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Unfortunately, there are LPNs who lack the ability to assess their own fitness to practice. It may be considered ‘unprofessional conduct’ when an LPN fails to recognize their health status is jeopardizing client care. An employer, coworker, or public member who has concerns about an LPN’s fitness to practice should report the matter to the Complaints Director. Placing a client in a potential risk of harm is unprofessional and there are consequences. Fitness to practice concerns may be dealt with through disciplinary processes.
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If the Complaints Director has grounds to believe an LPN is incapacitated, whether or not there has been a complaint filed, the Complaints Director may invoke s. 118 of the HPA. Under s. 118, an LPN’s practice permit will be suspended and they may be directed to undergo a mental and/or physical assessment; as well, they could be ordered to undergo treatment. S. 118 will remain in effect until the Complaints Director is satisfied the LPN is no longer incapacitated and does not pose a threat to client safety.
Public Registry of LPNs
The Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice compel LPNs to be accountable for monitoring and maintaining their own fitness to practice and professional conduct. It is crucial for an LPN to undertake the task of maintaining their own fitness to practice and to possess the ability to recognize if they are fit to practice and if they are incapacitated.
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LPNs are required to report their fitness to practice on initial registration and yearly at registration renewal. They are obligated to report any changes to their fitness to practice throughout the registration year. n
References
• Health Professions Act - 1(1)(s) of the Health Professions Act (HPA)
• CLPNA’s Interpretive Document: Fitness to Practice and Incapacity
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CONTACT US: College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (CLPNA)
13163 - 146 Street Edmonton, Alberta T5L 4S8 Canada Email info@clpna.com Phone 780.484.8886 Toll Free 1.800.661.5877 (Alberta only) Fax 780.484.9069
Regular Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am - 4:30pm Closed for Statutory Holidays
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