Scope, Standards, and Demonstrated Competence

Use standards as the floor for competent practice

Professional practice is bounded by several related but distinct concepts. Scope of practice describes the range of roles and activities associated with the profession and with an individual practitioner. Standards describe the minimum competent level of practice and professional performance expected of RDNs. Competence is the demonstrated ability to provide safe and reliable service consistently. Credentialing verifies qualifications, while an organization's privileging process authorizes defined activities in that setting. A state practice act establishes legal authority and restrictions. Employer policy, payer rules, accreditation standards, and clinical protocols add operating conditions. The broad capabilities of the profession do not guarantee that every RDN may perform every activity. The individual must satisfy every applicable legal, competence, and organizational requirement.