Protected Titles
The protected titles that each regulated health profession is given in legislation (the Health Professions Act) indicate to consumers that the health care provider is regulated by, and accountable to a College to practice in accordance with the codes and standards established.
The public can recognize a food and nutrition professional who is regulated by the College of Dietitians of Alberta by looking for the protected titles and initials authorized for use under the Registered Dietitians and Registered Nutritionists Profession Regulation:
“17(1) A regulated member on the general register or on the courtesy register may use the following protected titles and initials:
(a) registered dietitian;
(b) dietitian;
(c) registered nutritionist;
(d) R.D;
(e) nutritionist.
(2) A regulated member on the temporary register may use the protected title dietitian.”
In accordance with provincial law, registration with the College is mandatory to use any of the above titles. Registered Dietitians and Registered Nutritionists have the same education and training and may choose to use either title as regulated members of the College.
Schedule 23: Profession of Registered Dietitians and Registered Nutritionists within the Health Professions Act lists the protected titles given to the College of Dietitians of Alberta. These protected titles and initials are restricted for use by regulated members of the College.
- Registered Dietitian
- Registered Nutritionist
- RD
- Dietitian
- Nutritionist
- Provisional Dietitian
- Dietetic Intern
The Health Professions Act also protects the use of the words: college, registered, regulated and regulated health professional. Only regulated members of colleges under the Health Professions Act may use these titles.
These titles are the consumer’s assurance that they are dealing with professionals who have met the strict standards for registration with the College. Anyone using these titles must be a regulated member of the College and may be subject to fines for inappropriate use of the titles. It is every regulated member’s responsibility to protect the integrity of the profession by reporting title misuse to the College by email.
The public and employers are encouraged to verify that an individual is a regulated member of the College of Dietitians of Alberta. To ensure that an individual is registered, you may ask to see their practice permit, you may verify their registration online by referring to the Public Register or you may contact the College.