Minister Shandro with a group of LPNs at legislature. Photo credit to Alberta government

By Dori Modney

Duties to be expanded for Alberta’s licensed practical nurses

Oct 17, 2019 | 4:59 PM

EDMONTON — Professional regulations are being updated so the province’s 16,000 LPNs will allowed to do more work next year.

Health Minister Tyler Shandro says the government is committed to strengthening the health system.

“Enhanced nursing care from an optimized LPN profession will increase quality, continuity and efficiency, and better serve to Albertans.”

The expanded scope of practice comes into effect February 1. It will allow LPNs to administer blood or blood products; dispense certain drugs based on a prescriber’s instructions; provide ultrasound for bedside nursing assessments; administer intravenous nutrition and administer medication by an invasive procedure, such as a central venous line

The majority of LPNs work in Alberta Health Services within hospitals, continuing care facilities, community health centres, urgent care centres and home care. They will adhere to standards of practice being developed by their regulatory college.

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New LPN duties will align with those in other Canadian jurisdictions.