Toronto - Clients of Registered Dietitians in Ontario will have better access to timely nutrition care as a result of the Premier Dalton McGuity's announcement yesterday on changes to the scope of practice of dietetics. "These changes enhance the care that Registered Dietitians provide by allowing them to fully use their skills and expertise", explains Linda Dietrich, Regional Executive Director with Dietitians of Canada. "Under changes proposed to the Regulated Health Professions Act, Registered Dietitians (RDs) will now have the authority to order laboratory tests to monitor nutritional status, and perform finger pricks to assess blood glucose levels."

For many patients, this will streamline care and ensure that the RD has the most accurate and up to date information for assessment and treatment decisions.

While today's announcement is certainly a step in the right direction, Dietrich remains concerned that patient safety and timely care may continue to be compromised by the inability of RDs to order nutrition care in public hospitals: Under the Public Hospitals Act, Registered Dietitians may make recommendations about the appropriate diet for a patient but the patient's correct diet order is delayed until the physician signs off on the RD's recommendation. We would like to see RDs be authorized to write the diet order independently.

Dietrich notes that Registered Dietitians work in many settings in addition to hospitals, including public and community health, food service, food industry, private practice, education, non governmental organizations and aboriginal health. Dietitians of Canada continues to support revision to the Scope of Practice statement for Dietetics to reflect the practice of all our members.

"While we are very pleased with the changes that have been announced, we believe that further changes to the Public Hospitals Act and the Scope of Practice statement are in the best interest of patient safety and quality care," says Dietrich.

Dietitians of Canada represents almost 6,000 dietitians across Canada, with almost 3000 members in Ontario, and is committed to advancing the health and well-being of consumers through food and nutrition.