CDA Update on Mandatory Requirement for PLI

College members,

As you are likely aware, it is mandatory under Alberta legislation for any practicing Registered Dietitian or Registered Nutritionist to carry Professional Liability Insurance (PLI).  In many cases, Registered Dietitians have coverage through their employers, i.e., employer-provided PLI. Recently, all health professions received a communication from the Minister of Health directing colleges to ensure their regulated members carry the appropriate PLI.

In many cases, employer-provided liability insurance does not cover the practitioner for discipline actions arising from complaints, including legal expenses or criminal defense reimbursement. This means many would not have any coverage related to discipline actions brought forward by colleges. This is a large gap in coverage that health practitioners may not be aware of.

Beginning April 1, 2025, all regulated members of the College of Dietitians of Alberta will be required to carry third-party Professional Liability Insurance of at least $2 million per occurrence, regardless of the fact they may have employer-provided coverage. We understand this is an added cost to you, but it is also necessary to ensure you have the proper insurance coverage and are covered for discipline actions from complaints.

The College is working to explore additional insurance providers and to ensure the cost of PLI is reasonable. We will communicate with regulated members as we move forward.

In the meantime, please refer to the College Website, under For Dietitians – Liability Insurance, for more information on the requirement for Professional Liability Insurance.

Sincerely,

Doug Cook (he/him)
Executive Director and Registrar
College of Dietitians of Alberta