DEP Area 1 Doris Fredericks, MEd, RD, FADADEP Areas 2 - 5   Dianne K Polly, RD, LDN, JDDEP Areas 3 - 4 Constance Geiger, PhD, RD, CDDEP Areas 6 - 7 Marianne Smith Edge, MS, RD, LD, FADA

As a result of the session, the attendee will: Understand the role of ethics for the profession of

dietetics Understand the implications/applications of the new

Code of Ethics for all ADA members and CDR credentialed practitioners

Identify opportunities to incorporate the Code of Ethics into daily practice.

Audience Choice Audience Suggestions

The first code of ethics was adopted by the House of Delegates in October 1982; enforcement began in1985. The code applied to members of the American Dietetic Association only.

A second code was adopted by the House of Delegates in October 1987 and applied to all members and Commission on Dietetic Registration credentialed practitioners.

A third revision of the code was adopted by the House of Delegates on October 18, 1998, and enforced as of June 1, 1999, for all members and Commission on Dietetic Registration credentialed practitioners.

The fourth revision to the ADA/CDR Code of Ethics was completed and published in the August 2009 Journal of the American Dietetic Association (2009; 109:1461-1467).

This Code was approved by the House of Delegates, ADA Board of Directors and Commission on Dietetic Registration in May and June 2009.

The principles are divided into categories to assist use and understanding:Fundamental Principles: #1, #2Responsibilities to the Public: #3-#7Responsibilities to Clients: #8-#11Responsibilities to the Profession: #12-#18Responsibilities to Colleagues and Other Professionals: #19

~ 10-15 minutes Review case study Discuss at Table Open Microphone

Report Table Discussion Ask Questions

Code of Ethics Principles Audience Choice

A Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) student, who is a student member of ADA, is in a computer lab at the university taking an online examination for one of his courses. The course syllabus specifically states that the exam is to be taken without the use of the textbook or class notes. One of the student’s classmates observes the student referring to the text and class notes while completing the online exam. What should be done in this situation?

Is the situation described an ethical issue? Or, is it a business dispute?

What principle(s) of the Code of Ethics does it relate to and how/why?

How might you handle as a colleague? How might the Ethics Committee handle if this was

submitted as a complaint?

A registered dietitian (RD) is reading blogs posted by colleagues in dietetics. He finds nutrition misinformation written by an RD; her posting is not in agreement with a non-government organization’s recommendations and current scientific evidence. He is familiar with the topic because he consults for a food company that relies on the information to support their brand messages. He knows that the RD is incorrect and perpetuating myths, but he worries that it could also be considered a conflict of interest for him to correct the RD on the site.

Is the situation described an ethical issue? Or, is it a business dispute?

What principle(s) of the Code of Ethics does it relate to and how/why?

How might you handle as a colleague? How might the Ethics Committee handle if this was

submitted as a complaint?

A group of registered dietetics practitioners, who are friends and co-workers have decided it will be easier (and less expensive) to meet continuing professional education (CPE) requirements if as a group, they decide on a plan with minor variations for each person to submit as their own. This, they rationalize will allow discussion and planning for helping those who are not sure of their plans. Further, the attendance at the CPE events will be split among the group with designated members taking responsibility for attending, taking detailed notes, taping speakers and duplicating any handouts, and CPE proof.

Is the situation described an ethical issue? Or, is it a business dispute?

What principle(s) of the Code of Ethics does it relate to and how/why?

How might you handle as a colleague? How might the Ethics Committee handle if this was

submitted as a complaint?

Describe the situation for discussion.Discussion questions: Is the situation described an ethical issue? Or, is it a

business dispute? What principle(s) of the Code of Ethics does it relate to and

how/why? How might you handle as a colleague? How might the Ethics Committee handle if this was

submitted as a complaint?

Ethics in Action ColumnsJournal of the American Dietetic Association

FNCE 2011September 24–27San Diego, California

www.eatright.org/codeofethics