Commitment to Professional Standards

As a regulated health professional, I practice in accordance with the standards, ethics, and guidelines set out by the Nova Scotia Regulator of Dietetics (NSRD). This includes accountability for professional conduct, respectful client relationships, and safe, competent care. I am committed to providing safe, ethical, and high-quality nutrition services. Feedback, including concerns or complaints, is welcomed as it helps improve care and maintain professional accountability.

This policy outlines how clients may raise concerns and how those concerns will be addressed in a fair, respectful, and timely manner.

How to Raise a Concern

If you have a concern about any aspect of your care, you are encouraged to contact me directly as soon as possible so it can be addressed.

Complaints can be made by:

• Email: acacia@discoveringdietetics.ca

• Verbal discussion during or after a session, or via phone

  • In these cases I will send a summary email after the discussion and you will have the opportunity to make corrections as needed

Complaint Handling Process

Once a concern is received:

1. I will acknowledge receipt within a reasonable timeframe.

2. I will review the issue carefully and, where appropriate, discuss it with you directly.

3. I will aim to resolve concerns informally and collaboratively whenever possible.

4. If further review is required, I may need additional time to investigate and respond thoroughly.

5. A written summary of the outcome may be provided upon request or when appropriate.

Confidentiality

All complaints will be handled in accordance with the Nova Scotia Personal Health Information Act (PHIA). Personal health information will only be collected, used, and disclosed as necessary to address the concern and will be kept confidential and secure at all times.

Escalation

If you are not satisfied with the outcome, you have the right to escalate your concern to the Nova Scotia Regulator of Dietetics (NSRD). The Nova Scotia Regulator of Dietetics (NSRD) is the regulatory body responsible for protecting the public by overseeing the registration and licensing of dietitians in Nova Scotia. The NSRD sets and enforces professional standards and conduct requirements for the profession.

When receiving care from a dietitian, clients are entitled to competent and ethical services. While this is the standard expected in practice, there may be occasions where concerns arise regarding professional conduct or care.

One of the NSRD’s key responsibilities is to respond to concerns and investigate complaints about dietitians in Nova Scotia. The NSRD supports public safety by reviewing concerns when a formal complaint is submitted. Their complaint process is established under the Regulated Health Professions Act.

You may contact the NSRD directly if you wish to raise a concern about a regulated dietitian:

• Email: registrar@nsrd.ca

• Phone: 902-223-5718

You are not required to provide your name or contact information when initially discussing a concern with the NSRD; however, identifying information will be required if a formal complaint is submitted. For more information about the NSRD complaints process, please visit: https://nsrd.ca/make-a-complaint/