# Title 20.5 — Dietetic Practice, Board of

## Article 20.5-02 — Initial Licensure and Renewals

## Chapter 20.5-02-02 — Code of Ethics

### § 20.5-02-02-01. Code of ethics.

A licensee shall comply with the following code of ethics in the licensee's professional practice and
conduct. The code reflects the ethical principles of the dietetic and nutrition profession and outlines
obligations of the licensee to self, client, society, and the profession and sets forth mandatory standards
of conduct for all licensees.
1. The licensee shall provide professional services with objectivity and with respect for the
unique needs and values of individuals as determined through the nutritional assessment.
2. The licensee shall conduct all practices of dietetics or nutrition with honesty and integrity.
3. The licensee shall present substantiated information and interpret controversial information
without personal bias, recognizing that legitimate differences of opinion exist.
4. The licensee shall practice dietetics or nutrition based on scientific principles and current
information.
5. The licensee shall assume responsibility and accountability for personal competence in
practice.
6. The licensee shall inform the public of the licensee's services by using factual information and
may not advertise in a false or misleading manner.
7. The licensee may not exercise undue influence on a client, including the promotion or the sale
of services or products. The licensee shall be alert to any conflicts of interest and shall provide
full disclosure when a real or potential conflict of interest arises.
8. The licensee may not reveal information about a client obtained in a professional capacity,
without prior consent of the client, except as authorized or required by law and shall make full
disclosure about any limitations on the licensee's ability to guarantee this.
9. The licensee shall recognize and exercise professional judgment within the limits of the
licensee's qualifications and may not accept or perform professional responsibilities which the
licensee knows or has reason to know that the licensee is not qualified to perform.
10. The licensee shall take action, with prior consent of the client, to inform a client's physician or
other health care practitioner in cases where a client's nutritional status indicates a change in
health status.
11. The licensee shall give sufficient information based on the client's ability to process
information such that the client can make the client's own informed decisions. The licensee
may not guarantee that nutrition care services will cause any certain outcome or particular
result for the client.
12. The licensee shall permit use of that licensee's name for the purpose of certifying that dietetic
or nutrition services have been rendered only if the licensee has provided or supervised those
services.

13. The licensee shall demonstrate professionalism and respect in all communication, including
social media.
History: Effective December 1, 1986; amended effective October 1, 2000; April 1, 2013; July 1, 2022.
General Authority: NDCC 43-44-03
Law Implemented: NDCC 43-44-03
### § 20.5-02-02-02. Unacceptable professional conduct.

The following constitute unacceptable professional conduct by a licensed registered dietitian or
nutritionist and shall subject such licensee or potential licensee to discipline, revocation of licensure, or
sanction, or a combination thereof:
1. Taking financial advantage of a client, or using one's position within an agency to enhance
one's private practice or the private practice of others for personal gain.
2. Entering into any illegal acts with a client.
3. Participating in, condoning, or being an accessory to dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or
misrepresentation in the practice of dietetics or nutrition.
4. Not providing clients with accurate and complete information regarding the extent and nature
of the services available to them.
5. Convicted of a criminal act which affects the practice of the profession. (North Dakota Century
Code section 12.1-33-02.1).
6. Violating any federal or state confidentiality client care regulation statutes.
7. Violating any federal or state discrimination statutes or regulations.
8. Not seeking adequate and appropriate treatment for any illness or disorder which interferes
with professional functioning or ability to perform the basic expected functions, or both, of a
dietitian or a nutritionist.
9. Using misrepresentation in the procurement of licensing as a dietitian or nutritionist or
knowingly assisting another in the procurement of licensing through misrepresentation.
Misrepresentation of professional qualifications, certifications, accreditations, affiliation, and
employment experiences.
10. Failure to report through the proper channels the incompetent, unethical, or illegal practice of
any licensed dietitian or nutritionist who is providing such service.
11. Participating in activities that constitute a conflict of professional interest and adversely affect
the licensee's ability to provide dietetic or nutrition services.
12. Being disciplined by an agency of another state that regulates the practice of dietetics or
nutrition and at least one of the grounds for the discipline is the same or substantially
equivalent to the grounds for discipline in this state.
13. Providing any inaccurate, misleading, or false information to the board regarding a licensure
action.
14. Providing inaccurate or incompetent services to a client which present a risk of harm to the
client, even if harm does not actually occur.
History: Effective June 1, 1991; amended effective October 1, 2000; April 1, 2013; July 1, 2022.
General Authority: NDCC 43-44-03

Law Implemented: NDCC 43-44-03
