Annual Report
2014-2015
Nova Scotia Dietetic Association
380 Bedford Highway, Suite 301
Halifax, NS B3M 2L4
(902) 493-3034
www.nsdassoc.ca
2015 Annual Report
Page 2
NSDA effectively regulates in the interest of Nova Scotians.
We are an innovative, trusted, and effective regulator that models collaborative leadership to
create a culture of excellence which embraces and supports a dynamic scope of practice and the
professional expertise of dietitians and nutritionists in their fields of practice.
Key values: INNOVATION, TRUST, EFFECTIVENESS, ETHICAL, ACCOUNTABILITY
President’s Report
Over the past year, there have been many accomplishments of the board of directors to highlight. The board of directors is a dedicated group of professionals who are committed to our mission, vision and values. The Board continues to work towards governance excellence in regulating dietetic practice and supporting the privilege of self-regulation.
The Governance and Nominations Committee ( chaired by Melissa Campbell) completed an inventory and gap analysis of the
Board’s skills, which is used to guide board education and recruitment of new board members. We are very pleased that a full
board of directors has been nominated and will be installed at our May 8, 2015 AGM. The Committee requested member participation on committees currently established and yet to be established under the college model. We are happy to report that nine
members have been appointed to committees. We are still seeking membership for these committees, particularly the disciplinary
committees. Lastly the committee is updating the board member orientation to reflect current policies and procedures, which will
be completed for new board members.
The Risk Oversight Committee (chaired by Darlene Harrietha) worked to develop a risk management framework which is a riskbased approach that integrates concepts of strategic planning, operations management, and internal control by identifying and
proactively addressing risks and opportunities. The committee continued its work utilizing the Hazard Risk Assessment Tool and
proceeded to use risk statements to express the likelihood and impact of each event on the organization together with mitigation
strategies that are currently in effect or are required to reduce the risk impact.
The Stakeholder and Public Relations Committee (chaired by Gail Kaiser) has been working toward the completion of a communication framework and marketing strategy. Using the expertise of a marketing consultant, a new logo for the Nova Scotia College of
Dietitians and Nutritionists has been developed and will be introduced when the college
is proclaimed. The communication framework will be used to inform stakeholders about
the regulation of dietitians and nutritionists.
At the 2015 AGM, we have the privilege of recognizing three of our colleagues as Honorary Life Members of NSDA. I would like to congratulate Patti Simpson, Doris Gillis and
Pam Lynch on receiving this award and thank them for their contributions and service to
the field of dietetics.
(continued on page 3…..)
2015 Annual Report
Page 3
President’s Report (continued…)
On behalf of the board of directors, I want to thank Executive Manager Jennifer Garus for her continued commitment to NSDA. I
would also like to thank all of the members who have volunteered their time and expertise on operational committees. The work
of these committees helps ensure that NSDA is able to continue to fulfill its mission to effectively regulate dietetic practice in the
interest of Nova Scotians.
I would like to thank the members of the 2014-2015 board of directors for your commitment and all the work that has been
done. It has been a pleasure working with you. I would like to offer my best wishes to those members of the Board whose terms
have come to an end and who will not be continuing on with the Board: Stacey Lake, Gail Kaiser and Darlene Harrietha. I look
forward to seeing many members at the AGM in Halifax on May 8 th.
Megan Austen, P.Dt
NSDA President
2014-15 Board of Directors
President
Megan Austen
President Elect
Melissa Campbell
Vice President
Darlene Harrietha
Treasurer
Sue Conlan
Registrar
Stacey Lake
Secretary
Gail Kaiser
Members at large
Connie Foote, Janice Terry, Amanda Connors
Executive Manager
Jennifer Garus (ex-officio)
Strategic Goals
Regulation of Scope of Practice
To ensure members are competent and practice in a safe and ethical manner
Effective Governance
To provide effective strategic direction and oversight using a hybrid model of governance
Risk Management
A comprehensive enterprise risk management system is in place
Communications and Marketing
Stakeholders are informed about the regulation of dietitians and nutritionists
2015 Annual Report
Organizational Diagram
Page 4
2015 Annual Report
Page 5
Executive Manager’s Report
Substantial progress was made this year toward meeting the
organization’s goal related to regulation of scope of practice.
