Dietitian - a Protected Title
Registered Dietitians are a regulated profession and, as such, their professional title is protected by law. Using the professional title Dietitian in Ontario is prohibited under the Dietetics Act (1991) unless a person is a member of the College of Dietitians of Ontario. The Dietetic Act states:
- Restricted titles
7. (1) No person other than a member shall use the title "dietitian", a variation or abbreviation or an equivalent in another language. 1991, c. 26, s. 7 (1).
Representations of qualification, etc.
(2) No person other than a member shall hold himself or herself out as a person who is qualified to practise in Ontario as a dietitian or in a specialty of dietetics. 1991, c. 26, s. 7 (2).
Definition
(3) In this section,
"abbreviation" includes an abbreviation of a variation. 1991, c. 26, s. 7 (3).
Offence
9. Every person who contravenes subsection 7 (1) or (2) is guilty of an offence and on conviction is liable to a fine of not more than $25,000 for a first offence and not more than $50,000 for a second or subsequent offence.
Verifying the Status of Your Registered Dietitian
The letters "RD" (Registered Dietitian) after a person's name means that the person belongs to a regulated profession and is registered with the College of Dietitians of Ontario. Only individuals registered with the College of Dietitians of Ontario can use the titles dietitian, Registered Dietitian, a variation or abbreviation or an equivalent in another language.
Enforcing the Law
In the public interest, the College is responsible for protecting the dietitian title and investigates all cases of individuals misusing the dietitian title in Ontario.
If you suspect someone is misusing the dietitian title or misrepresenting themselves as a dietitian when they are not, please advise the College. Action is taken on all calls to the College about illegal use of the dietitian title.
