Code of Ethics for the

Nutrition and Dietetics

Profession

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (Academy) and its credentialing agency, the Commission on Dietetic Registration
(CDR), believe it is in the best interest of the profession and the public it serves to have a Code of Ethics in place that provides
guidance to nutrition and dietetics practitioners in their professional practice and conduct. Nutrition and dietetics
practitioners have voluntarily adopted this Code of Ethics to reflect the values and ethical principles guiding the profession
and to set forth commitments and obligations of the nutrition and dietetics practitioner to the public, clients, the profession,
colleagues, and all others to which they provide service. The updated Code of Ethics was approved by the Academy Board of
Directors and the Commission on Dietetic Registration, effective June 1, 2018.

T h e Co d e o f Et h i c s a p p l i e s t o t h e fo l l ow i n g p r act i t i o n e r s:
• All members of the Academy who are credentialed by CDR
• All members of the Academy who are not credentialed by CDR
• All CDR credentialed practitioners whether or not they are members of the Academy
The Code is overseen by a three-person Ethics Committee, with representation from the Board of Directors, Commission on
Dietetic Registration and House of Delegates. The term of office is three years.
Code of Ethics p r i n c i p l e s a n d s ta n da r d s

1. Competence and professional development in practice

(Non-Maleficence)
A preamble, 4 principles and Nutrition and dietetics practitioners shall:
32 standards comprise the code a. Practice using an evidence-based approach within areas
of competence, continuously develop and enhance
non-maleficence expertise, and recognize limitations.
b. Demonstrate in depth scientific knowledge of food,
au t o n o m y human nutrition and behavior.
beneficence c. Assess the validity and applicability of scientific evidence
without personal bias.
justice d. Interpret, apply, participate in and/or generate research to
enhance practice, innovation, and discovery.
preamble e. Make evidence-based practice decisions, taking into
account the unique values and circumstances of the
When providing services the nutrition and dietetics patient/client and community, in combination with the
practitioner adheres to the core values of customer focus, practitioner’s expertise and judgment.
integrity, innovation, social responsibility, and diversity.
Science-based decisions, derived from the best available f. Recognize and exercise professional judgment within the
research and evidence, are the underpinnings of ethical limits of individual qualifications and collaborate with
conduct and practice. others, seek counsel, and make referrals as appropriate.
g. Act in a caring and respectful manner, mindful of
This Code applies to nutrition and dietetics practitioners individual differences, cultural, and ethnic diversity.
who act in a wide variety of capacities, provides general
principles and specific ethical standards for situations h. Practice within the limits of their scope and collaborate
frequently encountered in daily practice. The primary goal with the inter-professional team.
is the protection of the individuals, groups, organizations,
2. Integrity in personal and organizational behaviors and
communities, or populations with whom the practitioner
practices (Autonomy)
works and interacts.
Nutrition and dietetics practitioners shall:
The nutrition and dietetics practitioner supports and
a. Disclose any conflicts of interest, including any financial
promotes high standards of professional practice, accepting interests in products or services that are recommended.
the obligation to protect clients, the public and the profession; Refrain from accepting gifts or services which potentially
upholds the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (Academy) influence or which may give the appearance of
and its credentialing agency the Commission on Dietetic influencing professional judgment.
Registration (CDR) Code of Ethics for the Nutrition and
Dietetics Profession; and shall report perceived violations b. Comply with all applicable laws and regulations,
of the Code through established processes. including obtaining/maintaining a state license or
certification if engaged in practice governed by nutrition
The Academy/CDR Code of Ethics for the Nutrition and and dietetics statutes.
Dietetics Profession establishes the principles and ethical c. Maintain and appropriately use credentials.
standards that underlie the nutrition and dietetics practitioner’s
roles and conduct. All individuals to whom the Code applies d. Respect intellectual property rights, including citation and
are referred to as “nutrition and dietetics practitioners”. recognition of the ideas and work of others, regardless of
By accepting membership in the Academy and/or accepting the medium (e.g. written, oral, electronic).
and maintaining CDR credentials, all nutrition and dietetics e. Provide accurate and truthful information in all
practitioners agree to abide by the Code. communications.
f. Report inappropriate behavior or treatment of a patient/
client by another nutrition and dietetics practitioner or
other professionals.
g. Document, code and bill to most accurately reflect the
character and extent of delivered services.

