Committees

Competence Committee

Those who believe in life-long learning may be interested in volunteering for the Competence Committee. This committee makes recommendations to the Council on continuing competence requirements and the assessment of those requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

Competence Committee members MUST:

• Have a minimum of 24 months of nursing practice.
• Demonstrate safe and ethical nursing practice.
• Have effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Use critical thinking and sound clinical judgement skills.
• Be computer literate and be able to access and modify attachments as necessary.

Expectations:

This committee meets in-person for scheduled meetings at the CLPNA office 3-4 times per year with additional video conference meetings as required.

Jurisprudence Committee

The Jurisprudence Committee assists in the development and maintenance of the CLPNA’s Jurisprudence Examination, which is a multiple choice, open-book exam required by all LPN’s undergoing registration in Alberta.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Jurisprudence Committee members must:

• Have a minimum of 6 months of nursing practice.
• Demonstrate safe and ethical nursing practice.
• Have effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Use critical thinking and sound clinical judgement/skills.
• Be computer literate and be able to access and modify attachments as necessary.

Expectations:

This committee meets in-person for scheduled meetings at the CLPNA office 1-2 times per year with additional video conference meetings as required.

Complaint Review Committee (CRC)

The Complaint Review Committee requires critical thinkers to review written decisions to dismiss complaints of unprofessional conduct.

RELATED – About Complaints

QUALIFICATIONS:

Complaint Review Committee members must:

• A minimum of seven (7) years of nursing practice.
• Preference for recent nursing experience in acute care, long-term care, community care or education.
• In good standing with the CLPNA.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Critical thinking and judgement skills.

Expectations:

A review of a dismissal requires at least two teleconference meetings per appeal.

Education Standards Advisory Committee (ESAC)

The College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (CLPNA) has a legislative duty under the Health Professions Act to approve all nursing education programs. This includes diploma programs, refresher, and advanced practice education programs.

The Council of the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (CLPNA) delegates the review to the Education Standards Advisory Committee (ESAC). Following a program review, ESAC prepares a report with recommendations for Council. Council reviews the report and determines approval status.

QUALIFICATIONS:

ESAC members must:
• Have a minimum of 2 years of nursing practice.
• Demonstrate safe and ethical nursing practice.
• Have effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Use critical thinking and sound clinical judgement/skills.
• Be computer literate and be able to access and modify attachments as necessary.
• A background in practical nurse education or as an educator/preceptor is valuable.

Expectations:

This committee meets on demand 6 to 12 days per year for scheduled meetings. Meetings may be in-person at the CLPNA office or held virtually.

Hearing Tribunal

LPNs valuing safe and ethical nursing practice should consider volunteering for the Hearing Tribunal. The Hearing Tribunal ensures the public is protected from unethical, unsafe or unskilled nursing care.  Members of the Hearing Tribunal are the decision-makers at the disciplinary hearings of investigated complaints made against LPNs. A minimum of 7 years of nursing practice in any of the following areas is preferred: acute care, long-term care, community care, or education.

RELATED – About Complaints

Hearing Tribunal Members Must:

• Ensure fairness by hearing the allegations and facts made subject of the complaint and investigation, the response from the investigated member, and evaluating the evidence from any witnesses
• Determine if the action of the investigated person constitutes unprofessional conduct as defined in the Health Professions Act
• Write the decision and reasons for findings and any penalty orders necessary arising from a finding of unprofessional conduct

QUALIFICATIONS:

In addition to the general qualifications for Committee members, Hearing Tribunal members:

• A minimum of seven (7) years of nursing practice.
• Preference for recent nursing experience in acute care, long-term care, community care or education.
• In good standing with the CLPNA.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Critical thinking and judgement skills.

Expectations:

Members of this committee are required to participate in a minimum of three (3) hearings in a calendar year. Hearings can last from ½ day to 3 or  more consecutive full days. Hearings may be scheduled in different communities across Alberta.