The following documents were drafted by consultants for the
Professional Practice Committee and/or Board to review:
Documentation Guidelines, Position Statement: Social Media in
Dietetic Practice, Guidelines for Self-Employed Dietitians, and
Position Statement and Guidelines for the Sale, Endorsement
and Recommendation of Products and Products Lines. Approval is slated for the fall. An online jurisprudence learning
module is also being drafted by a consultant in collaboration
with members. Thank you to Tina Strickland, Jackie Spiers,
Kelley Hiltz Cameron, and Lisa Slauenwhite for sharing their
expertise in the development of these resources.
On the Alliance of Canadian Dietetic Regulatory Bodies (the
Alliance), I am NSDA’s representative, and serve as the project
lead for the Canadian Dietetic Registration Exam (CDRE). In
the upcoming year, I will lead a working group to establish
advanced practice competencies for dysphagia assessment
and management. Alliance highlights included updating the
CDRE blueprint and exam cut-score; reviewing the CDRE Examination Development Committee Annual Report; drafting a
reciprocity agreement between Canada and the United States
for dietetic regulation (not yet approved); and providing input
into the PDEP accreditation framework, memorandum of understanding for the service provider, and draft policies.
I am also NSDA’s representative with the Nova Scotia Regulated Health Professions Network, and sit on the executive of
the council. Progress has been made at the Network to develop policies for conducting collaborative registration appeals
and collaborative investigations of complaints. The Fair Registration Practices Act requires that committee members reviewing a registration appeal be trained. The Network hosted a
training session for Registration Appeal Committee members.
NSDA makes use of these collaborative processes which enables a smaller regulatory body, like NSDA, to make use of the
expertise and resources of the Network.
NSDA was audited according to the Fair Registration Practices
Act. Overall, registration practices are to standard and goals
for improvement have been set for the 2017 review.
NSDA is also a member of an advisory group, through the
College of Dietitians of Ontario (CDO), to oversee the development of an assessment tool for internationally educated
dietitians (IEDs). CDO received a grant to develop a new assessment process to better assess the prior learning of IEDs.
The assessment process and tools will be made available to all
provinces.
As co-chair, I sit on the Provincial Multi-Stakeholder Working
Group for Internationally Educated Dietitians with my colleagues at Mount Saint Vincent: Daphne Lordly, Paula Barry and
Jennifer Guy. The Department of Labor and Advanced Education received a grant to support multi-stakeholder work groups
for a number of professions. When the grant for the MSVU
bridging process came to an end, the Department facilitated the
multi-stakeholder working group for dietetics. It is innovative in
that representatives from other colleges in Atlantic Canada and
immigration settlement agencies sit on the working group as
stakeholders. An outcome of this group is the Atlantic Pathway
to Licensure. The collaboration between NSDA and MSVU is
recognized by the Department; including Atlantic provinces is
considered a best and promising practice for smaller colleges to
collaborate and improve sustainability and consistency in processes.
This year, the NSDA office relocated to 380 Bedford Highway.
The new office location presents cost savings, and also opportunities for collaboration with other colleges, meeting space,
administrative support and better security.
The formation of new committees, Continuing Competency Program audits, and the Online Jurisprudence Learning Modules
have presented new opportunities for members to become engaged with NSDA. I would like to offer my appreciation to all
who volunteer their time and expertise to assist NSDA to regulate and support dietetic practice, and look forward to continuing to work with you in 2015/16.
