Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 10862)
Republic Act No. 10862 is known as the "Nutrition and Dietetics Law of 2016."
The State recognizes the important role of registered nutritionist-dietitians (RNDs) in nation building and human development through adequate nutrition, and shall promote the sustained development of RNDs whose competence is validated by licensure examinations and whose professional standards are internationally recognized.
The Act governs the standardization and regulation of nutrition and dietetics education, examination and licensure of nutritionist-dietitians, regulation of professional practice, continuing professional development, and integration of the nutrition-dietetics profession.
A Nutritionist-Dietitian is a registered and licensed person who holds a valid certificate of registration and professional identification card issued by the Board and the Professional Regulation Commission pursuant to the Act.
Faculty must be a registered nutritionist-dietitian (RND) in the Philippines, preferably have at least one year of practice in a specialization, be a member in good standing of the Accredited Integrated Professional Organization (AIPO), and preferably hold a master's degree in nutrition and dietetics, education, or related health sciences.
The Board consists of a Chairperson and two members appointed by the President of the Philippines from nominees endorsed by the AIPO and vetted by the PRC.
Grounds include gross neglect, incompetence, dishonesty, violations of the Revised Penal Code or Anti-Graft laws, and manipulation or rigging of licensure examination results.
Applicants must be Filipino citizens or foreigners from reciprocal countries, of good moral character, holders of a CHED-recognized bachelor's degree in nutrition and dietetics or its equivalent, and not convicted of offenses involving moral turpitude.
A general weighted average of seventy-five percent (75%), with no rating below fifty percent (50%) in any subject.
Offenders shall, upon conviction, be fined not less than three hundred thousand pesos (P300,000) and/or imprisoned for not less than six months, at the discretion of the court.
The scope includes providing medical nutrition therapy, optimizing health through nutrition, promoting nutrition health in communities, managing food and nutrition systems, conducting nutrition research, and educating others about food and nutrition.
All RNDs must participate in the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Program established by the Board and approved by the Commission.
Only duly registered and licensed nutritionist-dietitians holding valid certificates and professional identification cards, and foreign-licensed nutritionist-dietitians with valid special/temporary permits.
They are required to attend a refresher course and the CPD program offered by an AIPO-accredited institution before returning to practice.
Nutritionist-dietitians must indicate their certificate number, PTR number, AIPO membership and receipted payment numbers on practice documents, and must post or keep their certificates and identification cards or permits in a conspicuous place in their professional offices.