A message from our President, Kelly Antinori-Lent, and our CEO, Charles Macfarlane:
In 2018, AADE embarked on a new vision: to drive optimal outcomes for people with diabetes through the integration of clinical management, education, prevention and support.
Your contributions were vital to moving this vision forward.
We listened when you told us that while self-management education is at the heart of what you do, it isn't all that you do. We listened when you said clinical management is a key part of the role, as is integrating all elements of care for the person with diabetes. And we listened, when in early 2019, we began an extensive research process to determine whether the current title of the specialty was still appropriate or if there was a need for a new title that reflected the increased relevance of our role.
Over a year later, here we are, on the other side of a journey involving our members, payers, providers, fellow diabetes organizations and groups representing people with diabetes. We're creating value for members, people with diabetes and the entire care team. And we're bringing your valuable input to life as we ensure people get access to your services so you can help to create even better outcomes.
Our member-affirmed new specialty title, diabetes care and education specialist, will allow us to stand as leaders in diabetes care and more accurately describe all that we do for people with diabetes. Effective today, our association's new name, Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists, will help us make the greatest impact in the healthcare environment and marketplace. And our rebranded association gives us the additional leverage we need to launch our specialty into the future and gain the recognition to further demonstrate our importance to providers, payers and other decision makers.
Together, we have a shared purpose and a singular focus. Together, we're accelerating excellence, optimizing outcomes and building community. Together, we're on the forefront for better care.
We hope you'll join us as we bring our new brand to life and gain more visibility and credibility from the rest of the care team.
We know you're wondering how the new title affects your CDE® credential. Short answer: it doesn't. The certification is managed by the National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators (NCBDE), which has been involved in the rebranding process from the beginning. While the Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) credential is transitioning to the Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) credential starting in 2020, current CDEs do not have to retake the examination to transition to the CDCES credential. When CDEs renew beginning this year, new certificates and wallet cards will use the CDCES designation. You should also be aware that the NCBDE organization name will be changing to Certification Board for Diabetes Care and Education (CBDCE).
For additional information about our evolution and how it affects you and your practice, visit DiabetesEducator.org/ADCES.
And please—keep the questions coming by emailing ADCESrebrand@adces.org. We're here to support you so you can deliver better outcomes for people with diabetes and create a world where thriving is a way of life. Let's inspire everyone to join us as we elevate the future of an entire specialty.
Sincerely,
Kellie Antinori-Lent, MSN, RN, ACNS-BC, BC-ADM, CDE, FAADE
ADCES 2020 President
Charles Macfarlane, FACHE, CAE
Chief Executive Officer