Certification in dietetic specialties: proposed guidelines for establishing the American Board of Dietetic Specialities
Journal of the American Dietetic Association 74(2): 153-157
1979
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-8223 PMID: 762353 Document Number: 147236
The creation of the American Board of Dietetic Specialties would help to ensure the establishment, maintenance, and elevation of the standards of dietetic specialists. Guidelines for specialty board certification are suggested to provide evidence that a dietitian has acquired proficiency in a specialized area. To be eligible for certification, dietitians must have demonstrated a high level of competence through work experience, continuing education, and written and oral examinations. It is recommended that boards be established for administrative, clinical, and community dietetics. Unwarranted or excessively narrow sub-specialty certification should be avoided, since it can contribute to unnecessary fragmentation of services and prevent a comprehensive approach to nutritional care. It is specified that the boards be autonomous organizations supported by dues and fees.