Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Revised 2020 Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (Competent, Proficient, and Expert) in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Abstract Intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) encompass both intellectual disabilities (ID) and developmental disabilities (DD). In 2016, 7.37 million people in the United States and 200 million worldwide were identified with an ID or DD. Approximately 1 in 6 (17.8%) children have been identified with a DD in the United States, which is up from 16.2% in 2009-2011. Globally, 52.9 million children from birth to 5 years of age have been identified with a DD. Registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) have an important role in the treatment of this population, as optimizing nutrition status improves cognition and quality of life. The Behavioral Health Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group, with guidance from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Quality Management Committee, has revised the Standards of Practice (SOP) and Standards of Professional Performance (SOPP) for RDNs in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities for 3 levels of practice—competent, proficient, and expert. The SOP uses the Nutrition Care Process and clinical workflow elements for care of individuals with an ID or DD. The SOPP describes 6 domains that focus on professionalism. Indicators outlined in the SOP and SOPP depict how these standards apply to practice. The SOP and SOPP are complementary resources for RDNs caring for individuals with an ID or DD. The SOP and SOPP are intended to be used by RDNs for self-evaluation to assure competent practice and for determining potential education and training needs for advancement to a higher practice level in a variety of settings.