Here, in Des Moines, we actually had someone certified through Dr Campbell's program. She worked at facility that had RDs that promoted the regular RD diets, as well as information for the hospitals growing bariatric practices. I talked w/her last year (her husband is a cardiologist here and promotes PBD) since I help w/our CHIP program and wanted to know if she had any recommendations for family doctors (we actually saw him yesterday and were very pleased). Then she just seemed to disappear--no more pamphlets at the clinic, nothing on the hospital's web site about her (I'd mentioned to her that it seemed like a conflict to have her there w/RDs and the bariatric program, but she said they're trying to offer something to meet a wide variety of needs). So a few months ago I found this:
http://www.idph.state.ia.us/IDPHChannel ... 507DB48FCE (see below--the bold print is mine)
Apparently the dietitians weren't happy with what she was doing. The doctor I saw yesterday said she called him after this happened, and now he's stuck because he sent many of his patients to see her and doesn't really like sending them to the regular RDs. Hopefully she's doing something to allow her to practice in the future. I hope things like this don't happen to other people trying to help others w/PBD. Our CHIP program discusses the connection between diet and cancer--it's a DVD-based program, so we're really just the facilitators (but we do two blood draws)--are they going to go after us, next??
Case #12-002 was discussed in open session since this individual is not a licensed dietitian. The
board reviewed the investigative information regarding Bridgette Marcus, a lifestyle coach at
Mercy Weight Loss and Nutrition Center in Des Moines. Discussion points regarding this case:
Marcus has a plant-based nutrition certificate from an online program through Cornell
University. Drapeaux noted that Marcus’ job description states that she is responsible for
assessing nutritional status and providing individualized nutrition care plans and education. The
job description also states that she documents findings and actions and summary of assessments,
follow up and diet instruction comprehension in the medical record. Drapeaux said there is
much similarity in this job description and that of the dietitian. However, the word assessment is
not used in the job description for the dietitian.
Loftus noted that Marcus receives verbal
referrals from physicians. There was discussion about a health coach, which does not require
specialized training, and that assessment and documentation are clinical activities. In a
publication of the center’s services and classes, it states that Marcus is a physician with
certification in plant-based nutrition. There was discussion about certification vs a certificate.
The publication lists classes taught by Marcus, including Gluten-free Eating and The
Diet/Cancer Connection; these classes are therapeutic diets that qualify as medical nutrition
therapy services. Based on the concerns discussed about the services provided by Marcus,
Johnson asked AAG Lau what options the board has. Lau responded that the only option for
formal board action regarding a non-licensed person is to send a Cease and Desist letter. Lau
clarified that dietetic practice by an unlicensed person is a misdemeanor, and the letter would
notify the person of the elements that constitute unlicensed practice. There was also discussion
of an education letter to the employer and the individual. It was decided that a Cease and Desist
letter will be sent, with a copy to the employer