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Kentucky becomes first state to require licenses for diabetes educators
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Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear signed a bill that now requires a license to practice diabetes education.
According to the American Association of Diabetes Educators, the new licensure requirement is a move that will enhance consumer protection and increase professional recognition.
“Because the number of individuals with diabetes is increasing, more health care professionals are needed to help patients learn to manage the disease and prevent further health complications. Licensure for diabetes educators can help grow the specialty into a standardized, more recognized profession and could encourage more healthcare professionals to enter the field. More qualified diabetes educators means better patient care and outcomes,” Martha Rinker, AADE’s Chief Advocacy Officer, told Endocrine Today.
The licensure is intended for diabetes educators only, not health care professionals who may perform some diabetes-related functions as part of or in the course of other routine occupational duties. Licensure will provide minimum standards for patient safety and for recognition of the procession. In addition, it will address the current workforce shortage of qualified professionals who can deliver diabetes education, according to the press release.
“State licensure is the first step toward legal recognition for the diabetes educator. Even though most diabetes educators have additional education, training and sometimes certification in diabetes management, it is largely a self-identified specialization,” Rinker said. “State licensure will give diabetes educators a legal scope of practice like other health care professions. It will also offer the patient a measure of protection by ensuring that the diabetes education they receive is provided by a qualified professional with adequate training to meet a standard level of diabetes care.
The AADE is actively advocating for diabetes education licensure in all US states, according to Rinker.
“We hope that other states will realize the importance and the necessity of licensure for diabetes educators and follow in Kentucky’s footsteps,” she said.
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