The CDBC’s Role in the COVID-19 Response
The College of Dietitians of BC is committed to taking steps to do our part in addressing the current pandemic.
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We know that the healthcare system is facing extraordinary demands now and that this will only increase in the coming weeks and potentially months. Although the CDBC has moved to a virtual office, staff remains committed to maintain operations as much as is reasonably possible. This is in keeping with our mandate to regulate the profession of dietetics in the public interest, while adhering to guidelines from both health and government officials.
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Work Setting Adjustments for Registered Dietitians
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On March 17, 2020, the
BC Government declared a Public Health Emergency
. Governments and public health experts are urging all population to do social distancing. Dietitians are asked to use their professional judgement to prioritize essential services, work remotely where possible, assist with atypical tasks and consider suspending non-essential services in their private practice (where virtual work is not possible). These measures may vary in your employment setting and we encourage you to continue seeking direction from your employer and College’s staff.
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The College does not have the legal authority to mandate practice closures or direct registrants to cease practice when they are not in violations of any bylaws. Rather, the College is looking to public health principles and directives provided by BC’s Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, to keep our registrants informed to make their professional decisions for the public’s best interest.
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Registrants should do their own risk assessment and determine what is best for clients and staff. The College suggests the registrants to determine what, if any, services are essential and urgent. The context of each practice is the key consideration. Services may be postponed or cancelled as a result and deemed to be the best options to meet patient needs at this critical time. Protection of the public is paramount.
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Registrants might find that at this time, providing comfort and assurance to your clients by communicating with them through regular phone calls and online tools can be a service to the community and your client’s wellness. We also know many registrants have waived or are considering waiving any cancellation fees.
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- If you decide to work remotely, refer to Virtual Dietetic Practice policy and guidelines. If you suspend or terminate dietetic services with clients, make sure to assess risk and address continuity of care.
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- If you work in a hospital, a long-term care home, or any other health care facility, adhere to your employer requirements. Dietitians need to adhere to all necessary infection control practices to ensure their health and safety, and that of their clients.
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We are aware that dietitians may be re-deployed to assist with tasks that are not typically part of the dietetic scope. They should work with their employers and other team members to ensure that this is done safely, ethically and competently. Dietitians may also contact the College for guidance (see below for details).
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College Operations
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In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, a decision to move operations to a virtual office has been made on March 16, 2020 to both protect staff and reduce potential service disruptions. The College expects to operate with minor disruptions, none of which will affect the College’s public protection mandate. Please click
College Virtual Office
for more details.
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Staff will be available to provide support via telephone, email, web conference, and through the website, in order to continue the operation of essential regulatory tasks and critical functions.
Note: you may experience delays in service while we adjust to the demands of this new situation.
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During a pandemic, the College will:
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- Work with the Ministry of Health and other partners to coordinate healthcare in the public interest
- Ensure regular communication with Dietitians when needed
- Continue with renewal as planned. Deadline for renewal, prescribed in the Bylaws, is March 31, 2020.
- Continue to provide practice advice on regulatory issues and standards of practice
- Maintain a mechanism to register newly qualified applicants as we do on a regular basis
- Coordinate emergency registration if needed, and
- Conduct other critical business functions as required to address regulatory issues such as complaints.
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The College will be unavailable for:
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- In-person appointments and visits
- Answering direct phone calls (the College will respond to all voicemail and emails though)
- Sending/receiving regular mail and courier packages at the College office. You may use regular and registered mail (while still operational), which will be received at an alternative location.
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Quality Assurance (CCP) and Practice Advice service
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The Quality Assurance (CCP) and Practice Advice service is available.
You are encouraged to email the College’s Deputy Registrar and Practice Advisor for advice concerning your practice, whether in relation to COVID-19 or any other practice issues. In addition, the College created a
Pandemic Update
to inform registrants of College expectations during a pandemic and provide guiding resources. The Update addresses situations where
dietitians are asked to perform tasks outside of dietetic scope of practice.
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Renewal and Registration
Registration processes will proceed as usual.
Registration renewal will continue until March 31, 2020 midnight.
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We appreciate that the registration of healthcare professionals is a priority for regulatory bodies during this time and we are focusing our efforts to minimize issues or delays in registering qualified applicants. Applicants can follow the instructions on the website regarding applying to the College. The Registration staff will try to process applications within the usual timelines. You will be notified when you become a temporary or full registrant, which will permit you to practice dietetics in BC.
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The national Alliance of Canadian Dietetic Regulators, which is the body responsible for running the Canadian Dietetic Registration Exam (CDRE), is following the situation closely to determine next steps regarding the May 2020 Exam. Further information regarding the CDRE will be made available shortly.
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Complaints and Inspections
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Complaints and inspections are generally administered electronically, through email and fax. These matters may experience delays as health care workers prioritize pandemic response efforts.
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For general information about the pandemic, please access the following information:
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Government of Canada:
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BC Health Care Resources:
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We know that everyone is concerned about this pandemic. We also know that as dedicated professionals, you will do all you can to ease the burden for your clients, colleagues, and staff. The College will provide further information and updates as needed. In the meantime, stay safe, wash your hands, and take of yourself, your families, friends, and neighbours.
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*This document was adapted in collaboration with the College of Dietitians of Ontario and the
College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of BC.
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Please contact the College staff if you have questions.
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