e-Advocacy Newsletter

January through March 2010

Health Care Reform and Diabetes Educators:
What’s Included and What’s Next

After more than a year of intense debate, the President signed into law on March 30, 2010 the Reconciliation changes to the larger health reform bill that passed Congress and was signed into law the previous week. The complex legislative maneuvering to enact health care reform involved a two-pronged strategy that now sets the stage for a profound change in health care delivery over the coming decade.

Kentucky Diabetes Educator Licensure Initiative

In an effort to gain recognition for the qualified diabetes educator, AADE has embarked on a state licensure initiative. As management of diabetes becomes increasingly complex, it is imperative that diabetes health care professionals be well educated and appropriately credentialed.

Grassroots Training Series

In 2009 AADE completed a needs assessment survey with the Member Legislative Coordinators. This survey addressed a variety of grassroots advocacy issues. As a result we are creating a three-part web-based training designed to develop a stronger group of advocates to help support and push AADE's legislative agenda for issues relating to diabetes educators/education.

Senator Shaheen (D-NH) to Introduce Senate DSMT Companion Bill!

Shortly after Congress returns from their two-week Spring Recess Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) will be introducing the Medicare Diabetes Self Management Training Act of 2010. This is a Senate companion bill that mirrors the language of H.R. 2425 introduced by Representative Diana DeGette (D-CO 1st) on May 14, 2009.

State Advocacy News!

Each quarter AADE Grassroots will spotlight state level grassroots advocacy and legislation.

The first quarter of 2010 has seen a big turnout for state level grassroots advocacy. A number of initiatives in Montana, North Carolina, New Hampshire and more has helped advance AADEs advocacy efforts at the state and federal level. In addition these efforts have provided a forum to discuss issues related to diabetes educators and education with a number of legislators and their aides.

Read what your fellow educators are doing around the nation.

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