Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and National Kidney Foundation: Revised 2020 Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (Competent, Proficient, and Expert) in Nephrology Nutrition

Abstract

Nephrology nutrition encompasses therapeutic and preventive nutrition care for individuals through the life cycle and addresses a variety of kidney disorders. Most nephrology nutrition practice focuses on care of individuals with chronic kidney disease, those on dialysis, and recipients of kidney transplants. The Renal Dietitians Dietetic Practice Group, National Kidney Foundation Council on Renal Nutrition, along with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Quality Management Committee, have revised the Standards of Practice (SOP) and Standards of Professional Performance (SOPP) for RDNs working in nephrology nutrition. The SOP and SOPP for RDNs in Nephrology Nutrition provide indicators that describe three levels of practice: competent, proficient, and expert. The SOP uses the Nutrition Care Process and clinical workflow elements for delivering patient/client care. The SOPP describes the following six domains that focus on professional performance: Quality in Practice, Competence and Accountability, Provision of Services, Application of Research, Communication and Application of Knowledge, and Utilization and Management of Resources. Specific indicators outlined in the SOP and SOPP depict how these standards apply to practice. The SOP and SOPP are complementary resources for RDNs and are intended to be used as a self-evaluation tool for assuring competent practice in nephrology nutrition and for determining potential education and training needs for advancement to a higher practice level in a variety of settings.