Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 157-6-.02 - Ethics of Dietitians

(1) The licensure law for dietitians provides that a Code of Ethics will be adopted and published and licensed dietitians will be required to adhere to the Code of Ethics. This code of ethics reflects the ethical principles of the dietetic profession and outlines obligations of the member to self, client, society, and the profession, and is adapted from the Code of Ethics for the Profession of Dietetics adopted by the American Dietetic Association and the Commission on Dietetic Registration. A violation of the Code of Ethics is considered unprofessional conduct and grounds for discipline under O.C.G.A. 43-1-19(6); 43-11A-15(6).

(2) Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 43-11A-7(9), the Georgia Board of Examiners of Licensed Dietitians shall have the power to adopt, publish and enforce a Code of Ethics. The Licensed Dietitian provides professional services with objectivity and with respect for the unique needs and values of individuals by:

(a) providing sufficient information to enable clients, and others, to make their own informed decisions;

(b) avoiding discrimination on the basis of factors that are irrelevant to the provision of the professional services, including, but not limited to, race, creed, sex, ethnicity, religion, disability, national origin, sexual orientation and age; and

(c) not engaging in sexual harassment.

(3) The Licensed Dietitian accurately presents professional qualifications and credentials by:

(a) using "LD" or "Licensed Dietitian" only when his/her license is current and authorized by the Georgia Board of Examiners of Licensed Dietitians;

(b) using "PLD" or "Provisionally Licensed Dietitian" only when his/her provisional permit is current and authorized by the Georgia Board of Licensed Dietitians;

(c) Certifying the provision of dietetics services only when provided directly by the licensed dietitian or under the supervision of the licensed dietitian.

(4) The Licensed Dietitian does not aid another in violating any Law or Rule of the Georgia Board of Examiners of Licensed Dietitians or aid another person in representing himself/herself as a Licensed Dietitian/Provisionally Licensed Dietitian or practicing dietetics when he/she is not licensed or otherwise exempted from licensure.

(5) The Licensed Dietitian remains free from conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict by providing full disclosure when a real or potential conflict of interest arises.

(6) The Licensed Dietitian promotes or endorses products only in a manner that is neither false nor misleading.

(7) The Licensed Dietitian assumes responsibility and accountability for personal competence in practice by:

(a) practicing dietetics based on scientific principles and current information;

(b) continually striving to increase professional knowledge and skills and to apply them in practice;

(c) recognizing the limits of his/her qualifications and where appropriate seeks counsel or makes referrals or collaborates with others;

(d) adhering to accepted standards for his/her area of practice.

(8) The Licensed Dietitian complies with all applicable laws and regulations concerning the profession, but seeks to change them if they are inconsistent with the best interest of the public and the profession.

(9) The Licensed Dietitian presents substantiated information and interprets controversial information without personal bias, recognizing that legitimate differences of opinion exist.

(10) The Licensed Dietitian maintains the confidentiality of information and makes full disclosure about any limitations on his/her ability to maintain full confidentiality.

(11) The Licensed Dietitian conducts him/herself with honesty, integrity and fairness by:

(a) providing factual information to the public and colleagues of his/her services and not advertising in a false or misleading manner;

(b) making all reasonable effort to be objective and avoid bias of any kind in the professional evaluation of others.

(12) The Licensed Dietitian accepts obligation to protect the public and promotes the high standards of professional practice by upholding the laws, rules and Code of Ethics of the Georgia Board of Examiners of Licensed Dietitians and by reporting alleged violations.

Notes

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 157-6-.02

Authority O.C.G.A. Secs. 43-1-19, 43-1-25, 43-11A-7, 43-11A-15.

Original Rule entitled "Ethics of Dietitians" adopted. F. Dec. 3, 2004; eff. Dec. 23, 2004. Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. May 1, 2008; eff. May 21, 2008.