Virtual Practice
Dietitians who provide services to clients across provincial or international borders need to understand the registration requirements and regulatory standards that apply to their practice.
Registration requirements for virtual practice
Effective April 1, 2026, dietitians licensed in other jurisdictions, within Canada or internationally, who provide dietetic services to Nova Scotia residents, whether virtually or in person, must be licensed with the NSRD.
For the purposes of NSRD’s Virtual Practice Policy, Nova Scotia residents are individuals registered for a Nova Scotia Health Card (MSI).
Dietitians licensed outside Nova Scotia
Dietitians registered in another jurisdiction who provide dietetic services to Nova Scotia residents must meet NSRD’s registration requirements and follow the regulatory standards that apply in both their home jurisdiction and Nova Scotia.
This applies to services provided virtually or in person, subject to the exceptions outlined below
NSRD registrants providing services outside Nova Scotia
Dietitians licensed with NSRD who provide virtual dietetic services to clients in other jurisdictions are responsible for verifying and complying with the registration requirements and regulatory standards of the jurisdiction where the client resides.
They must also ensure clients understand that they are licensed registrants of the NSRD.
Exceptions to the registration requirement
Registration with NSRD is not required in certain circumstances outlined in the Virtual Practice Policy, including:
- Virtual follow-up care: Follow-up care for Nova Scotia residents who received in-person care in another Canadian jurisdiction, where the care is part of an ongoing care relationship managed by the primary province’s health authority or Crown corporation.
- Temporary relocation: Virtual follow-up care for individuals who temporarily relocate to Nova Scotia but retain health care registration in the province where they permanently reside, such as university students.
- Services that do not involve individual care: Online classes and similar activities where individual dietetic care is not provided. Dietitians are responsible for referring questions about individual care to a dietitian in the client’s province.
These exceptions are subject to the conditions outlined in the policy. Dietitians should review the full policy to determine whether an exception applies to their practice.
Cross-jurisdictional virtual practice: Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island
The NSRD and the College of Dietitians of Prince Edward Island (CDPEI) have established an agreement to support cross-jurisdictional virtual dietetic practice between the two provinces.
The agreement and accompanying guideline outline the requirements for dietitians practising under this arrangement.
Dietitians should review the MOU and guideline to understand the eligibility requirements and conditions that apply.
Questions?
If you are unsure whether you need to be licensed with NSRD to provide dietetic services to Nova Scotia residents, contact NSRD at registration@nsrd.ca before providing services.
