MyCLHA
LPNs
Understanding the Difference: Regulator, Association, Union, and Employer
Read the HCA info sheet to learn more about this topic.
The College of LPNs and HCAs of Alberta (CLHA) is a regulator. Our role, defined in the Health Professions Act, is to protect the public.
The Health Professions Act requires a clear separation between a profession’s regulator and other organizations with functions such as advocacy, hiring practices, salary negotiations, and economic and social well-being. For these functions, HCAs will need to connect with other organizations.
Regulator
Association
Union
Employer
PURPOSE: Protect the public
KEY FUNCTIONS
- Ensures compliance with healthcare legislation.
- Sets registration, annual renewal, and continuing competence requirements.
- Approves practical nurse education programs.
- Establishes professional requirements through standards of practice, code of ethics, and other guidance documents.
- Investigates unprofessional conduct.
PURPOSE: Advocate for the profession
KEY FUNCTIONS
- Advocates for the interests of the profession.
- Provides education, career, social, and award opportunities.
- Promotes research interests of the profession.
PURPOSE: Help employees in negotiations with the employer
KEY FUNCTIONS
- Negotiates conditions of employment such as wages, benefits, working conditions, and job security.
- Processes employee grievances under collective agreements.
- Assists employees with labour issues.
- Advocates for employee rights.
PURPOSE: Hire and compensate HCAs for their work
KEY FUNCTIONS
- Follows employment laws to ensure employees are treated safely, fairly, and are free from discrimination.
- Defines specific job duties of employees that are within the regulatory scope of practice.
- Ensures employees understand their rights.
- Supports practice through employer-specific requirements.
Questions? Review the resources available in the Knowledge Hub
Contact the Professional Practice Team.
Contact the Professional Practice Team.
Info Sheet
Understanding the Difference: Regulator, Association, Union, and Employer
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