LPN News

Scope of Practice FAQ Series

The College of LPNs and HCAs of Alberta (CLHA) frequently receives questions about professional scope of practice. Through our monthly series, we will address many of these questions.

Employers define the LPN role in their specific setting in accordance with the regulatory scope of practice established in legislation, regulation, and CLHA documents. Employers cannot assign LPNs activities that are not in the regulatory scope of practice. However, it is reasonable to expect that LPN scope will vary depending on the employer and practice setting.

Why Can’t All Employers Have the Same LPN Scope of Practice?

Employers establish the LPN role, provided it is within regulatory scope of practice, to reflect the different client requirements and supports available in their settings.

For example, administering medication via IV direct push is in an LPN’s regulatory scope of practice. This activity is listed in the Standards of Practice on Restricted Activities, Advanced Practice, and Supervision. It falls within the restricted activity in Standard 4. However, some employers may not have LPNs administer IV medication in their setting.