Dietitian handbook Flashcards
What is Continuing Competence?
The ability of a professional to maintain and improve their knowledge, skills, and judgment throughout their career.
Ensures that Registered Dietitians (RDs) remain effective, ethical, and knowledgeable in practice.
What legal requirement mandates dietitians to participate in a Continuing Competence Program?
The Health Professions Act (HPA).
It requires all dietitians to engage in continuing education.
What does the College of Dietitians of Alberta (CDA) do regarding Continuing Competence?
Monitors and verifies that all regulated members are continuing their education and maintaining professional competence.
What are the requirements of the Continuing Competence Program (CCP)?
- Self-assessment
- Goal setting
- Participation in educational activities
- Documenting and verifying activities
- Annual review by the College
What types of competence activities are included in the CCP?
- Formal education
- Informal learning
- Peer learning
- Practical experience
True or False: RDs must engage in lifelong learning.
True
What is Professional Conduct?
The expected ethical and behavioral standards for dietitians.
Why is Professional Conduct important?
Helps maintain public trust in the profession.
What is a common cause of unprofessional conduct?
Breach of Confidentiality.
What is a potential consequence of failing to maintain competence?
Not engaging in continuing education.
What is one way to handle complaints against a Registered Dietitian?
Informal Resolution.
What can happen if misconduct is proven in a disciplinary hearing?
- Fines
- Mandatory training
- Suspension
- Revocation of license
How can dietitians avoid professional misconduct?
- Follow the Code of Ethics
- Keep patient confidentiality
- Maintain appropriate boundaries
- Use evidence-based recommendations
- Engage in continuous learning
What are Restricted Activities?
Specific health-related tasks that only qualified professionals can perform due to their risk to the public.
Why are some activities considered restricted?
They require special authorization to ensure patient safety.
What is an example of a restricted activity for dietitians?
Insertion & Removal of Tubes.
What is an example of prescribing parenteral nutrition?
Providing intravenous (IV) nutrition for patients who can’t eat orally.
True or False: Not all dietitians can perform restricted activities.
True
What is Confidentiality?
The ethical and legal duty to protect client information.
What is a law protecting confidentiality?
Health Information Act (HIA).
What must dietitians do to maintain confidentiality in practice?
- Only collect necessary information
- Store client records securely
- Limit access to authorized professionals
- Obtain client consent before sharing information
What are exceptions to confidentiality?
- A client is a danger to themselves or others
- There is child abuse or elder abuse
- A court orders the release of information
What is Consent?
A client’s voluntary agreement to receive care.
