Dietitians Australia Code of Conduct

This Code of Conduct (the Code) establishes the ethical and professional standards expected of all members of Dietitians Australia. It serves as a framework for professional practice and guides members in their conduct with clients, colleagues, the public, and other professionals. Adherence to this Code is a fundamental condition of membership and is essential to maintaining public trust in the profession of dietetics and nutrition.

1. Professional Values and Principles

Members of Dietitians Australia are committed to the following core values and principles in all aspects of their work.

1.1 Integrity and Honesty

Members must practice with integrity, honesty, and transparency. They must not engage in fraudulent, deceptive, or misleading conduct.

1.2 Respect for Persons

Members must respect the dignity, autonomy, privacy, and cultural values of every individual. This includes respecting the rights of clients to make informed decisions about their own health and nutrition.

1.3 Professional Competence

Members must maintain and develop their professional knowledge and skills to ensure they provide safe, effective, and evidence-based services. They must practice within the boundaries of their competence.

1.4 Social Justice and Equity

Members must promote equitable access to nutrition services and information, and work to address systemic barriers to good health and nutrition.

2. Responsibilities to Clients

The primary responsibility of a member is to promote the health and wellbeing of their clients.

2.1 Client-Centered Care

Members must provide care that is respectful of and responsive to individual client preferences, needs, and values.

• Conduct a thorough and appropriate assessment.

• Develop individualized, evidence-based nutrition care plans in partnership with the client.

• Obtain informed consent prior to commencing any service.

2.2 Privacy and Confidentiality

Members have a duty to protect the confidential information of clients in accordance with the law and professional standards.

• Client information can only be disclosed with the client’s consent, or where required or permitted by law.

• Secure storage of client records is mandatory.

2.3 Professional Boundaries

Members must establish and maintain clear professional boundaries with clients to ensure a safe and effective therapeutic relationship.

• Avoid dual relationships that could impair professional judgment or exploit the client.

• Do not engage in sexual or romantic relationships with current clients.

2.4 Fees and Financial Arrangements

Members must be transparent about fees and financial arrangements.

• Provide clear information about costs prior to service.

• Avoid exploitative financial practices.

3. Responsibilities in Professional Practice

3.1 Evidence-Based Practice

Members must base their professional activities on the best available scientific evidence, critically appraised and applied judiciously.

3.2 Professional Development

Members must engage in ongoing learning and professional development to maintain and enhance their competence.

3.3 Record Keeping

Accurate, contemporaneous, and secure records must be maintained for all client interactions.

3.4 Advertising and Public Statements

Members must ensure that any advertising or public statement about their services or nutrition is truthful, not misleading, and does not bring the profession into disrepute.

• Claims about benefits must be supported by evidence.

• Do not guarantee specific outcomes.

• Clearly distinguish between factual information and personal opinion.

4. Responsibilities to Colleagues and the Profession

4.1 Collegiality and Collaboration

Members must treat colleagues and other health professionals with respect and work collaboratively to achieve the best outcomes for clients.

4.2 Reporting Unethical Conduct

Members have a responsibility to take appropriate action if they have reasonable grounds to believe that another member’s conduct poses a risk to the public or is in serious breach of this Code.

4.3 Upholding the Reputation of the Profession

Members must act in a manner that upholds the integrity and good reputation of the dietetics profession.

5. Responsibilities in Research

Members involved in research must adhere to the highest ethical standards.

• Obtain approval from a duly constituted Human Research Ethics Committee.

• Ensure voluntary and informed consent from participants.

• Conduct research with scientific integrity and report findings honestly.

6. Breaches of the Code

Alleged breaches of this Code will be managed in accordance with Dietitians Australia’s Complaints and Disciplinary Procedures. Sanctions for a proven breach may include, but are not limited to, counselling, reprimand, conditions on practice, suspension, or expulsion from membership.

7. Declaration and Commitment

By maintaining membership with Dietitians Australia, I acknowledge that I have read, understood, and agree to abide by this Code of Conduct in all my professional activities. I understand that failure to comply may result in disciplinary action.