Jennifer Garus, PDt
Executive Manager
2015 Annual Report
Page 6
Continuing Competency Committee Report
Members: Lisa Slauenwhite (Chair), Veronica Lawen, Sharon Rundle, Cathy Lockerbie-Forrester, Lindsay Bucchanon
CCP audit process and results:
(2014)
(2013)
Total # audits:
146
160
Well done
115 (78%)
73 (45.5%)
Satisfactory
27 (19%)
73 (45.5%)
Unsatisfactory
4 (3%)
14 (9%)
Auditors use a rubric to objectively assess each CCP submission (goal evaluations, learning log and portfolio checklist). In one
year, results improved. More members are developing SMART learning goals, reporting learning activities related to their goals,
and documenting the impact the learning has had on their practice.
The 2015 renewal is the new Program’s third year. No changes have been made to the program since revisions were made in
2011. An evaluation will take place after the renewal period and the Continuing Competency Committee will make recommendations to the Board for revisions.
Jurisprudence Project
The jurisprudence module will consist of an e-learning study guide and quiz. NSDA’s jurisprudence module will be a component
of the Continuing Competency Program. A consultant researched online e-learning module options and reviewed other colleges’
jurisprudence programs. An RFP for an online jurisprudence module has been sent to potential vendors. A study guide and
questions have been drafted and dietitians are currently reviewing them and sending their feedback to the consultant.
Registration Committee Report
Members: Stacey Lake (Chair), Daphne Lordly, Audra Gallant, Pam Soley, Connie Foote
Agenda items included drafting an Active Practice Policy, developing an English Language Screening Tool, assessing internationally educated dietitians’ (IEDs) applications, and assessing one exam registration appeal.
An Active Practice Policy has been drafted and will be reviewed by legal counsel prior to approval. Members have also had an
opportunity to comment on the draft.
The Committee has developed a language screening tool to use when discretion is used to assess applicants’ English when it is
their second language.
Four IEDs were assessed this year, and there remains one in progress.
2015 Annual Report
Page 7
Registration
As of April 20, 2015
Full-licensed members
Temporary members
537
10
New Members
Emily Foster
4/14
Jessica Hawes
4/14
Kara Parsons
4/14
Susan Mullaly
5/14
Kelsey Kennedy
5/14
Heather Barnes
5/14
Eleanor Eville
6/14
Lindsay Harris
6/14
Nora Heighton
6/14
Kaela King
6/14
Shirley MacDonald
6/14
Jillian Reid
6/14
Mark Rogers
6/14
Karman Yim
6/14
Kayla Thomas
7/14
Caitlin Creaser
8/14
Kathryn Comeau
8/14
Krista McLellan
8/14
Stephanie Conrad
10/14
Ashley Hartnett
10/14
Carole Ann Maloney
10/14
Dianne Oickle
10/14
Joan Beyette
11/14
Jenna Crown
11/14
Caroline Fraser
11/14
Andrea Booth
1/15
Claire Galloway
1/15
Catherine Harrison
1/15
Kristen Harvey
1/15
Anna Christine Algee
1/15
Danica Pion
1/15
Megan Jensen
3/15
Tove Armstrong
1/15
Patricia Hamilton
3/15
Amy Bond
1/15
Sharon MacDonald
3/15
Jessica Gilmore
1/15
Louise Marchand
3/15
Jennifer Glockling
1/15
Cristina Lovett-Smith
3/15
Rebecca Hare
1/15
Susan Dempsey
3/15
Antonia Harvey
1/15
Colleen Goggin
3/15
Ashley Higson
1/15
Catrina Dunham
3/15
Melanie Lewis
1/15
Pauline Gillis
3/15
Kelly Mauracher
1/15
Shelley Simms Davis
3/15
Laura Morrison
1/15
Erica MacDonald
3/15
Melanie Riley
1/15
Candace Weaver
3/15
Lauren Rosser
1/15
Tyler Haut
3/15
Sarah Shaw
1/15
Amanda Sibley
3/15
Rebecca Shorrock
1/15
Lorraine McKelvie
3/15
Claire Turpin
1/15
Erin MacNeil
3/15
Kelly VanDerVoort
1/15
Katherine Holt
3/15
Kelly Whalen
1/15
Ningying Wang
3/15
Leah Cahill
1/15
Karman Yim
3/15
Shannan Grant
2/15
Claire Galloway
3/15
Lisa deMolitor
2/15
Catherine Harrison
3/15
Andrea Booth
3/15
Danica Pion
3/15
Resignations
Erin Hanley
9/14
Bethany Gallant
3/15
Lindsay Bucchanan
9/14
Jessica Fillmore
3/15
Caroline McBride
9/14
Melissa Rossiter
9/14
In Memoriam
Allison Vincent
9/14
Mary Sue Waisman
Kara Parsons
10/14
Karolin Balodis
1/15
Cynthia Watt
1/15
6/14
2015 Annual Report
Page 8
Figure 1. Number of full licensed
members registered at the end of the fiscal
year
560
540
520
500
480
460
440
420
400
2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2012-14 2014-15
Figure 2. Distribution of age of full
licensed members as of April 20, 2015.
