STANDARDS OF COMPETENCY FOR LPNs

[This section covers subsections (A) thru (J) of the OAC 4723-4-04, Standards relating to competent practice as a licensed practical nurse.]

A licensed practical nurse (LPN) must (A) function within the scope of practice of an LPN as set forth in division (F) of Section 4723.01 of the Ohio Revised Code and the rules of the Ohio Board of Nursing.

An LPN must (B) maintain current knowledge of the duties, responsibilities, and accountabilities for safe nursing practice.

An LPN must (C) demonstrate competency and accountability in all areas of practice, including consistent performance of all aspects of nursing care and appropriate recognition, referral or consultation, and intervention when complications arise.

An LPN may (D) provide nursing care beyond basic preparation for an LPN provided the LPN obtains appropriate education; demonstrates knowledge, skills, and abilities; and maintains satisfactory records of meeting these requirements. The LPN must have a valid order or direction from an authorized individual acting within their professional practice, and the nursing care cannot involve a function or procedure prohibited by any law or rule.

LPNs must (E) implement or clarify an order in a timely manner unless or whenever they believe or have reason to believe the order is:

  • Inaccurate
  • Not properly authorized
  • Not current or valid
  • Harmful or potentially harmful to a patient
  • Contraindicated by other documented information

When (F) clarifying an order or direction, the LPN must consult with an authorized practitioner or directing RN. If the LPN decides not to follow the direction, the LPN, in a timely manner, must:

  • Notify the ordering practitioner or directing RN of the decision not to follow the order
  • Document that the ordering practitioner or directing RN was notified and state the reason for not following the direction
  • Take any other action to ensure the safety of the patient

An LPN must (G) report to and consult with other nurses or other members of the healthcare team and make referrals as necessary.

An LPN must (H) maintain the confidentiality of patient information, communicating patient information with other members of the healthcare team for healthcare purposes only and accessing patient information only for patient care purposes or for fulfilling assigned job responsibilities. This includes not disseminating patient information through social media, texting, emailing, or any other form of communication for purposes other than patient care.

An LPN (I) does not disclose identifiable patient healthcare information unless the patient gives written consent by a properly executed release of information. Only in limited circumstances in accord with authorized legal authority does an LPN release individually identifiable patient healthcare information without a written consent of the patient.

When directed to observe, advise, instruct, or evaluate the performance of a nursing task, the LPN (J) uses acceptable standards of safe nursing care as a basis for that observation, advice, instruction, teaching, or evaluation and communicates information consistent with acceptable standards of safe nursing care with respect to the nursing task.