LPN News

Between October 10 and December 31, 2023, approximately 20,000 LPNs will renew their practice permit with the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (CLPNA).

Setting the requirements for registration renewal is part of the CLPNA’s mandate of public protection. Maintaining these standards supports safe, competent care from LPNs in Alberta.

Renewal requirements are in the Health Professions Act

The Health Professions Act (HPA) provides the basis for renewal requirements and gives the CLPNA authority to govern the renewal process. The Licensed Practical Nurse Profession Regulation further describes requirements for LPNs.

The CLPNA’s Bylaws and policies give specific direction on how LPNs can demonstrate that they are meeting the standards for registration. Every year, LPNs report on certain requirements so that the CLPNA can evaluate and confirm that they are continuing to meet the standards of the profession. Some of the key requirements for Registration Renewal are explored below.

Reporting hours

As part of renewal, LPNs must report on the number of hours that they worked in the practical nursing field. This is how LPNs demonstrate that they are actively engaged in their profession.

If an individual is actively engaged as an LPN, this means that they have regularly provided practical nursing services to non-family members. Practical nursing services include direct nursing practice as well as roles related to administration, management, education, and research.

The CLPNA has established that LPNs must work a minimum of 1,000 hours over the previous four years to be eligible to renew their registration, or they must have graduated from an approved practical nurse program in the previous four years.

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Maintaining and enhancing competence

Participation in a continuing competence program is a requirement for all health professionals regulated under the HPA. Continuing competence is essential in meeting the demands of evolving practice environments and patient needs.

As part of registration with the CLPNA, LPNs must maintain and enhance their competence in nursing practice and be aware of their strengths and areas in need of improvement. During renewal, LPNs report on their learning activities for the past year and set goals for the next year. They complete a learning self-assessment to determine areas where they may want to pursue more training or education.

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Declaring good character

LPNs must demonstrate good character to renew their registration with the CLPNA. This means disclosing the following:

• any ongoing investigation, proceeding, or discipline by another regulatory body;
• any current charges for a criminal offense; and/or
• any guilty plea or finding of guilty for a criminal offense for which a pardon has not been granted.

Declaring fitness to practice

Assessing, maintaining, and reporting on fitness to practice is a professional responsibility for LPNs. If an LPN is fit to practice, this means that they have the physical, mental, and emotional health to provide safe, competent, and ethical nursing care.

During registration renewal, LPNs must disclose if they are currently off work on a leave of absence due to a condition, disorder, or treatment that impairs their ability to provide professional services in a safe and competent manner.

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More Resources for Renewal

The following resources will help LPNs prepare for and complete their Registration Renewal.

Before You Renew

Not quite ready to complete your Registration Renewal? Review these tips so you’re ready when the time comes.

Registration Renewal Guide 2023

Once you are ready to renew, use our guide to help you navigate the process. Login to your MyCLPNA account and get started today.

Registration Changes

There have been several changes to the CLPNA’s Registration Renewal process in 2023. These changes are summarized in this article.