ETHICO-LEGAL PRINCIPLES IN NUTRITION AND DIETETICS

Factors that influences decisions and

Actions/behaviors

VALUES composed of beliefs (based on

faith than facts and attitudes (acceptance,
compassion, openness)

https://www.unchainyourbrain.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/1i8-aVLmAf7tPi_DVxPnomA-1-
682x467.png

KEY TERMS: Values, belief, value system, attitude

 Ethics Refers to:
1. A Method of inquiry that helps
people to understand morality of
human behavior
2. The practices of Beliefs of a certain
group
3. The expected standards of moral
behavior of a particular group as
describe in the groups formal code of
https://www.scu.edu/media/mobi/blog-variants/Ethics-Blog-760x550-760x550.png
professional ethics

KEY TERMS: Morality, Ethics, code of ethics

 NON-MALEFICENCE
“DO NO HARM” consitutes the
ethical legal fabric of legal
determinations encompassing
negligence and malpractice

The most common causes of

malpractice. Failure to
1. follow standards of care
2. Use equipment in a responsible
manner
3. Communicate
4. Document
5. Assess and Monitor
6. Client advocate
7. Delegate tasks properly

KEY TERMS: Evidence-Based Practice, Malpratice, Negligence, Competence

 AUTONOMY derive
from the Greek word
auto (self) and nomos
(law) and refers to the
right of self-
determination.

https://www.eatrightpro.org/-/media/eatrightpro-files/career/code-of-
ethics/codeofethicshandout.pdf

KEY TERMS: Autonomy

 BENEFICIENCE means
“doing good” for the
benefit of others.

https://www.eatrightpro.org/-/media/eatrightpro-files/career/code-of-
ethics/codeofethicshandout.pdf

KEY TERMS: Beneficence

 JUSTICE speaks to the
fairness and equal
distributions of good and
services.
Decision Making for the fair-
distribution of the following
criteria: To each
1. An equal share
2. According to need
3. According to effort
4. According to merit
5. According to ability to
pay

https://www.eatrightpro.org/-/media/eatrightpro-files/career/code-of-
ethics/codeofethicshandout.pdf

KEY TERMS: Justice

 CONFIDENTIAL refers to privileged
information or to a social contract or covenant in
legal terms.

VERACITY is truth telling, is closely linked to

informed decision making and inform consent.

The following explanation of the four elements

making up an informed consent vital for patient
education

https://media-eng.dhakatribune.com/uploads/2020/05/bigstock-the-word-truth-in-the-middle-o-
1. Competence
357740261-1-1588765582236.jpg 2. Disclosure of information
3. Comprehension
4. Voluntariness
 APPROACH TO ETHICAL DECISION MAKING

SOURCE IMAGE: https://www.eatrightpro.org/-/media/eatrightpro-files/career/code-of-

ethics/codeofethicshandout.pdf
 APPROACH TO ETHICAL DECISION MAKING

SOURCE IMAGE: https://www.eatrightpro.org/-/media/eatrightpro-files/career/code-of-

ethics/codeofethicshandout.pdf
REFERENCE

Code of Ethics for the Nutrition and Dietetics Profession (2018). Academy of
Nutrition and Dietetics. Retrieved September 26, 2021 from
https://www.eatrightpro.org/-/media/eatrightpro-files/career/code-of-
ethics/codeofethicshandout.pdf

Berman, A, Snyder S., Frandsen G. (2016) Kozier & Erb’s Fundamentals of

Nursing Concepts, Process and Practice 10th Edition Global Edition.

Bastable. S. (2008). Nuse as Educator Principles of Teaching and Learning for

Nursing Practice. Jones and Bartlett Publishers. LLC