional in addressing the root causes of disease. The Dietitians in Integrative and Functional Medicine Dietetic Practice Group, along with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Quality Management Committee, have updated the Standards of Practice (SOP) and Standards of Professional Performance (SOPP) for RDNs working in nutrition in integrative and functional medicine. The SOP and SOPP for RDNs in Nutrition in Integrative and Functional Medicine provide indicators that describe three levels of practice: competent, proficient, and expert. The SOP uses the Nutrition Care Process and clinical workflow elements for delivering patient/client care. The SOPP describes the following six domains that focus on professional performance: Quality in Practice, Competence and Accountability, Provision of Services, Application of Research, Communication and Application of Knowledge, and Utilization and Management of Resources. Specific indicators outlined in the SOP and SOPP depict how these standards apply to practice. The SOP and SOPP are complementary resources for RDNs and are intended to be used as a self-evaluation tool for assuring competent practice in nutrition in integrative and functional medicine and for determining potential education and training needs for advancement to a higher practice level in a variety of settings.     

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Revised 2022 Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (Competent,Proficient, and Expert) in Adult Weight Management

A person’s weight is an anthropometric measure factored into assessing health risk, not a measure of worth, ability, or overall health. Adult weight management is a spectrum of lifelong care services available for persons whose goals can be achieved through evidence-based, weight-related interventions and intersects most practice areas of nutrition. An adult weight management registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) is responsible for providing a psychologically safe, accessible, and respectful setting and empowering care to those seeking nutrition services. This requires the RDN to act as an advocate by proactively seeking to identify personal and external weight biases, understanding the influence of those predispositions, and acknowledging how weight-related prejudices are intricately connected with systems that influence nutrition both inside and outside of health care. Increases in average weight influence potentially counterproductive discussions about judgment, an individual’s body, and relationship with health. RDNs are equipped to provide dynamic care and be on the forefront of implementing weight-inclusive built environments, policies, and person-centered communications to minimize harm and maximize benefit for the individual and society. The authors, Weight Management Dietetic Practice Group, and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Quality Management Committee revised the Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance for RDNs in Adult Weight Management to update established criteria of competent practice, further define core values, and set direction for future areas of opportunity. The Adult Weight Management Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance are complementary tools intended for RDNs to benchmark and identify progressive routes and goals for professional advancement.     

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and National Kidney Foundation: Revised 2014 Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (Competent,Proficient, and Expert) in Nephrology Nutrition

Compelling evidence indicates that the incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasing because of an aging population and a higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and hypertension. Nutrition management of patients with CKD requires early disease recognition, appropriate interpretation of the markers and stages of CKD, and collaboration with other health care practitioners. Better management of CKD can slow its progression, prevent metabolic complications, and reduce cardiovascular related outcomes. Caring for patients with CKD necessitates specialized knowledge and skills to meet the challenges associated with this growing epidemic. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Renal Dietitians Practice Group and the National Kidney Foundation Council on Renal Nutrition, with guidance from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Quality Management Committee, have updated the 2009 Standards of Practice in Nutrition Care and Standards of Professional Performance as a tool for registered dietitian nutritionists working in nephrology nutrition to assess their current skill levels and to identify areas for additional professional development in this practice area. The Standards of Practice apply to the care of patients/clients with kidney disease. The Standards of Professional Performance consist of six domains of professionalism, including: Quality in Practice, Competence and Accountability, Provision of Services, Application of Research, Communication and Application of Knowledge, and Utilization and Management of Resources. Within each standard, specific indicators provide measurable action statements that illustrate how nephrology nutrition principles can be applied to practice. The indicators describe three skill levels (ie, competent, proficient, and expert) for registered dietitian nutritionists working in nephrology nutrition.     

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and National Kidney Foundation: Revised 2020 Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (Competent,Proficient, and Expert) in Nephrology Nutrition

Nephrology nutrition encompasses therapeutic and preventive nutrition care for individuals through the life cycle and addresses a variety of kidney disorders. Most nephrology nutrition practice focuses on care of individuals with chronic kidney disease, those on dialysis, and recipients of kidney transplants. The Renal Dietitians Dietetic Practice Group, National Kidney Foundation Council on Renal Nutrition, along with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Quality Management Committee, have revised the Standards of Practice (SOP) and Standards of Professional Performance (SOPP) for RDNs working in nephrology nutrition. The SOP and SOPP for RDNs in Nephrology Nutrition provide indicators that describe three levels of practice: competent, proficient, and expert. The SOP uses the Nutrition Care Process and clinical workflow elements for delivering patient/client care. The SOPP describes the following six domains that focus on professional performance: Quality in Practice, Competence and Accountability, Provision of Services, Application of Research, Communication and Application of Knowledge, and Utilization and Management of Resources. Specific indicators outlined in the SOP and SOPP depict how these standards apply to practice. The SOP and SOPP are complementary resources for RDNs and are intended to be used as a self-evaluation tool for assuring competent practice in nephrology nutrition and for determining potential education and training needs for advancement to a higher practice level in a variety of settings.     

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Revised 2018 Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (Competent,Proficient, and Expert) in Mental Health and Addictions

In 2016, there were 44.7 million adults affected by mental illness, and 20.1 million people aged 12 years or older affected by substance use disorder. More than 8.2 million Americans are afflicted with co-occurring disorders or dual diagnosis, such as both a mental illness and an addiction. Registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) have an important role in the treatment of this population, as optimizing nutrition status improves cognitive and emotional functioning. The Behavioral Health Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group, with guidance from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Quality Management Committee, has developed Standards of Practice (SOP) and Standards of Professional Performance (SOPP) for RDNs in Mental Health and Addictions for three levels of practice: competent, proficient, and expert. The SOP uses the Nutrition Care Process and clinical workflow elements for care of individuals with mental illness and/or addictions. The SOPP describes six domains that focus on professionalism: Quality in Practice, Competence and Accountability, Provision of Services, Application of Research, Communication and Application of Knowledge, and Utilization and Management of Resources. Indicators outlined in the SOP and SOPP depict how these standards apply to practice. The SOP and SOPP are complementary resources for RDNs caring for individuals with, or specializing in, mental health and addictions and practicing in other mental health and addictions-related areas, including research. The SOP and SOPP are intended to be used by RDNs for self-evaluation to assure competent practice and for determining potential education and training needs for advancement to a higher practice level in a variety of settings.