Developing a methodology to validate the indicator statements in the 2009 Standards of Professional Performance for Registered Dietitians in Management of Food and Nutrition Systems

A methodology was developed to validate 64 indicator statements in the 2009 Standards of Professional Performance (SOPP) (Standard 1: Provision of Services) for Registered Dietitians (RDs) in Management of Food and Nutrition Systems (MFNS) Dietetic Practice Group (DPG). A Delphi panel of experts determined response profiles to demographic questions which would allow research participants to be categorized as advanced. A questionnaire consisting of the 64 indicator statements and demographic queries was electronically distributed to a sample of the American Dietetic Association (ADA) MFNS DPG members, Fellow members of ADA, and entry-level RDs who selected management as their primary practice area. Response data were aggregated for analysis. Results indicate that ten of the 64 indicator statements were validated to differentiate advanced practice. Participants managing budgets of greater than one million dollars and reporting eight or more years of management experience are more likely to assume advanced responsibilities.