MyCLPNA
Understanding the Difference: Regulator, Association, Union, and Employer
Check out our revised info sheet to learn more about this topic.
The College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (CLPNA) is the regulator for LPNs. Our role, defined in the Health Professions Act (HPA), is to protect the public.
The HPA requires a clear separation between a profession’s regulator and other organizations with functions such as advocacy, hiring practices, salary negotiations, and economic and social wellbeing. For these functions, LPNs will need to connect with other entities.
Regulator
Association
Union
Employer
WHO: CLPNA
PURPOSE: Protect the Public
KEY FUNCTIONS
- Ensures compliance with healthcare legislation.
- Sets registration, annual renewal, and continuing competence requirements.
- Approves practical nurse education programs.
- Establishes professional requirements through standards of practice, code of ethics, and other guidance documents.
- Investigates allegations of unprofessional conduct.
PURPOSE: Advocate for the profession
KEY FUNCTIONS
- Advocates for the interests of the profession.
- Provides education, career, social, and award opportunities, as relevant.
- Promotes research interests of the profession, as relevant.
PURPOSE: Establish a bargaining relationship
KEY FUNCTIONS
- Negotiates conditions of employment such as wages, benefits, working conditions, and job security.
- Processes employee grievances under collective agreements.
- Assists employees with labour issues and conduct matters.
- Advocates for employee rights.
PURPOSE: Hire and compensate
KEY FUNCTIONS
- Follows employment laws to ensure employees are treated safely, fairly, and are free from discrimination.
- Defines specific job duties of employees.
- Ensures employees understand their rights.
- Supports nursing practice through employer-specific requirements.
For more information, please review our info sheet: