New dimensions: the dietitian in private practice

Private practice is coming to the fore in the profession of dietetics. It can serve as a much needed arm of the health care delivery system in the area of nutrition. Institutions need to re-evaluate and expand their opportunities to sue private practioners, thus releasing more employee time for short-term remedial counseling and education. Referral processes need to be designed and implemented to open new opportunities for consumers to choose and obtain continuing services. Private practice must be included in funding methods, such as third-party payment. Educationl institutions must design programs to prepare persons for private practice. The profession must solve the problem of obtaining community recognition of properly qualified professional authority. The profession must also support the concept of a lifetime career in direct private practice and plan career tracks to keep the most able practioners available to consumers.