LPN News

Update from the most recent CLHA Council meeting

The Council of the College of LPNs and HCAs of Alberta (CLHA) is responsible for the oversight of the organization and for guiding our strategic direction. The Council consists of 50% regulated members and 50% public members.

The Council held its quarterly meeting on February 26 and 27. This was the first meeting of the Council after the organization rebranded to the CLHA. A summary of key activities is below.

Ownership Linkage and Education

To inform strategic ends and decision-making, the Council engages in work to support better understanding of the populations that LPNs and HCAs serve and the role of a regulator in an evolving healthcare system.

At this meeting, Council members met with the Health Advocate and Mental Health Advocate for the Government of Alberta to learn more about the office.

As this was the first meeting , information about the rebrand to CLHA and the Strategic Plan were re-introduced. The CLHA also presented an environmental scan to the Council.

Ongoing Monitoring of the Organization

The Council monitors the CLHA’s operations and evaluates the performance of the CEO. At this meeting, the Council received and accepted the following monitoring reports:

• END Policy
• Treatment of Staff
• Financial Condition, including audited financials
• Treatment of Members and Public
• Amendments to HPA, Regulations or Bylaws
• Ethical Conduct

Council Governance

The Council Governance Committee reviewed specific Executive Limitations (ELs), which define boundaries and requirements for the CEO role. No major changes to ELs were recommended at the February Meeting. Minor editorial changes were made to one EL.

The Governance Committee additionally made the following recommendations:

• Establishment of an Investment Policy Review Committee to evaluate the CLHA’s philosophy for investment.
• Updating governance practices to allow any member of the Council to serve as a committee chair. Committee terms of reference will be updated at the next quarterly meeting.

Regulatory Approvals

Education Program Approvals

Under the Health Professions Act, the CLHA Council approves practical nurse and HCA education programs in Alberta. This includes diploma programs, programs leading to advanced authorization, as well as refresher programs.

In February, the Council approved the following practical nursing programs: Alberta Foot Care Academy, Bow Valley College, Bow Valley College – Yukon, and Northern Lakes College.

The Council also approved updated terms of reference for the Education Standards Advisory Committee to accommodate the addition of HCA programs.

Regulatory Documents

The CLHA Council approved standards of practice and certain other regulatory documents.

In February, the Council approved the Standards of Practice for LPNs on the Continuing Competence Program and the HCA policy, Actively Engaged Requirements for Registration.