LPN News

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.

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) will be informed when there have been changes to regulatory scope of practice, typically via email. Often, LPNs provide feedback on these changes through surveys or other means.

Changes to Restricted Activities that LPNs Are Authorized to Perform

As mentioned in last month’s article, the Health Professions Restricted Activity Regulation authorizes LPNs to perform certain high-risk health services, known as restricted activities.

To change the restricted activities that LPNs are authorized to perform, the Government of Alberta must update the Health Professions Restricted Activities Regulation.

Changes to Supervision and Education Requirements

Requirements for performing restricted activities are set in the Health Professions Restricted Activities Regulation and Standards of Practice for LPNs on Restricted Activities, Advanced Practice, and Supervision. Revisions to standards of practice are sent to LPNs and other interested parties for feedback. This is one way to know if there are changes to scope or other regulatory changes.

Changes to Other Important Documents

The Code of Ethics for LPNs is developed by the Canadian Council for Practical Nurse Regulators (CCPNR), which the CLHA is a member of. The Code of Ethics for LPNs was updated in December 2024. LPNs were able to provide feedback prior to the update.

The Entry-Level Competencies for LPNs are also developed by CCPNR. Alberta LPNs were invited to give their feedback on the latest updates in spring 2026.

Note: Not all updates to standards or guidance documents change the regulatory scope of practice for Alberta LPNs.