HEALTHCARE and dietetic practice are constantly changing. Dietitians may be asked to take on new tasks or roles or may seek new opportunities within their practice. These situations can often raise important questions such as: Can I do this task? Should I take on this role?
It is essential to answer these questions in a way that supports client‑centred care, interprofessional collaboration, and the dietetic scope of practice.
This decision‑making framework applies to all dietitians practising in Ontario, regardless of practice setting. It supports thoughtful evaluation of new tasks or roles through four key questions.
Question 1: Is the new task or role within the dietetic scope of practice?
The scope of practice statement in the Dietetics Act, together with the College’s definition of practising dietetics, supports a broad range of activities. These activities involve the application of food and nutrition knowledge in the prevention and treatment of nutritional conditions and disorders.
The phrase “scope of practice” commonly refers to three things:
- Professional scope – the areas of expertise dietitians are educated and prepared to provide.
- Legal scope – activities dietitians are authorized to perform under legislation.
- Individual scope – a dietitian’s personal area of competence.
Dietitians should avoid narrow interpretations based solely on traditional roles, particularly when these conflict with client needs. Reflection and consultation are encouraged to determine whether restrictions unnecessarily limit service. In some circumstances, activities outside the profession’s scope (for example, prescribing a drug) may be performed through delegation.
Question 2: Are there any legal or organizational considerations?
Dietitians must consider:
- Applicable legislation.
- Organizational policies specific to their practice setting.
These frameworks define who may perform certain activities and under what conditions (for example, does the task require an order or medical directive?). Within these parameters, dietitians should consider available processes and flexibilities that support meeting client needs while maintaining safety and quality of care.
Question 3: Do I have the knowledge and skill to perform the new task or role?
Competence includes knowledge, skill, and judgment and is a core professional responsibility. Competence is not static and can be developed throughout a career.
When client needs are better met by a dietitian taking on a new task or role, the dietitian must consider how to acquire the required competence. Simply declining a task based solely on current competence alone may, in some cases, fail to meet client needs.
Question 4: Who is best positioned to perform the new task or role?
The new task or role may be performed by:
- The dietitian.
- Another health professional.
- Another provider.
- Shared among the interprofessional team.
Decisions should be made in the client’s best interest, considering scope of practice, legal and organizational requirements, and the ability to develop competence. Outcomes may not be a simple “yes” or “no” and may involve collaborative or shared approaches.
Key Takeaways
Dietitians should:
- Reflect on whether the task or role is within scope of practice.
- Avoid unnecessarily narrow interpretations of scope.
- Consider relevant legislation and organizational policies.
- Identify processes that support safe, high-quality care.
- Possess or acquire the required competence.
- Consider interprofessional options to best meet client needs.
References
College Standards, Guidelines and other articles
College of Dietitians of Ontario. Legislation & Bylaws.
College of Dietitians of Ontario. Scope of Practice.
College of Dietitians of Ontario. Definition of Practising Dietetics.
College of Dietitians of Ontario. Standards and Guidelines.
This article is based on “Is this Beyond your Scope of Practice” by Richard Steinecke, LLB, previously published in the Fall 2012 issue of Résumé, the former newsletter of the College of Dietitians of Ontario.
