What has IBLCE done in light of COVID-19 to address IBCLC, candidate, and public needs?

On April 3, 2020, IBLCE disseminated an Advisory Opinion on Telehealth as it relates to IBCLC practice and the guiding documents for the IBCLC.

As a service to IBCLCs and candidates during the COVID-19 public health emergency, the IBLCE team quickly created a new section of the IBLCE website listing online educational opportunities providing CERPs and lactation specific education. There are over 200 offerings in a variety of languages and searchable by language, provider, date, and topic.

In April and May 2020, IBLCE issued Interim Guidance on the Use of Technology to Meet Pathways 1, 2, and 3 Clinical Practice Requirements. This interim guidance was reissued on October 6, 2020, and was to remain in effect through September 30, 2021, subject to further review. In August 2021, IBLCE further extended the guidance through September 30, 2022, and added a reference list to create the August 2021 Updated Interim Guidance on the Use of Technology to Meet Pathways 1, 2, and 3 Clinical Practice Requirements. In June 2022, IBLCE further extended the guidance through September 30, 2023, in the June 2022 Updated Interim Guidance on the Use of Technology to Meet Pathways 1, 2, and 3 Clinical Practice Requirements. In light of the sustained impacts of COVID-19, this interim guidance will continue to allow those working towards eligibility for the IBCLC to do so remotely.

In light of COVID-19, IBLCE provided guidance for professionals and families from the World Health Organization via social media. Also, although not typically done by a certification body, IBLCE provided global information to address food insecurity so that IBCLCs contacted by families would have ready access to referral sources if needed.

Given the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, IBLCE approved the use of LRP for 2021 and 2022 IBCLC examination administrations. Any use of LRP for IBCLC examinations in 2023 and beyond will be subject to further review.