Why Regulation Matters

In Ontario, the law makes a distinction between nutritionists and Registered Dietitians. Dietitians are regulated by law and nutritionists are not. Public Health Nutritionists, however, are an exception - - they are qualified Registered Dietitians with a Masters degree and are regulated by law. So, what does it mean for you that dietitians are regulated in Ontario? Why would you want to make sure that your nutrition advisor is a regulated health professional?

Public Protection
Public protection and access to quality health care through regulation are basic principles of health care in Canada. In Ontario, Registered Dietitians are regulated by law. The law requires the College of Dietitians of Ontario to regulate the profession of dietetics to ensure that dietitians meet legal and professional standards for safe, ethical and quality health care. Ensuring that the public has access to quality nutrition care is the only reason for regulating dietitians.

Enforceable Professional Standards
The Regulated Health Professions Act and the Dietetics Act, set out the responsibilities, powers and procedures related to the regulations of dietitians. A high standard for academic and practical training must be achieved to practice as a Dietitian in Ontario. Other standards are established and enforced for professional scope of practice, ethics, professional conduct, and continuing competence. In contrast, there are no legal mechanisms to ensure that nutritionists and other unregulated nutrition advisors are knowledgeable about nutrition and that they practise safely and ethically.

Standards to become a dietitian include:

an accredited 4-year or equivalent degree with appropriate courses in sciences and human nutrition, administration and humanities;
an accredited dietetic internship or equivalent supervised practical training; and,
successful completion of the Canadian Dietetic Registration Examination.

Only Registered Dietitians are considered for roles in hospital, nursing homes and government funded services because these organizations recognize their advanced education and training.

In contrast, people do not require any formal training to call themselves "a nutritionist" or to provide nutrition advice.

Accountability
While anyone can legally provide nutrition education and advice, what sets Registered Dietitians apart is that, under the Regulated Health Professions Act, they are accountable to the College of Dietitians of Ontario for safe, competent and ethical practice. Each dietitian must participate in a quality assurance and practice assessment programs to ensure continuing competency. Dietitians and employers have an obligation to report under certain circumstances, dietitians who are not practicing ethically, safely and competently.

When anyone has a concern regarding a dietitian, they can easily contact the College of Dietitians of Ontario which has the responsibility and power to investigate and take action. In contrast, complaints regarding unregulated nutritionists can only be dealt with by their employer or through legal action in court if they are self-employed.

Verify that your nutrition expert is a dietitian.