Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Revised 2019 Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (Competent, Proficient, and Expert) in Nutrition in Integrative and Functional Medicine

Abstract

Nutrition in integrative and functional medicine encompasses a patient-/client-centered, healing-oriented approach to health that embraces both conventional and complementary therapies. Registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) practitioners in integrative and functional medicine focus on nutrition care that is both preventative and interventional in addressing the root causes of disease. The Dietitians in Integrative and Functional Medicine Dietetic Practice Group, along with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Quality Management Committee, have updated the Standards of Practice (SOP) and Standards of Professional Performance (SOPP) for RDNs working in nutrition in integrative and functional medicine. The SOP and SOPP for RDNs in Nutrition in Integrative and Functional Medicine provide indicators that describe three levels of practice: competent, proficient, and expert. The SOP uses the Nutrition Care Process and clinical workflow elements for delivering patient/client care. The SOPP describes the following six domains that focus on professional performance: Quality in Practice, Competence and Accountability, Provision of Services, Application of Research, Communication and Application of Knowledge, and Utilization and Management of Resources. Specific indicators outlined in the SOP and SOPP depict how these standards apply to practice. The SOP and SOPP are complementary resources for RDNs and are intended to be used as a self-evaluation tool for assuring competent practice in nutrition in integrative and functional medicine and for determining potential education and training needs for advancement to a higher practice level in a variety of settings.