• assist and support activities of daily living to provide basic personal care and health services,
• participate in client education and promotion of client wellness across the lifespan,
• assist in teaching an HCA certificate program approved by the CLHA Council,
• teach HCA techniques and practices to practitioners in the workplace, and
• provide restricted activities identified by the regulations.

The Standards of Practice for Health Care Aides in Alberta and the Code of Ethics for Health Care Aides in Alberta outline HCA practice. HCAs are expected to comply with these standards.

According to the Health Professions Act section 1.2(a), “an activity of daily living (ADL) is an activity that people usually perform on their own behalf to maintain their health and well-being and includes:

• routine and invasive self-care activities, including but not restricted to the removal of slivers and the cleaning of wounds, and
• specifically taught procedures, which generally result in predictable and stable responses, including but not restricted to catheterization, maintenance of drainage tubes, and administration of drugs by injection.”

Answer the following questions to determine if the task you want to perform is an activity of daily living:

The restricted activities HCAs are authorized to perform are outlined in the Health Professions Restricted Activity Regulation and the Standards of Practice for Health Care Aides on Restricted Activities and Supervision Requirements. Restricted activities an HCA may be assigned to perform by an authorized health professional include the following: inserting or removing instruments, devices, fingers, or hands; beyond the labia majora or the anal verge. When performing a restricted activity, it is important to have client-specific education and training and to check what type of supervision is required. It is also required to ensure an authorized health professional is available and has agreed to supervise the restricted activity. This information can be found in the CLHA Standards of Practice for Health Care Aides on Restricted Activities and Supervision Requirements.

An HCA’s scope of practice expands and varies as they gain more education, training, and practice experience. It is important to understand the client’s overall health condition and needs and then consider whether you can manage these needs or any potential issues. Before starting any new task, think about whether you need more training. If you haven't done this task before or it's been a while, consider refreshing your knowledge before starting the task, or ensure a co-worker or supervisor can help you if you have questions or need support.

Some client-specific tasks require an authorized health professional to assess the client and then assign the task to the HCA.

HCAs are expected to know their role within their employment setting. Before completing a task, HCAs should check what is outlined in their job description and employer policies. If needed, employers can support HCAs by providing education and training for many tasks in the workplace.

As a health professional, HCAs are accountable and responsible for their actions. The CLHA website has valuable resources to guide and support the HCA profession.

Environmental factors refer to employer policies and resources to support HCA practice. HCAs should have access to the resources they need to perform their role. This includes the availability of training, proper equipment, and in-person or remote support and supervision. HCAs should check that any equipment or materials required are available, in good repair, and, if applicable, not expired. HCAs should also ensure a health professional is available to assist, supervise, or consult with if required.