College Q&A

Liability Insurance

What am I required to submit for proof of insurance?

Formal proof of liability insurance is a letter or certificate that contains the policy number, effective dates of the policy, the name of the insured, the insurance provider, and clearly indicates that the policy meets the requirement of $5,000,000 aggregate and single-occurrence insurance. This is to be uploaded with your renewal application on the ‘Supporting Documents’ section of your NSCDN profile. 

I have more than one employer, am I required to submit proof of insurance for each employment setting?

Yes, proof of insurance for each employment setting is required.  However, if you have an individual professional liability insurance policy, proof of this policy is sufficient. 

Is a group rate available through NSCDN?

Yes, Trisura offers a group rate to NSCDN dietitians.  Coverage that meets the College’s requirement is approximately $250.  Dietitians of Canada members can also access insurance at a group rate through their membership.

 NON-PRACTICING ROSTER

I’m on a leave of absence until later in 2023. Do I need to complete a Continuing Competency Program (CCP) submission and do the Jurisprudence e-Learning Module by the 2023 renewal deadline?

You have two options:

1. To move to a non-practicing roster, notify the registration coordinator (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) that you are on a leave of absence.  On your online profile, indicate that you are on a leave of absence.  This means you won't be required to complete a CCP learning log for 2022-23 or complete the Jurisprudence e-Learning Module. Apply for reinstatement a few weeks before your license is required. The registration fee of $400 will apply. If you apply after September 30, the fee will be $200. Depending on when you last practiced as a dietitian, there may be a reinstatement fee.

2. Maintain an active-practice license by renewing your license by March 31. This means you will be required to complete a CCP learning log for 2022-23, complete the Jurisprudence e-Learning Module, and provide proof of insurance. The renewal fee is $400.

I would like to move to the non-practicing roster, but I plan to return to dietetics in Nova Scotia in the future. What will the process be?

To move to a non-practicing roster, notify the registration coordinator.  On your online profile, indicate that you are either on a leave of absence or retired.  Apply for reinstatement a few weeks before your license is required. Depending upon when you last practiced as a dietitian, there may be a reinstatement fee.  If you do not meet active practice hour requirements, the Registration Committee will assess your application.   

ACTIVE PRACTICE

Am I eligible for an active practice license?

For the 2023 renewal, dietitians who have practiced dietetics in the 24 months prior to College proclamation (January 24, 2023) are eligible for an active practice license. Registrants who passed the CDRE in the past three years are eligible for an active practice license.

For renewal in 2024, dietitians must have practiced 500 hours in the past three years to maintain an active practice license. Following successful completion of the CDRE, a dietitian has three years to accumulate the required active practice hours.

I work in a non-traditional role. Can I maintain my dietetic license?

To qualify for an active practice license, it is not necessary to have the job title of dietitian or nutritionist.

The registrar will review all positions where questions arise to determine whether the position falls within the legislated definition of the ‘practice of dietetics.’ Factors to consider include one or more of the following:

• required to be a dietitian or a regulated health professional for their role,
• role impacts the nutritional health of the public,
• role impacts the practice of dietetics,
• role requires the knowledge of the health care system or influences the health care system,
• role requires the education, competencies, and similar experience to that acquired through dietetics education and practice.

NUTRITION PRESCRIPTION

Under the College Act, dietitians have the authorization to prescribe drugs and agents that relate to nutrition diagnoses. When can dietitians start prescribing?  

The College Board is planning to review and approve the Nutrition Prescription Standards in the spring.  Soon afterwards, the College will launch the Nutrition Prescription Standards via a live webinar and communication strategy.  College staff are currently coordinating how dietitians can be issued a prescribing number.

Under the College Act, dietitians have the authorization to order monitoring parameters. When can dietitians perform this activity?

This activity will not be authorized until after nutrition prescription standards have been launched.  An authorization statement will be drafted and there will be broad consultation.  

Related resources:

2023 Renewal Instructions

College Proclamation Announcement

For more information, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.