Unit 2: The Role of the College of Licensed Practical Nurses in Alberta (CLPNA) Albertas Regulatory Body for LPN's

Regulation of CLPNA

All healthcare regulatory bodies are under the Health Professions Act.

The HPA gives the CLPNA its authority.

The CLPNA is required to adhere to other legislations which support best practice guidelines & standards across healthcare.

Function of CLPNA

Setting education, registration and renewal requirements

Oversees compliance with legislation & regulation

Setting & enforcing practice, conduct and standards

Management of complaints and discipline

CLPNA

Provincial regulatory body for LPNs

Oversees the compliance of healthcare legislation

Sets education (including advanced training), registration and renewal processes

Sets and enforces practice conduct and discipline processes

Responsible for managing complaints

Maintains the continuing competency program

CCPNR

National Collaboration with provincial regulatory authorities

Initial mandate was to promote excellence in practical nursing regulation by demonstrating leadership, best practice and innovation for LPNS

In 2004 it expanded its membership to include other healthcare professionals (RN & Registered Psychiatric Nurses)

Bylaws reasons

Bylaws in healthcare organizations are important to know about as they are the RULES that govern how the organization operations.

Bylaws create process roadmaps and inform council members of expected conduct and powers that are acceptable.

Bylaws ensure accountability to duties and powers granted to the CLPNA

Bylaws help keep you SAFE!!!

Determination of SOP

Legislation (HPA and others)

Regulation (CLPNA and Federal)

Code of Ethics

Standards of Practice

Competencies

Employer Policy

Scope of Practice

This document supports decision making about whether or not something falls within your scope to perform. The Three Factor framework applies:

1. Nurse Factors

2. Client Factors

3. Environmental Factors

Regulatory Scope of Practice

The LPN practice statement in the HPA states:

• applying nursing knowledge, skills, and judgment to assess patients’ needs;

• providing nursing care for patients and families;

• teaching, managing, and conducting research in the science, techniques, and practice of nursing; and

• providing restricted activities authorized by regulation.

LPN scope of practice is further defined by the CLPNA. Restricted activities are high-risk health services that can only be performed by authorized health care professionals such as LPNs. The restricted activities that LPNs are authorized to perform are outlined in the section 20 to 23 in the Health Professions Restricted Activities Regulation. Further guidance related to restricted activities, and supervision requirements, is found in the CLPNA’s Standards of Practice on Restricted Activities, Advanced Practice, and Supervision.

Employer Scope of Practice

Employers outline an LPN’s scope of practice in their individual care settings through policies, guidelines, and job descriptions. The LPN scope of practice within an employer setting can change and is supported through additional training offered to LPNs.

The LPN scope of practice can vary between employers and settings. An activity that is authorized at one setting might not be authorized at another. LPNs are responsible for knowing and understanding the requirements of their current role. They are expected to seek out knowledge, guidance, and opportunities to practice safely and work to their full scope of practice within a particular environment. LPNs are accountable for engaging in education and practice to build their competence. Education and training can be provided by the employer to support the LPN.

Individual Scope of Practice

An LPN’s individual scope of practice is defined by their knowledge, skills, and abilities. The individual scope of practice represents an LPN’s entry-to-practice education, practice experience, and any additional education and training taken over the course of their career. As LPNs become more experienced in particular areas, their individual scope increases.

Entry-Level Competencies for LPN's

document by the Canadian Council for Practical Nurse Regulators (CCPNR) outlines the essential knowledge, skills, attitudes, and judgment required for LPNs to provide safe, competent, and ethical care. This resource serves as a guide for LPNs at the start of their careers, detailing expectations for their practice and helping them understand their professional responsibilities. For students, it’s an invaluable tool to grasp what is expected in their future roles and how their education aligns with these national standards.

Restricted Activity

are high risk health services listed in section 1.3 of the Health Professions Act. They require additional education, skills, and direct, indirect, or indirect remote supervision

Standards of Practice

• provide a national framework for LPN practice

• define the legal and professional expectations

• describe the elements of quality LPN practice

• applicable to LPNs in all settings

• LPNs are accountable to meet these Standards of Practice

• provincial and territorial regulatory authorities are responsible for setting, monitoring, and enforcing

Registration Process

1. Online Application

2. Provide all required documents

3. CLPNA assessed the application

4. Application approval or denial

5. If approved, you pay the required fees

Additional registration requirements

Jurisprudence Module

English Language Proficiency

Liability Insurance

Fees and payments

CPNRE exam

Jurisprudence Module

will test your understanding of the laws, regulations, bylaws, and practice standards that govern the LPN profession in Alberta.

Who can make a complaint

✓ Members of the public,

✓ Patients

✓ Patient representatives

✓ Employers

✓ Co-workers

Complaint Process

1. Submission is reviewed by the complaints Director

2. Parties are contracted by phone if CLPNA has jurisdiction to proceed

3. Both the complaint and LPN receive a letter within 30 days

4. An investigator is assigned

5. Investigation is initiated

6. Completion of investigation

7. Dismissed or leads to a disciplinary hearing or appeals

Considerations during a complaint process

➢ Managing risk to the public:

➢ Continues practicing

➢ Practicing with restrictions

➢ Suspension or practice

➢ Incapacity/unfit to practice

➢ Unprofessional conduct