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Standards of Practice for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) on Continuing Competence

1.Please indicate your role (select all that may apply)
2.The introductory section is to inform LPNs of their duty to be aware of and to follow their standards of practice for the Continuing Competence Program (CCP) and that they are enforceable under the Health Professions Act.

The question below refers to the following information.

Introduction
The College of Licensed Practical Nurses and Health Care Aides of Alberta (CLHA) has the authority under the Health Professions Act (HPA) to carry out its activities and govern Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)* in a manner that protects and serves the public interest.

Terms found in the definitions are bolded where they appear for the first time in this document.

Standards of Practice and the HPA
The CLHA’s Continuing Competence Program (CCP) improves the delivery of care to clients by having a program that requires LPNs to complete education for professional development. The CCP includes the LPN completing a self-directed learning plan, yearly education, and participating in audits and practice assessments. LPNs must review and follow the accompanying Continuing Competence Program Guide for LPNs for more detailed program requirements.

Under the HPA, LPNs must follow their profession’s standards of practice. Standards of practice outline the minimum level of behaviour that LPNs are expected to meet in their professional practice.

Standards of practice can be enforced under the HPA. Any action or behaviour that does not follow these standards of practice could be considered unprofessional conduct and may result in disciplinary action by the CLHA. Where there is noncompliance, conditions may be imposed on the practice permit, including completing the continuing competence requirements within a specified time in accordance with section 40.1 of the HPA. Please see Part 3 of the HPA for further information about the CCP.

Expected Outcomes
· LPNs develop, maintain, and improve their competence and delivery of professional services through self-directed learning.
· LPNs apply the learned knowledge and skills in their practice to improve client outcomes.
· LPNs provide evidence of learning and compliance with the CCP as requested by the CLHA.

* In this document, “LPN(s)” has the same meaning as “regulated member(s)” in the Health Professions Act.

Is the introductory information clear about what the CCP is and an LPN’s responsibility and accountability to follow their standards of practice?
3.Please use the space below to provide comments on the introduction section.