Standards of Practice for HCAs on Professional Boundaries

May 6, 2026 | HCA Practice

Standards of Practice for HCAs on Professional Boundaries

What’s in the document?

Regulated health professionals follow common standards for their competence and conduct. In our series, “What’s in the Document?” we will share information on key requirements for Health Care Aides (HCAs) in Alberta as established in documents from the College of LPNs and HCAs of Alberta (CLHA).

What Are the Standards of Practice for HCAs on Professional Boundaries?

Standards of practice explain the behaviour that HCAs are expected to meet in their professional practice. Any action that does not follow standards of practice could be considered unprofessional conduct.

The Standards of Practice for HCAs on Professional Boundaries address the boundaries that must be in place for safe, competent, and ethical care.

There is a power imbalance between HCAs and clients. Whether intentional or not, if an HCA uses their position to control, intimidate, or inappropriately influence a client, former client, or someone closely connected with the client, this is a professional boundary violation.

Read the Standards of Practice for HCAs on Professional Boundaries

What’s in the Document?

The Standards of Practice for HCAs on Professional Boundaries defines what a professional boundary violation can be, including those listed below. Click the + to learn more.

Inappropriate physical contact between an HCA and a client, former client, or someone closely connected with a client.

For example: touching or providing care without consent, hugging, kissing.

Inappropriate communication between an HCA and a client, former client, or a person closely connected to a client.

For example: threats, yelling, inappropriate hand gestures, using terms like “honey” or “sweetie” towards clients, adding someone as a friend on social media.

Inappropriate behaviour involving money or finances between an HCA and a client, former client, or someone closely connected with a client

For example: promoting a business to a client, asking for money, stealing money, exchanging gifts.

Conduct of a sexual nature directed towards a client, former client, or a person closely connected with a client

For example: making sexual comments, discussing the possibility of a sexual relationship in the future, making sexualized comments about someone’s body or clothing, telling sexual jokes.

These Standards of Practice also address close personal relationships with clients and people closely connected to a client and boundary violations with coworkers.