Kentucky first state to require license for diabetes educator; Beshear signed bill into law last week

Kentucky is the first state to require diabetes educators to be licensed, a move Gov. Steve Beshear that said will "raise the standards for diabetes management and care."

Beshear signed Senate Bill 198, which establishes the licensure requirements, last week. "For years, our certified diabetes educators have worked diligently to assist patients with diabetes. By adding the licensure requirement, we are taking an important step forward in terms of recognition for the diabetes educator."

The law defines the scope of practice for a qualified diabetes educator; establishes minimum quality standards for providing service; and offers more protection for the patient.

"This is truly a step forward in the field of diabetes management and care," said Dr. Steve Davis, acting commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Public Health. "Not only are we raising professional standards and heightening recognition for those working in the field, we are improving standards for patients." (Read more)