Employer Responsibilities under the RHPA
Improper Use of Dietitian and Doctor Titles
Improper use of the "Dietitian" Title
Using the 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).
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 $5,000 for a first offence and not more than $10,000 for a subsequent offence. 1991, c. 26, s. 9.
Registered Dietitians who hold a doctorate or PhD may not use the title "doctor" in the course of providing or offering to provide health care in Ontario. The RHPA currently reserved the use of the title "doctor" for: Physicians and Surgeons, Optometrists, Psychologists, Chiropractors, Dentists. In June 2009, members of the College of Naturopathy of Ontario will be able to use "Naturopathic Doctor". At some later date a class of members with the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario will be able to use the "doctor" title.
