Chapter 02 - scope of practice

Scope of practice

The actions, procedures, and processes that a professional is
allowed to undertake in keeping with the terms of the professional’s license or credential.

Registered Dietitian
Nutritionist (RDN)

This term is used interchangeably with a Registered Dietitian (RD) and it is also a legally protected designation.

Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR)

The CDR acts as the credentialing arm of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics for the purpose of establishing and enforcing certification standards for registered dieticians and other licensed nutritional professionals and issues credentials to those who successfully meet said standards. The CDR also provides a professional code of ethics and recertification standards.

Certified Diabetes Educator
(CDE)

A licensed healthcare professional or certified allied health professional who works with those who have diabetes – 1000 contact hours in diabetes education is required for certification.

Advanced Registered Nurse
Practitioners (ARNP)

An advanced nursing degree requiring 2 more years of college
beyond an RN – many then choose a specialty or primary focus of care.

Physician Assistant (PA)

A licensed healthcare professional who works under the supervision of a doctor or other medical professional, typically requires a 4-year degree plus a post-graduate program.

Doctor of Pharmacy
(PharmD)

A health care professional with an advanced degree who works in conjunction with a medical doctor to prepare and/or dispense prescription drugs or compounds.

Licensed

Licensing is typically provided on a state or federal level. Common prerequisites of licensing include formal education/training, a predetermined number of supervised contact hours, and successful completion of a standardized test. Most healthcare providers require licensure.

Certified

Certification is granted to a person who has participated in an educational course (either live or online) and successfully completed a standardized test: written, practical, or both.

Nutritionist

A generic term for someone who provides nutrition counseling – certification and licensing parameters are vague.

Athletic trainer, certified

A trainer who specifically works with athletes to improve performance, prevent and treat injuries.

Certified eating disorders specialist

Those who specialize in working with patients suffering with eating disorders practice various forms of psychotherapy.

Psychiatrist/Psychologist

These mental health practitioners work in the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders.

macronutrients

Nutrients required in large quantities, including carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

micronutrients

Nutrients required in smaller quantities, including vitamins and minerals.

The SCOFF Questionnaire

Basic yet reliable set of five questions that help assess whether an eating disorder exists.

Hypoglycemia

A condition of an abnormally low blood glucose (blood sugar) level in the blood.