Focus Area Scope and Standards for RDNs
Focus Area Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance are tools used by RDNs for self-assessment, professional development and advancement of practice.
Learn more by reviewing articles linked below.
Focus Areas
Adult Weight Management
Journal Article | Highlights
Nephrology Nutrition
Journal Article | Highlights
Oncology Nutrition
Article | Journal Briefing Article
Pediatric Nutrition
Journal Article | Highlights
Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Nutrition
Article | Journal Briefing Article
Sports and Human Performance Nutrition
Journal Article | Highlights
Focus Areas
Clinical Nutrition Management (SOPP only)
Journal Article | Highlights
Diabetes Care
Article | Journal Briefing Article
Eating Disorders
Journal Article | Highlights
Education of Nutrition and Dietetics Practitioners (SOPP only)
Effective March 2025, The Revised 2018 Standards of Professional Performance for RDNs (Competent, Proficient and Expert) in Education of Nutrition and Dietetics Practitioner will be retired. For resources related to this focus area see NDEP, ACEND, and CDR's pages for Program Directors and the Essential Practice Competencies.
Food and Culinary (New)
Article
Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Journal Article | Highlights
Management of Food and Nutrition Systems (SOPP only)
Journal Article | Highlights
Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders (New)
Article
Nutrition in Integrative and Functional Medicine (New)
Article
Nutrition Support
Journal Article | Highlights
Public Health and Community Nutrition
Journal Article | Highlights
Sustainable, Resilient, and Healthy Food and Water Systems (SOPP only)
Journal Article | Highlights
Malnutrition Care Score Transition
Starting on January 1, 2026, the Global Malnutrition Composite Score (GMCS) will transition to the Malnutrition Care Score (MCS), with the inclusion criteria for hospitalized patients broadened to incorporate individuals aged 18 years and older (previously applied to individuals 65 years and older).
All Scope and Standards of Practice articles that use GMCS terminology are considered accurate as of the publication date. Practitioners are responsible for staying informed about current updates.
References
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