AND

DIETETICS IN
THE
PHILIPPINES
Factors providing the context for the Nutritionist-Dietitian's
commitment and leadership in the delivery of quality nutrition
care include

• (1) the nature and magnitude of nutrition

problems in the country,
• (2) the policy environment governing nutrition and the
nutrition and dietetics profession, and
• (3) the related national structures, programs and
implementors.
II. Nutrition and Dietetics
Progression
A. Policies that Regulate the Practice of the Profession

Republic Act No. 10862, known as the “Nutrition and Dietetics Law of 2016”,
recognizes the important role of registered nutritionist-dietitians (RNDs) in
nation building and in human development through adequate nutrition.
This Act shall govern: (a) The standardization and regulation of
nutrition and dietetics education; (b) The examination,
registration and licensure of nutritionist-dietitians; (c) The
standardization, supervision, control, and regulation of the
practice of nutrition and dietetics; (d) The development of
professional competence of nutritionist-dietitians through
continuing professional development (CPD); and (e)
The integration of the nutrition-dietetics profession.
Practice of Nutrition and Dietetics

A person is deemed to be in the practice of nutrition and dietetics

through:

(a) Providing medical nutrition therapy through the application of the

Nutrition Care Process for purposes of disease prevention, treatment
and management;
(b) Optimizing the health and well-being of patients through the
delivery of quality products, programs and services;

(c) Promoting nutritional health and well-being of individuals,

groups, communities and populations;
(d) Setting standards, guidelines and policies that create and encourage an
environment that supports nutritional health;

(e) Managing food and nutrition systems, including programs, projects and services;

(f) Facilitating and conducting food, nutrition and related research across a variety
of practice settings; and

(g) Educating and training others about food and nutrition in a variety of practice
settings.
III. Nutrition and Dietetics
in Health Care Delivery
A.Nutrition and Dietetics Work in the
Communities

The ND promotes good nutrition for the public through conduct of various
nutrition programs such as food and micronutrient supplementation,
nutrition education, monitoring of nutritional status of the target population
and necessary referral.
B. Nutrition and Dietetics Work in the Hospitals

According to Hospital Licensure Act (RA 4226) of the DOH Bureau of Medical
Service, the Dietary Services ranks as one of the six (6) major services of a hospital
and is an integral part of total patient care. In as much as food service involves
approximately 10-14% of the total hospital expenditures, this is critical area that
needs to be managed by a Nutritionist-Dietitian. The role of Nutritionist-Dietitian is
critical in providing quality nutritional care, although it is a concerted effort and a
shared responsibility primarily of the physicians, nurses and dietitians.
In summary, the RNDs’ work in the hospital are:
• Set highest standard of excellence and integrity in the practice of hospital nutrition
and dietetics;
• Provide quality and optimal nutritional care and quality food service to patients,
hospital personnel and other stakeholders;
• Provide diet counseling and nutrition education services to patients as well
as in-service training to both nutrition and dietetic personnel and other related field;
• Conduct research and development along the field of Nutrition and
Dietetics;

• Update knowledge and skills of personnel in food service

management and nutrition and dietetics;

• Develop and implement standard operating procedures concerned

with nutrition and dietetics.
C. Multidisciplinary Role of Nutritionist- Dietitians in the
Hospital

The RNDs promote and maintain coordination with other DOH agencies
and other departments in the hospital towards total patient care with
approval of management, and establish and implement policies and
standards related to Nutrition and Dietetics.