Scope of Practice and Ethics
What this domain tests
Scope of Practice and Ethics tests boundary recognition: what a sports nutrition coach may do, when to refer, and how to handle conflicts, consent, confidentiality, and supplement claims. The central distinction is general nutrition coaching versus medical nutrition therapy.
Core rules
- A CSNC can educate, coach behavior, help implement a plan, and discuss general sports-nutrition principles. Medical nutrition therapy-individualized treatment of disease-belongs to a registered dietitian or physician.
- Do not diagnose, interpret labs, prescribe diets for diabetes, kidney disease, eating disorders, or other conditions, or advise medication changes.
- Screen and refer: red flags include disordered eating, rapid unexplained weight loss, GI bleeding, and uncontrolled symptoms.
- Supplements: assess need, risk, and third-party testing; never promise performance or cure; disclose conflicts of interest.
- Informed consent and confidentiality: explain scope, fees, data use, and limits; obtain permission before sharing information.
- Avoid dual relationships and testimonials without consent; represent credentials accurately.
Worked example
A client with type 2 diabetes on insulin asks you to design a ketogenic diet so they can stop medication. You explain that changing insulin is a medical decision. You can offer general education on carbohydrate awareness and consistent meal timing, but the individualized therapeutic plan and medication management require their physician and an RD. Document the conversation and the referral. Reasoning: the request crosses into medical nutrition therapy; collaboration protects the client and your certification.
Traps
- “Clearing” a client for a diet after reviewing labs.
- Recommending megadoses or unproven supplements.
- Giving disease-specific advice because a client asked.
- Posting client details or before-and-after photos without written consent.