The term "journal club" refers to a specific type of study group, i.e., one which restricts its resources to published journal articles. Study groups may, however, employ a broader range of resources: self-study materials, audio-tapes, video-tapes, journal articles, books, published lectures, etc.

The minimum number of dietetics practitioners required for a study group or journal club is three. Most study groups meet once a month for one or two hours and thus enable their members to obtain 12-24 CPE hours a year. You are free to tailor this to your own needs. As of June 1, 2001, prior approval is no longer required of study groups or journal clubs, however, CDR encourages that the program for the entire year be pre-planned before the first meeting to ensure that any group which undertakes continuing professional education activities will establish a well-organized and well-designed program.

It is encouraged that specific limited topics be selected for each planned meeting. A resource list should be identified at the onset. Specific resources need not be identified for each topic; the requirement is merely that the study group identify possible resources on which it will be drawing during the coming year.

CDR encourages journal clubs and study groups to be prior-approved for CPE credit. Click here for prior approval form which is available in PDF format. (Click here for more information on PDF documents.)

The form should be submitted for review to the Commission on Dietetic Registration at least 4-6 weeks prior to the activity date. Some affiliate dietetic associations have agreed to share the approval responsibility with the Commission. To determine where to send your program for review, view the Affiliate CPE Agreements. Keep one copy for your files.

Verification of program approval and attendance reporting forms will be forwarded upon completion of the evaluation. Please notify the Commission of any changes in the program (e.g., dates, topics, timing outline) prior to the activity date.