Diabetes Aide

 Nurse Delegation Requirements

When a licensed nurse is not available, an RN, who has met the requirements listed in ARSD 20:48:04.01:17, may delegate the following tasks to a qualified and trained diabetes aide: 

• Helping a person with an insulin pump or with an insulin pen device;
• Administering subcutaneous (SQ) insulin from a vial and syringe or with an insulin pen device;  
• Assisting a person with counting carbohydrates; 
• Performing blood glucose monitoring.

Nurses are required to follow the General Delegation Criteria and Supervision requirements and should review the Delegation Decision Making Algorithm to guide whether a specific nursing task may be safely delegated.

 Diabetes Aide Requirements

1. Complete the 10-hour diabetes aide training course that is taught by an RN instructor  
2. Pass a final exam, administered by the RN instructor
3. Pass a skills competency evaluation administered by the RN

 RN Instructor Requirements

1. Have on file a written protocol that includes the requirements listed in ARSD 20:48:04.01:16(4),(5); 
2. Complete the BON's online RN Train-the-Trainer Course;
3. Teach or ensure that the 10-hour diabetes aide training course was completed by the Nursing Assistant. The course must consist of:
   • 5-hours of instruction on diabetes topics listed in ARSD 20:48:04.01:16(1). The Board offers a free online Diabetes Aide Training Course that meets this requirement.
   • Administration of a written exam, as required in ARSD 20:48:04.01:16(2); the RN instructor may contact the Board to request access to questions for use in developing exam.
   • 5-hours of clinical/lab instruction, as outlined in ARSD 20:48:04.01:16(3), that includes an evaluation of competency to perform the diabetes tasks using the Board's approved Diabetes Aide Competency Checklist.
4. Annually, revalidate the Diabetes Aide's competency, as required in ARSD 20:48:04.01:16(6); an RN may opt to use the Board's Diabetes Aide Competency Checklist
5. Document training and maintain on file per facility policy.  

 Supervision Requirements

• Initital supervision by the RN is required: the delegating RN must meet in-person with a new Diabetes Aide during a client’s mealtime at least two times per week in the first four weeks to consult with the Diabetes Aide and to evaluate competence.
• The RN must always be available by electronic communication at all meal times.
• The RN must evaluate the Diabetes Aid's competence annually using the Board's Diabetes Aide Competency Checklist
• See rule: ARSD 20:48:04.01:16(4).