HCA Practice Decision-Making Tool

Health Care Aides (HCAs) work in various healthcare settings. This tool provides guidance on the scope of practice of HCAs in Alberta and is a companion document to the Determining Health Care Aide Scope of Practice guideline when determining an individual HCA’s scope of practice. It considers regulatory and employer requirements, the HCA’s knowledge and experience, the client’s condition, and available environmental supports. An HCA is responsible for determining which legislation applies to their practice area.

Entry-level education for HCAs establishes a baseline of competencies for the HCA within their individual scope of practice. education, training, and practical experience, each HCA’s scope of practice expands and varies.

This tool assists in determining safe and authorized practice for Health Care Aides in Alberta. The key considerations provide guidance to determine if an area of practice or specific competency is appropriate for an HCA.

The application of this tool is shaped by legislation and regulation, the needs of the client, the practice environment, and individual nurse competence. In all areas of practice, HCAs are accountable to the profession’s standards of practice and Code of Ethics.