An Introduction to the Code of Ethics for the Nutrition and Dietetics Profession
Wolf J. Rinke, PhD, RDN, CSP

©2018 Wolf Rinke Associates. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the Publisher.

CUSTOMER COMMENTS

Melania A. Obrien - "Easy to understand, cases cited contributed to the understanding of the 4 principles of the Code of Ethics."

Jennifer Chapler - "It covered all aspects of ethics in the clinical profession in detail: definition, situation, practicality and expectations. This educational series/material will be a great reference for me."

Annie Ka Hing Chung-Hui - "It's a good Ethics review course, especially the chart on how to 'Approach to Ethical Decision-Making'. Thanks so much!"

Christine H. Lee - "I liked the case questions so I have a better understanding how I would deal with code of ethics in the real life."

Jill A. Schaeffer - "I liked the scenarios given in the handout as examples of non-ethical behavior."

Etha M. Bailey - "Principles and Standards were classifies in 4 categories and explained very thoroughly."

Lynn A. Dennie - "The four moral principles and standards in the Code of Ethics were well explained and easy to understand. I also liked the 6 step Approach to Ethical Decision Making. Even the Glossary of Terms was helpful in this review."

Nanette W. Taho - "Critical thinking questions on everyday situations I can equate to my work day."

Nancy Griffin Koch - "Very concise testing and material layout was user-friendly. Good use of case studies. I had taken another ethics test from another author and preferred yours over others! Questions were well-balanced!"

 

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to An Introduction to the Code of Ethics for the Nutrition and Dietetics Profession, a pre-approved accredited CPE self-study program.
Nutrition and dietetics practitioners are faced with ethical situations and dilemmas virtually every day. Because settings for practice vary, the issues faced are very diverse. This mini-program is designed to introduce you to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (Academy) and its credentialing agency the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) Code of Ethics for the Nutrition and Dietetics Profession (Code of Ethics) which is based on a system of ethics built on four moral principles: 1. Non-Maleficence; 2. Autonomy; 3. Beneficence, and 4. Justice, so that you can apply these principles to your own situations.
The term nutrition dietetics practitioner is used in this CPE program to refer to RDs/RDNs and DTRs/NDTRs.
This CPE program is a level 2 Continuing Professional Education (CPE) program approved for two (2) continuing professional education units (CPEUs). That means that the reader has general knowledge of literature and professional practice in the area covered. The focus of the program is to enhance knowledge and application.
To get the most benefit from this program, we suggest you adhere to the following steps:
Step 1: Review the objectives for the CPE program.
Step 2: Study each chapter. As you read, think of patients from your own practice who fit the situation described.
Step 3: Assess what you have learned by answering the self-assessment questions and compare your answers to the answer key at the end of this program. Once you scored at least 80% correct go to our website https://www.easycpecredits.com to submit your Continuing Professional Education Reporting Form. You must do this before your course expires (one year from the date of your purchase). Click on the link "Submit CPE Reporting Form" and type in your Receipt Order Number in the “Course Registration Number” field. You will find that number in the email confirmation you received when you purchased your course. Fill out the rest of the information on this form and click the submit button at the bottom of the form...it's that simple. You will get an immediate confirmation that we received your form and your certificate will be emailed to you within 2-5 days to the email you provided on the reporting form.

Act Ethically!
Wolf J. Rinke, PhD, RD, CSP

GOAL AND OBJECTIVES

Goal

To provide you with a better understanding of the Code of Ethics so that you can apply these principles to your own situations.

Objectives

As a result of completing this self-directed, accredited learning program, you will be better able to:

• identify ethical issues and standards in dietetics,
  
• compare and contrast ethical issues,
  
• recall critical principles in the Code of Ethics,
  
• apply the Code of Ethics to achieve ethical conduct and practices.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Wolf J. Rinke, PhD, RDN, CSP is the president and founder of Wolf Rinke Associates, a company that has provided high-quality CPE programs to nutrition and dietetics practitioners since 1990.
He earned a BS at Drexel University, an MS at Iowa State University, a PhD in Continuing and Vocational Education (Adult Ed) at the University of Wisconsin and interned at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He participated in a test item writer workshop sponsored by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
Wolf is a past Adjunct Associate Professor, Graduate School of Management & Technology, University of Maryland, and a former Adjunct Faculty Member, School of Continuing Studies, The Johns Hopkins University.
He is the past president of the DC Dietetic Association and has been honored by the Academy with the Award for Excellence in the Practice of Management; the Outstanding Dietitian of the Year Award; the Outstanding Service Award; and has delivered the Lenna Frances Cooper Lecture.
At the Academy, he has served in numerous leadership roles including Chair, Scholarship Committee, DBC; Chair, Communication Committee, CDR; Chair, Area Coordinating Committee, COE; Chair, COE, and member of the Resource for Education Programs Committee; Honors Committee; CDR, Licensure Panel and Ethical Practices Task Force; CDR; House of Delegates and Board of Directors.
He is the author of more than 500 articles, numerous CPE self-study programs, and several popular books including Make It a Winning Life: Success Strategies for Life, Love and Business; Winning Management: 6 Fail-Safe Strategies for Building High-Performance Organizations; and Don’t Oil the Squeaky Wheel and 19 Other Contrarian Ways to Improve Your Leadership Effectiveness.