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 h. Respect patient/client’s autonomy. Safeguard patient/client
confidentiality according to current regulations and laws. Glossary of Terms
i. Implement appropriate measures to protect personal
health information using appropriate techniques Autonomy: ensures a patient, client, or professional has
(e.g., encryption). the capacity and self-determination to engage in individual
decision-making specific to personal health or practice.1
3. Professionalism (Beneficence)
Beneficence: encompasses taking positive steps to benefit
Nutrition and dietetics practitioners shall: others, which includes balancing benefit and risk.1
a. Participate in and contribute to decisions that affect the
well-being of patients/clients. Competence: a principle of professional practice, identifying
the ability of the provider to administer safe and reliable
b. Respect the values, rights, knowledge, and skills of services on a consistent basis.2
colleagues and other professionals.
c. Demonstrate respect, constructive dialogue, civility Conflict(s) of Interest(s): defined as a personal or financial
and professionalism in all communications, including interest or a duty to another party which may prevent a
social media. person from acting in the best interests of the intended
beneficiary, including simultaneous membership on boards
d. Refrain from communicating false, fraudulent, deceptive, with potentially conflicting interests related to the profession,
misleading, disparaging or unfair statements or claims. members or the public.2
e. Uphold professional boundaries and refrain from
romantic relationships with any patients/clients, Customer: any client, patient, resident, participant, student,
surrogates, supervisees, or students. consumer, individual/person, group, population, or organization
to which the nutrition and dietetics practitioner provides service.3
f. Refrain from verbal/physical/emotional/sexual
harassment. Diversity: “The Academy values and respects the diverse
g. Provide objective evaluations of performance for viewpoints and individual differences of all people. The
employees, coworkers, and students and candidates for Academy’s mission and vision are most effectively realized
employment, professional association memberships, through the promotion of a diverse membership that reflects
awards, or scholarships, making all reasonable efforts to cultural, ethnic, gender, racial, religious, sexual orientation,
avoid bias in the professional evaluation of others. socioeconomic, geographical, political, educational,
experiential and philosophical characteristics of the public
h. Communicate at an appropriate level to promote it services. The Academy actively identifies and offers
health literacy. opportunities to individuals with varied skills, talents, abilities,
i. Contribute to the advancement and competence of ideas, disabilities, backgrounds and practice expertise.” 4
others, including colleagues, students, and the public.
Evidence-based Practice: Evidence-based practice is an
4. Social responsibility for local, regional, national, approach to health care wherein health practitioners use the
global nutrition and well-being (Justice) best evidence possible, i.e., the most appropriate information
Nutrition and dietetics practitioners shall: available, to make decisions for individuals, groups and
populations. Evidence-based practice values, enhances and
a. Collaborate with others to reduce health disparities and builds on clinical expertise, knowledge of disease mechanisms,
protect human rights. and pathophysiology. It involves complex and conscientious
b. Promote fairness and objectivity with fair and decision-making based not only on the available evidence but
equitable treatment. also on client characteristics, situations, and preferences. It
c. Contribute time and expertise to activities that promote recognizes that health care is individualized and ever changing
respect, integrity, and competence of the profession. and involves uncertainties and probabilities. Evidence-based
practice incorporates successful strategies that improve client
d. Promote the unique role of nutrition and outcomes and are derived from various sources of evidence
dietetics practitioners. including research, national guidelines, policies, consensus
e. Engage in service that benefits the community and to statements, systematic analysis of clinical experience, quality
enhance the public’s trust in the profession. improvement data, specialized knowledge and skills of experts.2
f. Seek leadership opportunities in professional, community, Justice (Social Justice): supports fair, equitable, and appropriate
and service organizations to enhance health and treatment for individuals1 and fair allocation of resources.
nutritional status while protecting the public.
Non-Maleficence: is the intent to not inflict harm.1

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Approach to Ethical Decision-Making*
St e p 1 St e p 4
Stat e a n Et h i c a l D i l e m m a S e l e ct t h e B e s t A lt e r n at i v e a n d
Identify components of potential ethical dilemma J u s t i f y Yo u r D e c i s i o n

