Scope of Practice of a R.H.N. Registered Holistic Nutritionist™

The services offered by a Registered Holistic Nutritionist are grounded in the following principles:

1. Acknowledgement that each person is biochemically distinct and has unique nutritional needs;

2. Awareness of the meaning of holistic nutrition; the interrelationship of mind, body and spirit; and the importance of addressing these interactive factors which are unique to each individual;

3. Promotion of whole, locally grown and organic foods; sustainable farming practices; and the necessity of living in a non-toxic environment;

4. Understanding that prevention and self-responsibility are fundamental to any successful health care program;

5. Recognition that supplementation is not a substitute for wholesome, nutritious foods but that it may be helpful in recommended form, dose and frequency;

6. Respect for clients and for their wellness goals, personal tastes, morals, social, and life values;

7. Acceptance of the unique contribution of other health care providers, and the need to work co-operatively with them regardless whether they are of holistic or allopathic background.

8. The main services provided by an RHN include the following:

a)Document client’s goals, needs, and plans;  

b)Evaluate client’s food selection, preparation and intake;  

c) Evaluate client’s lifestyle and overall feeling of well-being;

d) Evaluate client’s use of dietary supplements;

e) Identify client’s nutritional imbalance(s) and lifestyle habits;

f) Work with other health care professionals, if applicable, in order to determine all nutritional and lifestyle-changing needs of the client, including referring client to other health care professionals as deemed appropriate;

g) Support the progress of the client’s health goals by creating an individualized wellness program, which will include the use of whole, nutrient-dense foods; menu plans; natural source supplements; and lifestyle modifications - including the use of non-toxic, environmentally friendly household/personal products;

h) Provide further guidance to the client, if necessary, by explaining food labels, and by offering food preparation techniques and shopping tips;

i) Guide the client in the implementation of a long term personal health plan, provide education when necessary, and offer ongoing assessments;

j) Monitor the client’s personal health plan in order to reinforce participation in the achievement of the health goals;

k) Act as a community educator to the public and to other health care professionals, developing curriculum, preparing manuals, writing articles, publishing books, and teaching;

l) Promote health discussions in schools, workplaces, and community agencies; Bring holistic nutrition knowledge, principles, and philosophy to other professions.