A joint position statement (Statement) on diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) was recently released by three stakeholder diabetes organizations -- the American Diabetes Association, the American Association of Diabetes Educators and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, as well as the National Diabetes Education Program. The Statement identifies 4 critical times for assessing the need for a person with diabetes to be referred for DSMES. The times are at diagnosis, on a yearly basis for health maintenance and prevention of complications, when new complicating factors influence self-management, and when transitions of care occur. In addition to providing the evidence for the need for education at these times, an algorithm was developed to summarize the critical times to assess, provide and adjust self-management education and support. The algorithm also identifies areas of focus and action steps that should be considered by the healthcare provider, educator and the person with diabetes at each of these times. The intent of the algorithm is to provide clear guidance on when to refer, what self-management needs and support are needed at each critical time, and outlines suggested focus areas for the clinical and education teams. A tool kit of materials has been developed to aid in disseminating the recommendations in the Statement and increasing referrals for DSMES by implementing the recommendations of the Statement. These support materials are intended to be used in a variety of settings and are customizable to the user’s local venue.