LPN News

In January 2025, the Alberta Licensed Practical Nurse Competency Profile will be archived. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) should start using other documents when determining scope of practice. These documents are described in detail below.

Why Is This Changing?

Historically, the CLPNA provided the Alberta LPN Competency Profile to support understanding of LPN scope of practice. This document contained examples of activities that LPNs may perform in their role and behaviours that they may demonstrate. However, the Competency Profile was not an all-inclusive list of activities that LPNs may perform, and using specific examples did not promote flexibility in practice. In addition, with rapidly changing technologies and an evolving healthcare system, lists are difficult to keep updated.

A list cannot capture the full complexity of a nursing role. In determining their scope of practice, LPNs need to use critical thinking and consider how their scope of practice is defined by legislation and regulation as well as their employer requirements. They are expected to use their professional judgment to determine the activities that they have the knowledge, skills, and competence to perform.

What Should You Use Instead of the Competency Profile?

There are many other documents that support understanding of LPN scope of practice.

The Health Professions Act

The Health Professions Act (HPA) establishes a basis for LPN practice in Alberta. In Schedule 10, the HPA states that, in their practice, LPNs do one or more of the following:

• apply nursing knowledge, skills, and judgment to assess patient needs;
• provide nursing care for patients and families;
• teach, manage, and conduct research in the science, techniques, and practice of nursing; and
• provide restricted activities authorized by the regulations.

Restricted Activities: Regulations and Standards of Practice

The Health Professions Restricted Activity Regulation authorizes LPNs to perform certain high-risk health services known as restricted activities. In Section 20, the regulation lists restricted activities that LPNs are allowed to perform.

Note that LPNs should only perform these activities if they meet certain requirements. To perform a restricted activity, LPNs must have the appropriate knowledge, skills, and competence. They must also be supported by their employer and follow any employer requirements.

There are additional education and practice requirements for performing restricted activities. These requirements are described in the Standards of Practice for LPNs on Restricted Activities, Advanced Practice, and Supervision.

Other Supporting Documents: Code of Ethics, Standards of Practice, and Entry-Level Competencies

More information about skills, knowledge, and expected LPN behaviours can be found in the following key documents.

The Standards of Practice for LPNs in Canada define the legal and professional expectations of LPN practice. They are also a key component in the CLPNA’s Continuing Competence Program.

The Code of Ethics for LPNs in Canada provides details about the responsibilities that LPNs uphold and the behaviours that they are expected to demonstrate.

Entry Level Competencies for LPNs describes the knowledge, skills, judgment, and attitudes that LPNs at the beginning of their careers are required to demonstrate.