The Health Professions Act (HPA) requires that all Colleges have a Continuing Competence Program in place. To maintain their registration with the College, Registered Dietitians and Registered Nutritionists must participate in the mandatory program of the College. The program is designed to ensure regulated members remain competent and provide safe, ethical service that meets or exceeds professional standards.
The HPA defines competence as “the combined knowledge, skills, attitudes and judgement required to provide professional services”. Professional competence involves the interaction and integration of knowledge, critical thinking, judgement, attitudes, skills, values and beliefs.
The Continuing Competence Program of the College of Dietitians of Alberta focuses on maintaining professional competence and enhancing the provision of professional services with respect to the Standards of Practice and Essential Competencies for Dietetic Practice (2007) established by the College of Dietitians of Alberta in consultation with the Alliance of Canadian Dietetic Regulatory Bodies and dietitians across Canada. The Continuing Competence Program is flexible, outcome based and designed to support the professional growth and development of members in a way that enhances their career and personal goals.