Guest Post: Lisa Laird - Why Diabetes Educators Licensure?

On May 23 the Pennsylvania House Professional Licensure will meet on House Bill 1851, Licensure of Diabetes Educators. Please share your support if you are in PA.

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Licensure will optimize patient care for those with diabetes by identifying to the public and your doctor healthcare professionals who have education, training, and experience in diabetes education. People with diabetes benefit from specialized skills which promote behavior change. Often we know what to do but carrying out those behaviors require training in how to look at goals and the necessary support to reach them.

Who are diabetes educators?

We do not discourage licensed nurses, registered dietitians, and pharmacists, etc. from teaching patients with diabetes skills to enhance their care. With such an epidemic, all healthcare providers are needed to help. Licensure could provide a legal scope of practice to gather a wide range of healthcare professionals under one umbrella of practice. This will legally define what care is given by the LDE, and safeguard the public. Today, any person can call themselves a diabetes educator, give advice or care without accountability. Tell me, who do you want teaching your family and loved ones?Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) is a proven effective method of sharing self-care behaviors with patients and families. It is your right to attend if you receive Medicare. Risk-reducing behaviors are taught. Consider attending along your journey if you have diabetes or know someone who does.Please support House Bill 1851 to ensure those who call themselves diabetes educators have met the qualifications to do so.Thank you,Lisa Laird, RN, BSN, CDEPast Chair, Pennsylvania AADE Coordinating Body DPAC - ACT NOW. Pennsylvanians ask your representatives in Harrisburg to support House Bill 1851Other PA OpportunitiesAbout Lisa: Lisa Laird, RN, BSN, CDEPast Chair, Pennsylvania AADE Coordinating Body, 2014 and 2015Following a decade of work as a diabetes nurse educator, two of her four children were diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. The application of evidence into practice affects her and her teaching profoundly. Lisa works in staff development where she teaches different healthcare disciplines, diabetes care, and consults with patients and families as inpatients. Lisa engages in policy writing and process improvement working to advance the model of healthcare delivery.