We want dietitians to deliver high-quality dietetic services. That's why we've developed professional standards for our members.
We expect our members, and all Accredited Practising Dietitians (APDs), to work to these standards. Our standards mean you can trust your dietitian to give you safe and ethical dietetic services.
As members of the National Alliance of Self Regulating Health Professionals (NASRHP), our standards meet benchmarks set for allied health professions.
Our members and all dietitians who hold the Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) credential must uphold these standards.
Professional standards for APDs
To keep their credential, all APDs must:
- follow our professional standards
- work to their scope
- agree to ongoing professional learning activities
We randomly audit our APDs every year to make sure they're following the standards.
Our standards ensure all APDs:
- deliver safe, effective and evidence-based services
- make ethical decisions
- engage in ongoing professional learning
- maintain recent practice hours
- are a valued and credible source of food and nutrition information
When you work with an APD, you can trust them to deliver high-quality dietetic health services.
National Competency Standards for Dietitians
These standards describe the essential competencies for dietitians to perform their roles in Australia.
They help explain the professional roles and expectations of dietitians to:
- dietetic students
- dietitians
- educators
- healthcare consumers
- policy-makers
- politicians and public servants
The competency standards define the knowledge, skills and behaviours all dietitians need.
Under the National Competency Standards, we expect dietitians to:
- practise professionally
- influence good health and nutrition outcomes
- apply critical thinking and use evidence to inform their practice
- collaborate with clients and stakeholders
Read our National Competency Standards
Code of Conduct for dietitians and nutritionists
Our Code of Conduct sets our expectations for the professional behaviour of dietitians practising in Australia.
We expect all APDs and members to follow our code.
Scope of practice
Our scope of practice for dietitians defines the role of an APD. This framework helps dietetic professionals make decisions about practising in a safe and ethical way.
The scope allows for individual innovation to give better patient care.
Read our scope of practice.
Complaints and feedback
We expect all dietitians to deliver safe and ethical services to their clients.
If you're worried about the conduct of an APD or a member of Dietitians Australia, you can make a complaint.
Learn more about our complaints process.
If you're not sure of a dietitian's credentials, check our APD register.
Get in touch
If you have questions about our professional standards, contact us at credentialing@dietitiansaustralia.org.au