LPN News

The College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (CLPNA) has updated policies and guidelines to better align with the Health Professions Restricted Activity Regulation.

These changes, listed below, cover two areas: the removal of the supervision requirements for aesthetic nursing and the insertion and removal of intraosseous devices.

Aesthetic Nursing

What has changed: The supervision requirements for aesthetic nursing listed in the Competency Profile and Medication Management policy have been removed. LPNs no longer require direct or indirect supervision by a physician or nurse practitioner when providing aesthetic or dermatological procedures and treatments. LPNs are still required to work collaboratively with an authorized practitioner and to obtain an order from an authorized prescriber.

Why this changed: The Health Professions Restricted Activity Regulation authorizes LPNs to administer medications via injection. The previous requirements, specific to aesthetic procedures, were restrictions imposed on a newer area of practice to promote client safety.

Other considerations: Aesthetic nursing is not an entry-level competency for LPNs. LPNs wishing to practice in this area are required to obtain additional education and training. This education should include theoretical knowledge and hands-on training, providing the core competencies to perform aesthetic procedures safely.

Insertion and Removal of Intraosseous Devices

What has changed: The CLPNA has removed restrictions that prevented LPNs from inserting or removing intraosseous (IO) devices.

Why this changed: Insertion and removal of IO devices are permitted by the Health Professions Restricted Activity Regulation. This change aligns the CLPNA’s policies with regulation and the needs of the healthcare system.

Other considerations: The insertion and removal of IO devices is not an entry level competency for LPNs. Additional education and training may be offered to LPNs through their employers.

When Can LPNs Perform these Activities?

Regulation permits the performance of certain activities. When determining scope of practice, LPNs should also consider their employer and individual scope of practice in addition to their regulatory scope of practice.

• Regulatory scope of practice defines the boundaries of LPN scope of practice through the Health Professions Act and related regulations (such as the Health Professions Restricted Activity Regulation), standards, policies, and guidelines.
• Employer scope of practice defines an LPN’s role in a specific practice setting through policies, guidelines, and job descriptions.
• Individual scope of practice includes the activities that an LPN has the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform.

Both injectable aesthetic therapies and the insertion and removal of IO devices are in an LPN’s regulatory scope of practice; the recent updates to CLPNA policies and guidelines help reflect LPN scope of practice as outlined in regulation.

An activity must also fit into an LPN’s employer and individual scope for the LPN to perform it. Therefore, LPNs would need to be authorized by the employer—where relevant—to work in aesthetic nursing or insert/remove IO devices. LPNs must also have the knowledge, skills, and individual competence to perform activities in a safe, competent, and ethical manner.

For more information on determining scope of practice, please see the CLPNA guideline: Determining LPN Scope of Practice.