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Professional Liability Insurance

Notice: The NSCDN became the Nova Scotia Regulator of Dietetics (NSRD) on August 20, 2025. All standards and documents remain valid. Website content is being updated to reflect this change.

All dietitians must hold individual professional liability insurance in the minimum single-occurrence coverage amount of $5,000,000.

Purpose of Liability Insurance

Protecting the Public

Professional liability insurance provides financial compensation for the public in the event of damages caused by a dietitian. Clients need to know they have recourse in the event of harm. Access to a professional’s insurance, through a claim or lawsuit, gives clients a sense of security when seeking treatment.

Protecting the Practitioner

Professional liability insurance protects dietitians from having to pay personally for any harm that clients suffer as a result of the dietitian’s conduct. Without insurance, a dietitian successfully sued for negligence would be personally liable for any damages awarded to the client. Even if the dietitian is not found negligent, the cost of defense must still be covered, which professional liability insurance can provide.

Current Insurance Requirements

• $5,000,000 per occurrence.
• An active insurance policy must be kept on file in the registrant portal at all times. The policy document must include:
  • Policy number
  • Insurer’s name
  • Insured’s name
  • Effective expiration dates
  • Coverage amount
  • Any additional information reasonably requested by the NSCDN.

Additional Requirements, Renewal 2025

• Legal expense endorsement included.
• Continuous individual insurance in the registrant’s own name must be maintained. Practice-specific or employer-provided insurance is not acceptable.
• Two-year extended reporting period (ERP).
  • If the policy does not include a two-year ERP, it is the registrant’s responsibility to obtain the ERP at the time of policy termination.
  • This requirement can be satisfied with occurrence-based policies that cover any claim for incidents that occur during the policy period, regardless of when the claim is filed.

Important: Practicing dietetics without insurance is a violation of the Regulated Health Professions Act and may result in disciplinary and legal action. Dietitians must keep their insurance information up to date in their registration profile. The NSRD will conduct regular insurance audits. If insurance documentation in a dietitian’s registration profile indicates an out-of-date policy, the dietitian will be notified, and a lapse fine will be applied. The lapse fine is equivalent to 50% of the annual licensing fee. Failure to upload proof of insurance within three business days will result in license suspension, and the employer will be notified.

Professional Liability Insurance Policy

Professional Liability Insurance Q & A

Insurance Programs

Please note that the information below is provided for reference only and is subject to change. Registrants are advised to confirm policy details, including cost, directly with insurance providers.

Any questions about insurance providers, including those related to insurance applications, should be directed to the relevant provider.