Your rights as a consumer

When seeing an APD, you have the right to:

• be listened to
• be treated with respect and care
• receive services without exploitation
• receive services without discrimination
• receive safe and high-quality services based on current knowledge and practices
• be included in decisions and choices about your treatment or care
• receive enough information that you can understand, to make informed decisions and act on advice
• be referred to another practitioner if you have requested or need another opinion or service
• grant, withhold or withdraw consent to treatment or a procedure at any stage
• raise any concerns and have these addressed
• have your information kept confidential, and only released with your permission or if the law or the safety of the public needs it
• receive a copy of the results of any tests and analyses
• have a copy or summary of your records sent to another practitioner when needed or requested
• receive an itemised account of fees and charges
• complain without fear of any repercussion
• access a formal complaints process if an issue occurs

As a patient and client, you also have responsibilities to the dietitian. These allow the dietitian to provide the best service and advice to you.

You're responsible to:

• arrive at appointments on time or cancel if you need to
• ensure all documents you provide are up-to-date, for example, referrals and results
• provide enough information for the dietitian to make an accurate assessment
• be truthful about your medical history, eating habits, physical activity and other related details
• don't expect services beyond the dietitian's scope of practice
• pay fees on time
• understand that each person is responsible for their own health

Complaints and feedback

All dietitians should 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.