The Dietetics in Healthcare Communities Dietetic Practice Group (DHCC DPG) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (Academy), under the guidance of the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) Practice Competence Committee, has revised the Scope and Standards of Practice for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists in Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Nutrition (Scope and Standards in PALTC), previously titled Revised 2018 Standards of Practice (SOP) and Standards of Professional Performance (SOPP) for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (Competent, Proficient, and Expert) in Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Nutrition.1
A focus area of nutrition and dietetics is a defined area of practice that requires focused knowledge, skills, and experience that applies to all levels of practice.2 This document, along with the Code of Ethics3 and the 2024 Scope and Standards of Practice for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs)4 can be used by RDNs to guide their practice and performance.
These foundational documents describe how RDNs in PALTC:
- are uniquely qualified to provide nutrition and dietetics care and services;
- demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and competencies for the provision of safe, effective, and quality care and services at the competent, proficient, and expert levels of practice; and
- use a systematic approach when benchmarking levels of proficiency and determining paths for knowledge and skill development for personal and professional advancement.