Being Ethical in an Unethical World DEP Area

Being Ethical in an Unethical World DEP Area 1 Doris Fredericks, MEd, RD, FADA DEP Areas 2 - 5 Dianne K Polly, RD, LDN, JD DEP Areas 3 - 4 Constance Geiger, Ph. D, RD, CD DEP Areas 6 - 7 Marianne Smith Edge, MS, RD, LD, FADA

Objectives ¥ As a result of the session, the attendee will: Understand the role of ethics for the profession of dietetics ¥ Understand the implications/applications of the new Code of Ethics for all ADA members and CDR credentialed practitioners ¥ Identify opportunities to incorporate the Code of Ethics into daily practice. ¥ ¥ Audience Choice ¥ Audience Suggestions

ADA Code of Ethics The first code of ethics was adopted by the House of Delegates in October 1982; enforcement began in 1985. The code applied to members of the American Dietetic Association only.

ADA CDR Code of Ethics A second code was adopted by the House of Delegates in October 1987 and applied to all members and Commission on Dietetic Registration credentialed practitioners.

ADA CDR Code of Ethics A third revision of the code was adopted by the House of Delegates on October 18, 1998, and enforced as of June 1, 1999, for all members and Commission on Dietetic Registration credentialed practitioners.

ADA CDR Code of Ethics The fourth revision to the ADA/CDR Code of Ethics was completed and published in the August 2009 Journal of the American Dietetic Association (2009; 109: 1461 -1467). This Code was approved by the House of Delegates, ADA Board of Directors and Commission on Dietetic Registration in May and June 2009.

What’s New with Revised Code? The principles are divided into categories to assist use and understanding: ¥ ¥ ¥ Fundamental Principles: #1, #2 Responsibilities to the Public: #3 -#7 Responsibilities to Clients: #8 -#11 Responsibilities to the Profession: #12 -#18 Responsibilities to Colleagues and Other Professionals: #19

Case Study Process ¥ ¥ ~ 10 -15 minutes Review case study Discuss at Table Open Microphone ¥ ¥ Report Table Discussion Ask Questions ¥ ¥ Code of Ethics Principles Audience Choice

Case Study ¥ A Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) student, who is a student member of ADA, is in a computer lab at the university taking an online examination for one of his courses. The course syllabus specifically states that the exam is to be taken without the use of the textbook or class notes. One of the student’s classmates observes the student referring to the text and class notes while completing the online exam. What should be done in this situation?

Discussion Questions § § Is the situation described an ethical issue? Or, is it a business dispute? What principle(s) of the Code of Ethics does it relate to and how/why? How might you handle as a colleague? How might the Ethics Committee handle if this was submitted as a complaint?

Case Study A registered dietitian (RD) is reading blogs posted by colleagues in dietetics. He finds nutrition misinformation written by an RD; her posting is not in agreement with a non-government organization’s recommendations and current scientific evidence. He is familiar with the topic because he consults for a food company that relies on the information to support their brand messages. He knows that the RD is incorrect and perpetuating myths, but he worries that it could also be considered a conflict of interest for him to correct the RD on the site.

Discussion Questions § § Is the situation described an ethical issue? Or, is it a business dispute? What principle(s) of the Code of Ethics does it relate to and how/why? How might you handle as a colleague? How might the Ethics Committee handle if this was submitted as a complaint?

Case Study A group of registered dietetics practitioners, who are friends and co-workers have decided it will be easier (and less expensive) to meet continuing professional education (CPE) requirements if as a group, they decide on a plan with minor variations for each person to submit as their own. This, they rationalize will allow discussion and planning for helping those who are not sure of their plans. Further, the attendance at the CPE events will be split among the group with designated members taking responsibility for attending, taking detailed notes, taping speakers and duplicating any handouts, and CPE proof.

Discussion Questions § § Is the situation described an ethical issue? Or, is it a business dispute? What principle(s) of the Code of Ethics does it relate to and how/why? How might you handle as a colleague? How might the Ethics Committee handle if this was submitted as a complaint?

Audience Ethical Situations Describe the situation for discussion. Discussion questions: § § Is the situation described an ethical issue? Or, is it a business dispute? What principle(s) of the Code of Ethics does it relate to and how/why? How might you handle as a colleague? How might the Ethics Committee handle if this was submitted as a complaint?

Suggestions for Future Ethics Education ¥ Ethics in Action Columns Journal of the American Dietetic Association ¥ FNCE 2011 September 24– 27 San Diego, California

Thank You! www. eatright. org/codeofethics