CANNP / STANDARDS OF PRACTICE
Standards of Practice
The professional benchmarks CANNP members are held to, with the indicators that put each standard into everyday practice.
ADOPTED 2018
Six standards, measured in practice
The CANNP Standards of Practice set the professional benchmarks every member upholds. Each standard is supported by indicators that show what it looks like in everyday practice.
STANDARD 1
A Natural Nutritionist assumes accountability and responsibility in the provision of competent, safe, ethical and professional practice.
INDICATORS
Practises in compliance with professional standards, practice guidelines and codes, including but not limited to CANNP's Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice and Indicators.
Provides services within the scope permitted by law and within their personal competency.
Obtains informed consent from individual clients.
Records client and other information in a clear, concise and timely manner.
Manages client information appropriately in accordance with applicable laws, including but not limited to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, the Personal Information Protection Act, and provincial health information legislation.
Integrates principles of sound financial management into practice as appropriate.
Incorporates appropriate continuous quality improvement programs into practice, including but not limited to audits, surveys and variance analysis.
Incorporates relevant risk management strategies into practice, including appropriate insurance, daily back-up of client and business records, secure encrypted off-site data storage, and a contingency plan in the event of fire, damage or loss of premises and supply/service disruptions.
Maintains practice insurance in accordance with CANNP requirements.
Does not refer to themselves, in any way, as a dietitian, naturopath or any other medical professional.
STANDARD 2
A Natural Nutritionist communicates and interacts clearly and effectively with individuals and groups.
INDICATORS
Adapts verbal and written communication styles to meet the needs and level of understanding of others.
Uses appropriate information-gathering skills to compile accurate, comprehensive and relevant information, including but not limited to interviews, meetings, surveys and assessment tools.
Provides education to meet the learning needs of clients, groups and others, including but not limited to clients, care givers, students, other professionals and employees.
Facilitates teamwork, including but not limited to clients, care givers, agencies, employees, colleagues and other professionals.
Uses effective counselling and listening skills.
STANDARD 3
A Natural Nutritionist applies current research and best practice findings when delivering services.
INDICATORS
Demonstrates competence in all areas of current practice.
Acquires and applies new knowledge, skills and abilities to all areas of practice.
Acts as a credible and reliable source of current food, nutrition, supplement and healthy lifestyle information.
Applies critical thinking skills in problem solving and decision making.
Manages change in professional practice.
Meets or exceeds CANNP continuing education requirements.
STANDARD 4
A Natural Nutritionist practising in the area of direct client care effectively provides services to achieve appropriate wellness goals.
INDICATORS
Uses a client-centred approach to promote optimal health and well-being.
Collaborates with others, including subject matter experts and colleagues, to contribute to client care.
Refrains from diagnosing the presence of diseases and disorders.
Directs clients to consult with medical doctors, naturopaths and other appropriate licensed professionals when diseases or disorders are suspected.
Assesses nutritional imbalances and weaknesses to support unique nutritional requirements.
Identifies wellness goals and educates on how best to achieve planned outcomes.
Assesses client progress in achieving planned outcomes.
Educates clients to make proper food choices.
Refers clients to other professionals and/or agencies as needed.
STANDARD 5
A Natural Nutritionist practising in the area of community and population health effectively provides food and nutrition initiatives that meet the needs of individuals and communities.
INDICATORS
Provides nutritional health promotion and disease prevention information, including but not limited to food, food security, supplement and lifestyle choices.
Consults with and provides nutrition information to appropriate individuals and groups, including but not limited to individuals, groups, schools, agencies and other professionals.
Conducts needs assessments and uses the data to aid in the planning, development, implementation and evaluation of nutritional and wellness programs.
STANDARD 6
A Natural Nutritionist practises in compliance with federal and provincial laws and regulations.
INDICATORS
Is knowledgeable about and complies with the laws of the province in which they operate, and the restrictions those laws impose on the use of professional titles and on activities that may lawfully be performed by a Natural Nutritionist who is not a member of a regulated health profession.