Scope of Practice
The services offered by members of CAHN-Pro are grounded in the following principles:
1. Each person is biochemically distinct and has unique nutritional needs.
2. The endorsement of the principles of holistic nutrition, including but not limited, to the promotion of whole, locally grown and organic foods, sustainable farming practices and the necessity of living in a non-toxic environment, as well as recognizing the interrelationship of mind, body and spirit in establishing equilibrium to clients, families, colleagues and other healthcare professionals.
3. Dietary supplementation may be used in its recommended form, dose and frequency as per instructions on the bottle. It’s not a substitute for a good diet. Supplements used will comply with Health Canada Guidelines.
4. Nutritional wellbeing comes from the balance between a person’s health-promoting diet and lifestyle habits, and the nutritionally negating environmental and lifestyle influences.
5. Holistic nutrition professionals who are CAHN-Pro members may provide the following services in accordance with the laws governing nutrition education and consulting within their respective state of business:
a. Evaluate food selection, preparation and intake
b. Evaluate the client’s lifestyle and productivity
c. Assess client to determine nutritional imbalance and poor lifestyle behaviours
d. Document client goals and needs, plans, performance, outcomes and productivity scores
e. Design, implement and evaluate practical, individualized functional nutrition and lifestyle protocols aimed at restoring health and body function, maintaining compliance, preventing disease and imbalances, improving quality of life and increasing client productivity
f. Work with clients in designing nutritional programs that may include the use of specific whole, nutrient-dense foods, menu planning, environmental controls, food preparation techniques, dietary supplements and lifestyle modifications that will support the achievement of their health goals
g. Guide clients in the implementation of their holistic protocols, provide education about aspects of their program, and offer ongoing assessment and modifications to ensure ongoing client participation in the achievement of their health goals
h. Consult and work interactively with other healthcare professionals to determine nutritional and lifestyle-changing needs of client
i. Offer referrals to other healthcare professionals as deemed appropriate
j. Act as community educator by developing curriculum as well as preparing manuals, visual aids, course outlines and other materials used in teaching
k. Plan and prepare grant proposals to request program funding
l. Plan and provide educational opportunities for the public and other healthcare professionals
m. Promote health discussions in schools, industry and community agencies
n. Prepare and disseminate educational and informational materials
o. Advocate and develop whole food research and outcomes, forensic nutrition principles, functional nutrition assessment and implementation; advocate and promote food quality and nutritionally dense foods