90
80
70
Total= 537
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
out of province
(22)
end of career in
dietetics (11)
deceased (1)
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
out of country
(1)
Figure 3. 2014-15 Resignations
Figure 4. Labor Mobility in 2014-15
2015 Annual Report
Page 9
Treasurer’s Report
Financial statements for the year ending March 31, 2014 have been audited. The audited financial statements will be presented at
the AGM and are posted on the NSDA website.
Total Revenue
2014/15
2014/15
Budgeted
Actual
Difference
$177,900
(based on unaudited
statement)
~$187,304
$9,404
Over budget (desired)
Total Expenses
$209,275
~$180,356
~$28,918.87
Under budget (desired)
Net Income
($31,375)
~$6,948.50
For the year ending March 31, 2015, the net income of ~ $ 10,628 was more than expected because revenue exceeded budgeted
revenue and total expenditures were less than expected. Expenses associated with proclamation were not incurred during the
2014-15 fiscal year.
2015-16 Proposed Budget
The 2015/2016 proposed budget (pg 10) accounts for the following expenditures that differ from the previous year:

Employment of a practice advisor (PDt) to support the ongoing work of the organization

Modernizing the organization’s technology (e.g. website, registration database, online renewal)

Implementing an online jurisprudence learning module

Fees associated with college proclamation (e.g. legal fees, publicity associated with college proclamation)
As in the 2014/15 budget, it is anticipated that the net income for the 2016 budget will be ~($30,000). This amount will be
drawn from the contingency. According to the 2014 audited financial statement, equity at the end of the 2014 fiscal year was
$201,887. The goal to have a contingency fund equal to annual revenue has been reached. The budget reflects the needs of the
organization to meet its legislated mandate and the board of director’s strategic direction.
Sue Conlan, P.Dt
Treasurer
2015 Annual Report
Page 10
Proposed budget for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2016
Revenue
Exam Fees
Membership Dues
Application and Late Fees
Temporary Members
Interest and GIC
Mis. Income
TOTAL REVENUE
FROM CONTINGENCY
TOTAL
15,000
160,000
7,000
3,200
1,000
100
186,300
32,374
218,674
Expenditures
Office Expenses
Phone/Fax/Internet
Printing & Photocopying
Postage & Handling
Office Supplies & Equipment
Office Rental & Insurance
Website
Website
PayPal Registration Fee
Committees
Registration
Continuing Competency
Professional Practice Committee
Complaints Committee
Executive Manager Expenses
Meals/Travel
Professional Fees and Education
Staff
Board Expenses
Board meetings
AGM
Misc Board Expenses
Insurance
Board Development
Audit
Organizational Memberships
Alliance
CDRE
Provincial Regulatory Network
Treasurer Expenses
Misc Expenses
Legal Expenses
Proclamation of Act (publicity)
Technology
TOTAL EXPENDITURES
NET INCOME
1,200
3,000
3,000
2,400
12,630
1,500
3,500
1,000
500
100
500
7,550
2,000
103,594
10,500
5,000
250
900
2,000
4,000
2,500
15,000
500
50
500
5,000
10,000
20,000
$218,674