A framework for quality assurance by professional organizations.

The Australian Diabetes Educators Association (ADEA) has undertaken policy development aimed at maintaining standards of practice and increasing professional skills. The components of a quality assurance framework have been identified and committees established to operationalize the objectives. Implementation of quality assurance projects has benefits for consumers and providers of health care. Knowledge and skills developed in the process of implementing quality assurance initiatives increase professional awareness and can be adapted to broaden practice parameters and create practice opportunities. This paper describes the approach to quality assurance developed by the committees and working parties of the ADEA that could be implemented in part or whole by professional groups seeking to ensure quality services by members.