Introduction

The College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (CLPNA) is mandated through the Health Professions Act (HPA) to regulate Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) in a manner that protects and serves the public interest. As a part of this process, the HPA identifies the requirement for regulators to develop a Continuing Competence Program. The CLPNA Continuing Competence Program is a process of ensuring that LPNs maintain their competence as defined by the HPA. The HPA states that competence is, “the combined knowledge, skills, attitudes and judgment required to provide professional services.”1

As part of registration with the CLPNA, LPNs must consistently maintain and enhance their competence in nursing practice and be aware of strengths and areas in need of improvement. Continuing competence is essential in meeting the demands of evolving practice environments and patient needs.

The Program provides LPNs with a framework for assessing competence. The Program also supports LPNs to achieve and demonstrate continuing competence through ongoing learning and remaining current in practice.

In accordance with Section 22(1) of the Licensed Practical Nurses Profession Regulation, the program consists of the following three requirements:

22(1) (a) a self-assessment based on the competence profile indicating the areas where continuing competence activities are to be undertaken for the next registration year; (b) a learning plan that states the continuing competence goals for the next registration year and the continuing competence activities to be undertaken during that year to achieve the continuing competence goals; (c) a list of continuing competence activities undertaken during the past registration year.2

LPNs must meet the continuing competence requirements to renew their practice permit on an annual basis.

This guide will provide information specific to the Continuing Competence Program requirements.

1 Health Professions Act, RSA 2000, page 8. 2 Licensed Practical Nurses Profession Regulation, Section 22(1), Alta Reg. 81/2003

NOTE

Effective 2019, practice hours are part of the Continuing Competence Program. The CLPNA has developed specific policies to assist in the reporting of practice hours and continues to provide regular communication on the policies and other relevant information updates. By 2023, all LPNs who do not meet the minimum of 1000 practice hours in the preceding four-year period (2019 - 2022) may not be eligible for registration or to renew a practice permit for the upcoming year.

FRAMEWORK FOR THE CONTINUING COMPETENCE PROGRAM

Audit Self-Assessment

CONTINUING COMPETENCE PROGRAM Learning Plan

Continuing Competence Activities

Learning | Practice Hours