LPN News

Registrants and other interested parties can contact the Professional Practice Team at the College of LPNs and HCAs of Alberta (CLHA) to receive clarification on Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) practice.

In Practice Corner, we’ll share some frequently asked questions and our answers.

Can an LPN Pronounce Death?

Pronouncing death means performing a physical assessment and determining that a person has no signs of life. LPNs may pronounce death as part of their professional role, provided all the following conditions are met:

• they have the necessary knowledge, skills, and competence;
• the employer has authorized LPNs to pronounce deaths;
• the death is expected; and
• there is no possibility of organ or tissue donation.

LPNs pronouncing death follow employer requirements and notify the most responsible health practitioner of the death. LPNs are expected to document their findings in the client record.

LPNs may not pronounce death in the following circumstances:

• if the death is unexpected, reportable, unexplained, involves trauma, or is under suspicious circumstances;
• if there’s a chance the person may be an organ or tissue donor;
• if their employer or workplace does not allow LPNs to pronounce death, in which case LPNs must follow their employer’s requirements; or
• if an LPN doesn’t feel confident or competent in making the determination.

Note that LPNs cannot certify death, meaning they cannot legally confirm and record the cause and manner of death on a death certificate.

For full information on this topic, see our practice guideline, Pronouncing Death.