Decision-making, communication, and teamwork are unifying aspects of dietetics work regardless of practice setting. RDNs/NDTRs operate under a code of ethics and have an obligation to each other and to our patients and clients to conduct ourselves in an ethical manner and to teach future dietetics professionals about ethics. The Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics announced the Pledge of Professional Civility in 2017. This voluntary, public commitment to the civil treatment of professional peers is focused on respect, constructive dialogue, positive engagement, discouragement of public belittling, and modeling of professional conduct in public communications and actions.

The impacts of poor decision-making, ineffective communication, and lack of teamwork makes practice ethics and civility training of utmost importance for patient outcomes and workplace happiness. Expert panelists including a lawyer, philosopher, and practitioner will guide a discussion addressing these issues from the perspectives of the worksite, the educator, and the customer. Legal considerations, challenges, and needs will be addressed.