Section 10177.7.

On and after January 1, 1982, every self-insured employee welfare benefit plan which is issued, amended, delivered, or renewed that covers hospital, medical, or surgical expenses on a group basis shall offer coverage for diabetic daycare self-management education programs, under such terms and conditions as may be agreed upon between the plan and the group policyholder, subject to utilization controls.

Coverage shall only apply to programs directed and supervised by a licensed physician who is board certified in internal medicine or pediatrics. Covered diabetic daycare self-managment and education programs shall be provided by health care professionals including, but not limited to, physicians, registered nurses, registered pharmacists, and registered dietitians who are knowledgeable about the disease process of diabetes and the treatment of diabetic patients.

As used in this section, diabetic daycare self-management education programs means instruction which will enable diabetic patients and their families to gain an understanding of the diabetic disease process, and the daily management of diabetic therapy thereby avoiding frequent hospitalizations and complications.

Nothing in this section shall be construed to require the offering of programs whose sole or primary purpose is weight reduction.

(Added by Stats. 1981, Ch. 750, Sec. 4.)