Code of Ethics Assignment

Group 4 Personal Ethics

Jamee West and Kaitlyn Richardson
NFS 4950
March 14, 2016

The American Dietetic Association, now the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, adopted
a Code of Ethics that every dietetics practitioner should follow. This Code acts as a guide for
professional conduct, and also provides an account of obligations to the public, clients,
colleagues, other professionals, and to the profession. The Academys Code of Ethics applies to
any dietetics practitioner , including Registered Dietitians and Dietetics Technicians, Registered;
both those who are members of the Academy, and those who are not.
While all of the principle of the Code of Ethics are vital and should be followed by all
dietetics practitioners, some seem to carry more weight than others. Principle 3 states that the
dietetics practitioner consistently acknowledges the health and safety of the public. As a
professional in the medical field, the foundation of a dietetics career is rooted in caring for
others. The welfare of the community should be a constant priority to dietetics practitioners.
Another principle that is considered extremely important is principle 6, which states that the
dietetics practitioner should not mislead their clients or participate in any false practice. False
advertising is prohibited and practitioners should always provide accurate information to the
public. This principle is crucial because clients need to be aware of exactly what product and
services they are receiving. It is necessary that the dietetics practitioner communicates truthful
information for the wellbeing of the public, and also to build a trusting relationship with clients.
Not only should the relayed information be honest, it should also be evidence based through
research as stated in principle 12. The final principle that is considered more important in
comparison is principle 10. This principle states that dietetics practitioners should keep client
information confidential.
If we disagreed with the ethical behavior of a Registered Dietitian we would present our
perspective of the issue and explain to them that their behavior does not coincide with the Code

of Ethics. This will allow them the opportunity to correct their behavior. If their unethical
behavior is consistent or reoccurring, they may need to be reported. As mentioned in principle 2,
any perceived violation of the Code of Ethics should be reported.
Our personal ethics case study posed the dilemma: whether or not to write to legislators
indicating our support for a nutrition program that our nutrition committee has recently
undertaken. The nutrition program is a fad diet and is very controversial, so there are several
reasons and corresponding Code of Ethics principles that indicate why we should not write to the
legislators showing our support. Principle 1 of the Code of Ethics states that the dietetics
practitioner is expected to be honest, fair, and of integrity. Showing false support for a program
that we disagree with would be dishonest and would violate this principle. Principle 6 also
provides reasoning against indicating our support of the nutrition program. According to this
principle, dietetics practitioners should not falsely communicate or promote anything that is
misleading. These professionals should always provide information that is truthful and accurate.
Although it may be possible to share this controversial nutrition program in an honest manner,
we do not have much information to support it and do not feel comfortable sharing it in
confidence. As knowledgeable professionals, we are aware of the dangers involved with fad
diets, and we do not support them. The final principle that applies to why we should not write
our support for the nutrition program is principle 12. According to this principle the dietetics
practitioner should practice only based on research that is evidence based. Since this diet is not
backed by any reputable research, we should not write to legislators stating that we support this
program.
The opposite action option includes writing to the legislators and indicating our support
of the controversial nutrition program. There are a few principles that support this decision,

including principle 9 and 13. Principle 9 allows clients to make informed decisions based on the
ample information provided by the dietetics practitioner. The dietetics practitioner fulfills their
duty by informing the client and then respecting the clients decision. In the case of the
controversial diet, the practitioner will share any knowledge relating to the nutrition program
with clients and then allow the client to decide whether or not to partake. Principle 13 requires
that the information shared about the nutrition program is relayed in a manner absent of personal
bias. By following principles 9 and 13, the dietetics practitioner gives full responsibility of
decision making to their client, and therefore determines it is okay to write legislators to indicate
our support of the nutrition program.
Although the choice is ultimately in the hands of the client, we will not write to
legislators indicating our support of the nutrition program. Principle 1 requires honesty and
integrity, and in this case, supporting the nutrition program would be a violation of this very
important principle. In accordance with principle 12, it is also very important to us that we are
always practicing based on evidence-based principles, which is not true in the case of the
nutrition program. Due to these principles, not writing to the legislators indicating our support
for the nutrition program outweighs writing to them. It is the dietetics practitioners duty to
remain loyal to integrity and science while maintaining a respectful manner, and that is what we
choose to do in this case.