SECTION 435:35-1-2. Definitions

  The following words and terms, when used in this Chapter, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Academy" means the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and is the national professional association for registered dietitians.

"ACEND" means the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics which accredits educational and pre-professional training programs in dietetics.

"Act" means the Licensed Dietitian Act, 59 O.S. Supp. 1984, Section 1721 et seq.

"Autonomy" means ensures a patient, client, or professional has the capacity and self-determination to engage in individual decision-making specific to personal health or practice.

"Beneficence" means encompasses taking positive steps to benefit others, which includes balancing benefit and risk.

"Board" means the Oklahoma State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision.

"Competence" means a principle of professional practice, identifying the ability of the provider to administer safe and reliable services on a consistent basis.

"Conflict(s) of Interest(s)" means defined as a personal or financial interest or a duty to another party which may prevent a person from acting in the best interests of the intended beneficiary, including simultaneous membership on boards with potentially conflicting interests related to the profession, members or the public.

"Commission" means the Commission on Dietetic Registration and is the agency which evaluates credentials, administers proficiency examinations and issues certificates of registration to qualifying dietitians and is a member of the National Commission on Health Certifying Agencies.

"Customer" means any client, patient, resident, participant, student, consumer, individual/person, group, population, or organization to which the nutrition and dietetics practitioner provides service.

"Diversity" means The Academy values and respects the diverse viewpoints and individual differences of all people. The Academy's mission and vision are most effectively realized through the promotion of a diverse membership that reflects cultural, ethnic, gender, racial, religious, sexual orientation, socioeconomic, geographical, political, educational, experiential and philosophical characteristics of the public it services. The Academy actively identifies and offers opportunities to individuals with varied skills, talents, abilities, ideas, disabilities, backgrounds and practice expertise.

"Evidence-based Practice" means Evidence-based practice is an approach to health care wherein health practitioners use the best evidence possible, i.e., the most appropriate information available, to make decisions for individuals, groups and populations. Evidence-based practice values, enhances and builds on clinical expertise, knowledge of disease mechanisms, and pathophysiology. It involves complex and conscientious decision-making based not only on the available evidence but also on client characteristics, situations, and preferences. It recognizes that health care is individualized and ever changing and involves uncertainties and probabilities. Evidence-based practice incorporates successful strategies that improve client outcomes and are derived from various sources of evidence including research, national guidelines, policies, consensus statements, systematic analysis of clinical experience, quality improvement data, specialized knowledge and skills of experts.

"Justice" means (social justice): supports fair, equitable, and appropriate treatment for individuals and fair allocation of resources.

"LD" means a person duly licensed as a licensed dietitian under the Licensed Dietitian Act.

"Non-Maleficence" means is the intent to not inflict harm.

"PLD" means a person duly licensed as a provisional licensed dietitian under the Licensed Dietitian Act.

"RD" means registered dietitian.

"RDN" means represents an accepted abbreviation for a registered dietitian according to the Commission.

[Source: Amended at 37 Ok Reg 2014, eff 9-11-20]