About the CDBC
Our Founding
The College of Dietitians of British Columbia was first established on November 2, 2002. The Health Professions Act and the Dietitians Regulation are the laws that specify Dietitians’ role and obligations. Only registrants of the College can use the title Dietitian in BC.
The College ensures protection of the BC public by establishing, monitoring, and enforcing competent, safe, and ethical dietetic practice. The College approves education programs that leads to registration and assesses internationally educated dietitians. It develops and enforces standards of practice and the code of ethics. It sets requirement for continuing competence and investigates complaints and concerns about Dietitians.
The CDBC Vision, Mission and Values
Under the provisions of the BC Health Professions Act, the mandate of the College of Dietitians of British Columbia is to protect the BC public. CDBC achieves this through:
VISION
Supporting excellence in nutrition care through progressive regulation, professional standards, and public awareness throughout British Columbia.
MISSION
Ensuring safe, competent, and ethical provision of nutrition services to British Columbians by establishing, monitoring and enforcing standards, and regulating Dietitians, in accordance with the BC Health Professions Act.
VALUES
Innovative | Collaborative | Accountable | Responsible | Ethical
Governance
The CDBC Board governs and administers the affairs of the College in accordance with the Health Professions Act, the Dietitians Regulation, and the CDBC Bylaws. The Bylaws are a legal document that specify the rules and processes under which the College operates.
The Board consists of 9 people – 3 public government appointees and 6 elected Dietitians from different regions across BC.
The Board meets three times per year. Meetings are open to the public except when private or confidential information regarding registrants are discussed. Meeting dates are posted on the website and minutes are available by request.
Staff
Joanie Bouchard, RD
Registrar
The Registrar reports to the Board of Directors, facilitates strategic planning processes for the Board and implements strategies to operationalize Board goals and objectives, ensures compliance with relevant legislation and governance processes, represents the CDBC to the public and other regulatory agencies, and enhances relationships with colleagues and stakeholders. The Registrar provides support and advice to the Board and committees and manages the fiscal and administrative functions of the College utilizing prudent and effective management practices and oversees the College employees.
Mélanie Journoud, RD
Deputy Registrar
The Deputy Registrar works collaboratively with College staff to meet all regulatory functions. She assumes the Registrar’s responsibilities in her absence and leads the work of the Quality Assurance and Inquiry Committees. She oversees practice advisory and all quality assurance initiatives/ actions. She manages projects and supports IT contractors’ oversight.
Cindy Huang, RD
Professional Practice Coordinator (Interim)
The Professional Practice Coordinator works collaboratively with College staff to support the regulatory functions of inquiry and quality assurance. She acts as a complaint intake person, investigates cases as directed by the Inquiry Committee and executes any other tasks required to support the work of the Inquiry Committee. She contributes to policy review either related to Inquiry or Quality Assurance and supports other profession-specific related initiatives.
Jennifer Pezel
Manager Registration and Communications (Interim)
The Registration and Communication Manager works collaboratively with College staff to meet the regulatory functions of registration. She leads and supports the work of the Registration Committee, reviews all College applications and facilitates processes for the assessment of internationally educated applicants. She coordinates the Canadian Dietetic Registration Examination accommodations and appeals and drafts, reviews and updates policies related to registration. She is the lead person to write communication supporting the College mandate.
Michaela Bowe
Executive Assistant and Registration Coordinator
The Executive Assistant and Registration Coordinator is responsible for performing general administrative duties, assisting with project management, and organizing events that support the College’s function and Registrar’s role. She coordinates communication with applicants and registrants, supports registration processes, and manages communication distribution for the College.
Elaine van Oosten, RD
Practice Advisor
The Practice Advisor help registrants on practice issues relating to the regulation, standards, guidelines and ethical principles that affect Dietitians, and provide education and information to help registrants improve their knowledge and understanding. She supports the Quality Assurance Program coordination and designs and implements evidence-informed policy development and decision-making regarding QA.