• Is it an ethical issue, OR a Identify possible alternatives to resolve the

• Communication problem, OR a dilemma, considering:
• Practitioner-patient issue, OR a • Cultural influences affecting your
• Practitioner-supervisor/employer issue, OR a decision-making process
• Legal matter • How alternative solutions track with your values
• What are the facts of the situation? and your institution’s values
• Objectively identify the issue
• Who are key participants • Your confidence in and ability to defend the
• Identify your perceptions/values ultimate decision?
• What further information is needed • Whether the decision aligns with the Academy/
CDR Code of Ethics and/or the SOPs/SOPPs
St e p 2 • How the decision might affect others and
Co n n e ct Et h i c a l T h e o ry t o t h e whether they will support it
D i l e m m a i n P r act i c e • Make a final decision
Employ four key principles of ethical theory*
St e p 5
• Autonomy
• Non-Maleficence D e v e l o p S T RAT EGIES T O SU CC ESSFULLY
• Beneficence IMPLEMEN T T HE C HOSEN DE C ISION
• Justice
Strategies to successfully implement the
chosen resolution
St e p 3
• Seek additional knowledge to clarify or
A p p ly t h e Ac a d e m y/C DR Co d e t o contextualize the situation as needed
t h e I s s u e a n d Yo u r Et h i c a l • Implement chosen resolution
Decision-Making
There are four principles of the current Academy/CDR St e p 6
Code of Ethics:
E va luat e t h e O u tco m e s a n d H o w
• Competence and professional development in practice
t o P r e v e n t a S i m i l a r Occ u r r e n c e
• Integrity in personal and organizational behaviors
and practices • Monitor outcomes, ensuring intended outcome(s)
are achieved
• Professionalism
• Social responsibility for local, regional, national, • What are the strategies to prevent a similar issue
global nutrition and well-being in the future?

References
1. Fornari A. Approaches to ethical decision-making. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2015;115(1):119-121.

2. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Definition of Terms List. June, 2017 (Approved by Definition of Terms Workgroup Quality Management
Committee May 16, 2017). Accessed October 11, 2017.

3. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Revised 2017 Standards of Practice in Nutrition Care and Standards of Professional Performance for
Registered Dietitian Nutritionists. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2018; 118: 132-140.

4. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics “Diversity Philosophy Statement” (adopted by the House of Delegates and Board of Directors in 1995).

*Adapted from Fornari A. Approaches to ethical decision-making. J Acad Nutri Diet. 2015; 115 (1): 119-121. 4
I n d i v i d ua l –vs – O r g a n i z at i o n a l Et h i c s
What if my ethics complaint concerns an organization or group, not an individual?

The Code of Ethics for the Nutrition and Dietetics Profession pertains to individual practitioners, not organizations. The Academy
is an individual professional membership organization. Thus, the Academy cannot accept ethics complaints that pertain to
organizations. If you have an organizational ethics issue:

• Reach out to the governing body or Board of Directors, if your concern involves a for-profit or non-profit organization,

• Consider contacting the American Hospital Association (AHA), if your concern relates to a hospital or healthcare system,

• The America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) may be able to assist, if your complaint involves a health insurer,

• Consider contacting the professional organization that represents that profession or their state department of professional
regulation, if your concern relates to a non-CDR credentialed nutrition and dietetics practitioner that is not an Academy member.

How Do I Know if it is Really an Ethics Issue?

In the Ethics Committee’s experience, many of the matters brought to them are not ethics matters. Instead, the matters
presented are business disputes, employment disputes, or legal matters. What is...

A n Et h i c a l I s s u e? A L e g a l I s s u e?
The violation of established rules or standards governing Many state and federal laws apply to our profession. If a state
the conduct of a person or the members of a profession. An or federal law has been violated, the issue could result in
ethical issue is specific to one of the four principles and 32 action by the Ethics Committee. However, not every violation
standards of the Code. of the law is a breach of the Academy/CDR Code of Ethics for
the Nutrition and Dietetics Profession.

A n E m p l oy m e n t
A B u s i n e s s I s s u e? I s s u e?
An issue may be a business issue, but not an ethical issue, if Employment issues can be addressed by an employer’s policy or
it arises from a business dispute or breach of a contractual policies or can be resolved in the workplace via the appropriate
obligation, or a failure to provide products or services of an structure to provide oversight (i.e., Human Resources) or
expected quality. Examples include billing or contract disputes, through federal and state laws that protect employees. An
scheduling problems or other dissatisfaction with services employment issue may not be an ethical issue, such as a
provided. You should not attempt to use the Code to resolve disagreement with a supervisor or other employee about how
business disputes between practitioners, other health care to conduct business. Additional examples of an employment
providers or consumers. issue include: disagreement about time or hours worked;
misleading statements to supervisors, co-workers, customers,
or vendors; and misusing an employer’s assets.

The focus of the code is:

E d u c at i o n R e m e d i at i o n S e l f - R e g u l at i o n

The purpose of the code is not policing practitioners.

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