MyCLPNA
Committees are legislated under the Health Professions Act (HPA) to support decision making in the areas of complaints of unprofessional conduct and continuing competence. Licensed Practical Nurse committee members are appointed by the CLPNA’s Council. Public members are appointed by the Government of Alberta.
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.
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.
This committee meets in-person for scheduled meetings at the CLPNA office three to four times per year with additional video conference meetings as required.
The Complaint Review Committee requires critical thinkers to review written decisions to dismiss complaints of unprofessional conduct.
Complaint Review Committee members must:
- have a minimum of seven years of nursing practice.
- be in good standing with the CLPNA.
- have effective verbal and written communication skills.
- have critical thinking and judgement skills.
- preference for recent nursing experience in acute care, long-term care, community care, or education.
A review of a dismissal requires at least two teleconference meetings per appeal.
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 seven years of nursing practice in any of the following areas is preferred: acute care, long-term care, community care, or education.
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.
In addition to the general qualifications for Committee members, Hearing Tribunal members must meet these requirements:
- a minimum of seven 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.
Members of this committee are required to participate in a minimum of three hearings in a calendar year. Hearings can last from a half day to three or more consecutive full days. Hearings may be scheduled in different communities across Alberta.