LPN News

Update from the most recent CLPNA Council meeting

The Council of the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (CLPNA) is responsible for the oversight of the organization and for guiding our strategic direction. The Council consists of 50% regulated members and 50% public members.

The Council held its quarterly meeting on October 2 and 3. A summary of key activities is below.

Membership Changes

At the October meeting, the Council appointed its first Health Care Aide (HCA) regulated member. Helen Barker’s tenure with the Council will begin February 2, 2026.

Ownership Linkage and Education

To inform strategic ends and decision-making, the Council engages in work to support better understanding of the populations that LPNs serve and the role of a regulator in an evolving healthcare system.

At this meeting, Council members met with Health Quality Alberta and Primary Care Alberta’s new Chief Nursing Officer.

Ongoing Monitoring of the Organization

The CLPNA Council monitors the CLPNA’s operations and evaluates the performance of the CEO. At this meeting, the Council received and accepted the following monitoring reports:

• Financial Condition
• Communication and Support to Council
• Fees

The Council also received and accepted a report on the END Policy. The END Policy defines in writing the Council’s expectations about the intended effects to be produced by the CLPNA’s work, the intended recipients of those effects, and the intended worth of the effects. An END policy is equivalent to a mission statement.

Regulatory Approvals

Education Program Approvals

Under the Health Professions Act, the CLPNA Council approves all practical nurse education programs in Alberta. This includes diploma programs, programs leading to advanced authorization, as well as refresher programs.

In October, the Council approved the NorQuest practical nursing program (internationally educated nurse) as well as approving the Keyano College practical nursing program (conditional).

Fees for Health Care Aide Registration and Education Program Approvals

The Council approved Health Care Aide (HCA) fee schedules for registration and education program approval.

Rebranded and Revised Documents

The Council approved the following rebranded documents, updated in anticipation of the CLPNA becoming the College of LPNs and HCAs of Alberta.

• Standards of Practice for LPNs on Boundary Violations
• Standards of Practice for LPNs on the Continuing Competence Program
• Code of Ethics for LPNs

The Council also approved a revision of the Standards of Practice for LPNs on Restricted Activities, Advanced Practice, and Supervision to be released for registrant consultation. The revised policy on Actively Engaged Requirements for Registration was also approved.