Prescribing
Note: Authorized Prescriber status is currently available only to dietitians practising in approved inpatient settings with an in-hospital pharmacy. Prescribing activities must also be authorized by the employer and conducted in accordance with employer policies and procedures. Prescribing in outpatient and community settings is not yet available, as recognition of dietitians within the provincial Drug Information System (DIS), which is required to process prescriptions through community pharmacies, has not been established at this time.
Even within approved practice settings, implementation of prescribing activities, including the prescribing of laboratory tests, remains subject to each employer’s internal policies and processes. Employers are responsible for establishing the systems and procedures necessary to support authorized prescribing within their organization.
The Nova Scotia Regulator of Dietetics (NSRD) has established the Prescribing Standards for Dietitians to support safe, ethical, and competent prescribing practice by dietitians with Authorized Prescriber status within approved practice settings. Dietitians who are engaging in activities that are considered prescribing under the Prescribing Standards for Dietitians must hold Authorized Prescriber status with NSRD.
Authorized prescribing is a reserved activity that permits dietitians who hold Authorized Prescriber status to prescribe within the dietetic prescribing scope as outlined in the Prescribing Standards for Dietitians, and in accordance with employer policies, applicable legislation, and individual competence.
Dietitians seeking Authorized Prescriber status must complete the NSRD Authorized Prescriber application through the NSRD registrant portal. This application includes completion of the Prescribing Standards for Dietitians Quiz, submission of supporting documentation, confirmation of employer approval and mentorship arrangements and payment of the authorized prescriber application fee.
Please review the resources below carefully before beginning your application.
Eligibility & Application Requirements
To apply for Authorized Prescriber status, dietitians must:
- Hold active registration with NSRD
- Practice within an approved organization and eligible practice setting
- Complete and pass the Prescribing Standards for Dietitians Quiz
- Retain a mentor who is an authorized prescriber
- Obtain employer approval to engage in prescribing activities
- Submit an application with all required documentation through the NSRD Registrant Portal
Applicants are responsible for ensuring they understand and comply with the NSRD Prescribing Standards for Dietitians, Code of Ethics, Standards of Practice, employer policies, and all applicable legislation and regulatory requirements.
Application Process Overview
- Review the Prescribing Standards for Dietitians and supporting Questions & Answers document.
- Complete and pass the Prescribing Standards for Dietitians Quiz in the registrant portal
- Download, complete, and submit the required forms:
- Access and complete the Authorized Prescriber Application in the registrant portal
- Upload all required supporting documentation
- Pay the application fee
- Submit the application for NSRD review
Updating or Adding Additional Employment Areas
Registered Dietitians with Authorized Prescriber (RD(AP)) status who wish to prescribe in an additional employment area, or whose employment area has changed, are not required to resubmit a full application. However, NSRD must be notified of any changes to employment areas where prescribing activities will take place.
To update or add an employment area, the RD(AP) must:
- Complete a new Employer Approval Form for the additional or updated employment area
- Submit the completed form by email to practice@nsrd.ca
When submitting your email, please include the following information:
- Whether this is an additional employment area or a replacement of a current employment area
- How long you have been employed by this employer
- Please also ensure your employment information is up to date in your registrant profile prior to submitting
Upon receipt of the Employer Approval Form, NSRD will review the submission and confirm employer approval details directly with the employer. The registrant’s profile will be updated once this confirmation has been received.
Prescribing Resources
Standards & Guidance
- Prescribing Standards for Dietitians
- Prescribing Q&A Document
- Pre-Recorded Prescribing Webinar (link coming soon)
Application & Forms
- Access the Registrant Portal (Application available soon)
- Mentor Agreement Form
- Employer Approval Form
- Access the Prescribing Standards Quiz in the Registrant Portal (Available soon)
If you have questions regarding Authorized Prescriber eligibility, application requirements, or the Prescribing Standards for Dietitians, please contact NSRD at: practice@nsrd.ca
