Report from the Advanced-Level Clinical Practice Audit Task Force of the Commission on Dietetic Registration: Results of the 2013 Advanced-Level Clinical Practice Audit

Developing an Advanced Practice Credential for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists in Clinical Nutrition Practice

“…To answer these questions, the task force created a carefully structured practice audit. 15 The first stage of the audit included demographic questions regarding respondents' qualifications, experience, clinical dietetics employment, and position. Recognizing that autonomous practice is dictated by federal, state, and facility regulations, this stage also asked respondents about their level of autonomy relative to select tasks such as writing orders, initiating consults, and implementing or managing programs if there were no restrictions to their practice.…”

“…Detailed results, including the percentage of respondents performing each of the 70 tasks and the task force's decision to include each task in the test specifications for the advanced practice certification examination, are presented in the practice audit report. 15 Generally, tasks done by 50% or more of the population are included in the certification warranty, although tasks that are near that level may also be included if deemed important. Based on the audit results, the task force created the profile of the ALP RDN in clinical nutrition practice (Figure).…”

“…Next, data from the practice audit results 15 along with data from other CDR studies 2,8,31 were evaluated to approximate the number of RDNs who would meet the credential prerequisites. The task force then estimated the number of potential applicants by investigating the market penetration rates of other credentialing programs.…”

The Advanced Practitioner Certification in Clinical Nutrition Provides Opportunities for Validation and Career Advancement for Registered Dietitians

“…6 Compared with RDs identified as "beyond entry-level" (>3 years in practice), RDs who met advanced-level criteria were more likely to be involved in autonomous tasks such as order writing and the independent direction and development of programs. 6 With market research supporting the demand for advanced practice RDs in clinical nutrition practice and their attributes and practice activities clearly defined, the RD-AP certification program was developed in 2015 to formalize an advanced practice role for these professionals and provide an avenue for career advancement. 7 The current criterion to sit for the RD-AP examination includes 4 years of RD practice experience (with 2000 documented practice hours in clinical nutrition), and one of the following: a graduate degree from an accredited university, evidence of local, state, or national publications, professional publications, or possession of an RD specialist credential.…”

“…Commission on Dietetic Registration's (CDR's) 2013 Advanced-Level Clinical Practice Audit confirmed the attributes of advanced practice RDs found by Bradley et al 1 and Brody et al 5 (length of practice, advanced education, and professional achievements), as well as the actual tasks of advanced practice RDs. 6 Compared with RDs identified as "beyond entry-level" (>3 years in practice), RDs who met advanced-level criteria were more likely to be involved in autonomous tasks such as order writing and the independent direction and development of programs. 6 With market research supporting the demand for advanced practice RDs in clinical nutrition practice and their attributes and practice activities clearly defined, the RD-AP certification program was developed in 2015 to formalize an advanced practice role for these professionals and provide an avenue for career advancement.…”