BCCNM standards, limits, and conditions for LPN practice complement the Regulation and further define the LPN scope of practice set out in the Regulation. Limits and conditions build on entry-level LPN competencies. BCCNM sets limits and conditions to describe restrictions on activities that are part of the LPN scope of practice. Some limits and conditions include the term “only". Others say “LPNs do not…." The intent is to clarify limits on LPN practice.
BCCNM uses three regulatory mechanisms to establish limits and conditions on LPN practice:
- Additional education
- Formal post-basic education
- Other supports
Employer assessment of existing LPN competence
Employers provide organizational supports and systems necessary for LPNs to meet BCCNM's Standards of Practice.
An employer may assess and validate an LPN's competence to carry out an activity as a way to ensure safe care, while avoiding any service interruption.
If an LPN is already carrying out activities that require additional education or formal post-basic education, employers may assess the LPN's existing competence to identify any gaps and decide what supports are needed to close those gaps. Employers may choose to develop their own additional education (see BCCNM's Additional Education Resource); however, for activities that require formal post-basic education, it may be more appropriate for the LPN to seek support from an institution that offers the education needed to acquire the necessary competencies.
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