What should a retiring dietitian do about clients mid-way through a nutrition plan?

Begin by listing every client with an active plan and where they are in it. Some will finish before you leave. Others will need to continue, and you can decide, case by case, whether you will bring them to a natural stopping point or hand them to someone you trust.

Talk to each client directly. Explain the timing, offer the choice and answer questions. If you are transferring them to the incoming dietitian, arrange a joint session if you can, and share a clear summary of their goals and progress with consent. If they prefer another provider, help them find one and offer to send records to whoever they name.

Finally, plan for the loose ends: prepaid sessions, follow-up questions and records. Ask your lawyer and your professional body about what you must keep and for how long. Your accountant can help you settle any prepaid balances fairly. A clean ending protects clients and your own reputation. Write down your plan for every client and keep it with your records. If someone changes their mind later, you will know what you promised and can adjust without confusion. If a client is anxious about stopping, consider a short written summary of their progress and next steps that they can keep.

Key takeaways

• List every active plan and decide whether each client finishes with you or transfers.
• Share notes only with consent and give each client a clear last date.
• Settle prepaid sessions and record-keeping questions before you close.