Civility and Ethics: How Do They Align?

Decision-making, communication, and teamwork are unifying aspects of dietetics work regardless of practice setting. RDNs/NDTRs operate under a code of ethics and have an obligation to each other and to our patients and clients to conduct ourselves in an ethical manner and to teach future dietetics professionals about ethics. The Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics announced the Pledge of Professional Civility in 2017. This voluntary, public commitment to the civil treatment of professional peers is focused on respect, constructive dialogue, positive engagement, discouragement of public belittling, and modeling of professional conduct in public communications and actions.

The impacts of poor decision-making, ineffective communication, and lack of teamwork makes practice ethics and civility training of utmost importance for patient outcomes and workplace happiness. Expert panelists including a lawyer, philosopher, and practitioner will guide a discussion addressing these issues from the perspectives of the worksite, the educator, and the customer. Legal considerations, challenges, and needs will be addressed.

CPE Level: Level 2 (intermediate knowledge/experience)
CPEU: 1.5

Performance Indicators

• 1.1.6 Recognizes and exercises professional judgment within the limits of individual qualifications.
• 1.5.2 Assumes responsibility for anticipating, establishing and maintaining appropriate professional boundaries
• 1.3.3 Uses ethical reasoning and decision-making processes to address ethical dilemmas.

Learning Objectives

• Explain the impact of ethical decision-making on the well-being of patients and clients
• Identify three ways to demonstrate respect, constructive dialogue, civility, and professionalism in personal and professional communication
• Distinguish possible legal consequences of practicing outside a defined scope of practice as part of an interprofessional team member from violations of the Academy's Code of Ethics

Moderator

• Nina Roofe, PhD, RDN, LD, FAND

Speakers

• Taine Duncan, PhD
• Mary Russell, MS, RDN, LDN, FAND
• Denise Lazar, JD