Code of Ethics

Definition

a discipline concerned with conduct and morals; helps distinguish between right and wrong

Foundational components

Autonomy, Non-Maleficence, Beneficence, Justice

Primary Goal

Protection of the public, individuals, communities, organizations, population groups

Principle 1 - non malefiecence

Competence and professional development in practice

Principle 2 - autonomy

Integrity in personal and organizational behaviors and practices

Principle 3 - benefience

Professionalism

Principle 4 - justice

Social responsibility for local, regional, national, global nutrition and well-being

Core values

Integrity, Innovation, Social responsibility, Diversity

Comeptence/nonmaleficence value

Practice using an evidence-based approach within areas of competence, continuously develop and enhance expertise, and recognize limitations.

Competence/nonmaleficence value

Demonstrate in depth scientific knowledge of food, human nutrition and behavior.

Competence/nonmaleficence value

Assess the validity and applicability of scientific evidence without personal bias.

Competence/nonmaleficence value

Interpret, apply, participate in and/or generate research to enhance practice, innovation, and discovery

Competence/nonmaleficence value

Make evidence-based practice decisions, taking into account the unique values and circumstances of the patient/client and community, in combination with the practitioner’s expertise and judgment

Competence/nonmaleficence value

Recognize and exercise professional judgment within the limits of individual qualifications and collaborate with others, seek counsel, and make referrals as appropriate.

Competence/nonmaleficence value

Act in a caring and respectful manner, mindful of individual differences, cultural, and ethnic diversity.

Competence/nonmaleficence value

Practice within the limits of their scope and collaborate with the inter-professional team

Integrity/autonomy standard

Disclose any conflicts of interest, including any financial interests in products or services that are recommended. Refrain from accepting gifts or services which potentially influence or which may give the appearance of influencing professional judgment.

Integrity/autonomy standard

Comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including obtaining/maintaining a state license or certification if engaged in practice governed by nutrition and dietetics statutes.

Integrity/autonomy standard

Maintain and appropriately use credentials

Integrity/autonomy standard

Respect intellectual property rights, including citation and recognition of the ideas and work of others, regardless of the medium (e.g. written, oral, electronic).

Integrity/autonomy standard

Provide accurate and truthful information in all communications

Integrity/autonomy standard

Report inappropriate behavior or treatment of a patient/client by another nutrition and dietetics practitioner or other professionals

Integrity/autonomy standard

Document, code and bill to most accurately reflect the character and extent of delivered services.

Integrity/autonomy standard

Respect patient/clients’ autonomy. Safeguard patient/client confidentiality according to current regulations and laws

Integrity/autonomy standard

Implement appropriate measures to protect personal health information using appropriate techniques (e.g., encryption)

Professionalism/beneficence standard

Participate in and contribute to decisions that affect the well-being of patients/clients

Professionalism/beneficence standard

Respect the values, rights, knowledge, and skills of colleagues and other professionals

Professionalism/beneficence standard

Demonstrate respect, constructive dialogue, civility and professionalism in all communications, including social media

Professionalism/beneficence standard

Refrain from communicating false, fraudulent, deceptive, misleading, disparaging or unfair statements or claims

Profesionalism/beneficence standard

Uphold professional boundaries and refrain from romantic relationships with any patients/clients, surrogates, supervisees, or students

Professionalism/beneficence standard

Refrain from verbal/physical/emotional/sexual harassment

Professionalism/beneficence standard

Provide objective evaluations of performance for employees, coworkers, and students and candidates for employment, professional association memberships, awards, or scholarships, making all reasonable efforts to avoid bias in the professional evaluation of others

Professionalism/beneficence standard

Communicate at an appropriate level to promote health literacy

Professionalism/beneficence standard

Contribute to the advancement and competence of others, including colleagues, students, and the public

Justice standard

Collaborate with others to reduce health disparities and protect human rights

Justice standard

Promote fairness and objectivity with fair and equitable treatment

Justice standard

Contribute time and expertise to activities that promote respect, integrity, and competence of the profession

Justice standard

Promote the unique role of nutrition and dietetics practitioners

Justice standard

Engage in service that benefits the community and to enhance the public’s trust in the profession

Justice standard

Seek leadership opportunities in professional, community, and service organizations to enhance health and nutritional status while protecting the public

The Code of Ethics DOES

Protect the profession and the credential, Influence public and private policy, professional practice

The Code of Ethics DOES NOT

Identify and reprimand all unqualified nutrition and dietetics practitioners, Generally remove credentials from professionals