As anybody can provide nutrition advice, the protected titles of Dietitian, Registered Dietitian (RD) and Professional Dietitian (P.Dt) are the consumer’s assurance that they are dealing with a regulated nutrition professional who has met the strict standards for registration with SDA. Anyone using these titles must be a member of SDA and if not, may be subject to fines for inappropriate use of the titles. Look for the credentials “RD” or “P.Dt” included with their name to ensure they are Registered Dietitians. Find out if your nutrition provider is an SDA member check our Registrant Directory or contact the SDA office (registrar@saskdietitians.org).
Public Protection
Public protection is the main purpose for regulating Registered Dietitians in Saskatchewan. The law requires SDA to ensure that Registered Dietitians meet legal and professional standards for safe, ethical and quality health care.
When seeking nutrition advice, be aware that there are a lot of providers with varying levels of training. Choosing a Registered Dietitian (RD), is your assurance that the nutrition advice you receive is based on accepted standards and scientific evidence. This is because SDA regulates its members in the interest of the public by having enforceable professional standards and holding its members to account for their actions.
Enforceable Professional Standards
The Dietitians Act sets out the responsibilities, powers and procedures related to the regulation of Registered Dietitians. Minimum academic and training standards must be achieved in order to practice as a Registered Dietitian in the province of Saskatchewan. These standards define the academic and practical training requirements, ethics, professional conduct, and continuing competence required of Registered Dietitians.
Registered Dietitians have a Bachelor’s Degree in nutrition/dietetics, a practical training program (i.e. Dietetic Internship) and must successfully complete the Canadian Dietetic Registration Examination.
Accountability
The public can receive nutrition advice from a variety of sources. What sets Registered Dietitians apart is that under the Dietitians Act, they are regulated by SDA. SDA ensures that Registered Dietitians provide safe, competent and ethical practice. Every Registered Dietitian must participate in quality assurance program to ensure continuing competency and maintain their licence.
If anyone has a concern or complaint regarding the services received by a Registered Dietitian, they may contact SDA. SDA has the responsibility to investigate the complaint and if necessary take the appropriate action.
