Court-ordered dietary standards: RDAs and mental retardation.

A review of dietary standards in the landmark case of Wyatt v. Hardin is presented. Whether the standards established are suitable for the intended population is argued through a review of the literature and a discussion of the meaning and purpose of the RDAs. The need for appropriate personnel and the wide-ranging implications for registered dietitians are discussed. Implementation of dietary standards supports the need for inclusion of registered dietitians in court-determined staffing patterns. Staffing ratios for registered dietitians are discussed. Specific areas for future study that should receive prompt attention from nutritionists are listed.