THE PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE HANDBOOK FOR DIETITIANS IN ALBERTA College of Dietitians of Alberta Developed: September 2008 Revised: November 2014 Acknowledgements The development of The Professional Practice Handbook for Dietitians in Alberta has been possible through the contribution and efforts of many. Sincere gratitude is extended to the following individuals: • Cindy McLean, Anne Assaly and Shannon Mackenzie for compiling and writing the text • Lynda Heyworth and Doug Cook for continuous encouragement, support, proof reading and valuable feedback in the writing of the text • The lawyers at Field Law for their review of the contents of the handbook and valuable feedback • The many Registered Dietitians and Registered Nutritionists in Alberta who inspired ideas for many of the case scenarios used in this handbook Table of Contents Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 1 Chapter 1 Professionalism ......................................................................................................... 3 What is Professionalism? ................................................................................................................ 3 The Dietetic Profession .................................................................................................................. 4 Practice Statements .......................................................................................................... 5 Right to Use Protected Titles ......................................................................................... 6 Aspects of Professionalism ............................................................................................................ 7 Professional Competence ................................................................................................ 7 Professional Conduct ....................................................................................................... 8 Professional Image ........................................................................................................... 9 Chapter Summary .......................................................................................................................... 10 Case Scenarios ................................................................................................................................ 11 Chapter Quiz .................................................................................................................................. 13 References ....................................................................................................................................... 14 Chapter 2 Dietetic Regulation ................................................................................................15 Self-Regulation of Health Professions ....................................................................................... 15 Health Professions Legislation Reform ..................................................................................... 16 Key Regulatory Responsibilities of the College of Dietitians of Alberta ............................. 17 Registration & Practice Permits ................................................................................... 18 Professional Practice Standards ................................................................................... 18 Continuing Competence ............................................................................................... 20 Professional Conduct ..................................................................................................... 20 Additional Regulatory Responsibilities ....................................................................... 21 Mission, Vision and Values of the College of Dietitians of Alberta ..................................... 22 Organizational Structure of the College of Dietitians of Alberta .......................................... 23 Key Governing Documents of the College of Dietitians of Alberta .................................... 23 Role Clarity: The College of Dietitians of Alberta and Dietitians of Canada ..................... 24 Chapter Summary .......................................................................................................................... 25 Chapter Quiz .................................................................................................................................. 26 References ..........................................................................................................................27 Chapter 3 Registration & Practice Permits ........................................................................29 Registration Requirements ........................................................................................................... 29 Routes of Entry .............................................................................................................. 30 Registration Examination .............................................................................................. 30 Current Practice .............................................................................................................. 30 Good Character and Reputation .................................................................................. 30 Liability Insurance .......................................................................................................... 31 Jurisprudence Learning Module ................................................................................... 32 Mandatory Registration ................................................................................................................ 32 Practice Permits ............................................................................................................................. 33 Practice Permit Renewal ............................................................................................................... 34 College Registers ............................................................................................................................ 34 Member Information Required in College Registers ............................................................... 35 Registering in Another Province ................................................................................................. 37 Resigning from the College .......................................................................................................... 37 Reciprocity Agreements .............................................................................................................. 37 Chapter Summary .......................................................................................................................... 38 Case Scenario ................................................................................................................................. 39 Chapter Quiz .................................................................................................................................. 40 References ....................................................................................................................................... 41 Chapter 4 Professional Practice Standards .........................................................................43 Professional Practice Standards Requirements ......................................................................... 43 Code of Ethics ............................................................................................................................... 43 Standards of Practice and Essential Competencies for Dietetic Practice............................. 45 Chapter Summary .......................................................................................................................... 48 Case Scenario ................................................................................................................................. 49 Chapter Quiz .................................................................................................................................. 50 References ....................................................................................................................................... 51 Chapter 5 Continuing Competence ......................................................................................53 Professional Competence ............................................................................................................. 53 Continuing Competence Program Requirements .................................................................... 55 The College of Dietitians of Alberta Continuing Competence Program ............................. 56 Competence Activities .................................................................................................................. 58 Documentation of Competence Activities ................................................................................ 59 Monitoring the Program............................................................................................................... 59 Non-Compliance with the Continuing Competence Program .............................................. 61 Chapter Summary .......................................................................................................................... 62 Case Scenario ................................................................................................................................