Nursing Assessments - Licensed Practical Nurse
Can a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) perform assessments?
Any examples are for illustrative purposes only.
The hospital standards are specific to only a Registered Nurse (RN) performing the nursing assessment within 24 hours after admission. It may be possible for an LPN to collect the data and then have an RN review the data and complete the assessment to determine the patient's needs and developing the plan of care.
An LPN may collect data if allowed by the nurse scope of practice act as defined by the state's Nurse Practice Act, however, the RN must complete the nursing assessment. Based on the Nurse Practice Act, it may be possible for an LPN to perform partial or full assessment in only specific situations, such as personal care and support services.
The Nurse Practice Act varies from one state to the next, therefore, organizations need to work with their nursing leadership and legal counsel to determine the scope of practice as defined by state-specific law and regulation. The Joint Commission does not define the scope of practice for any discipline.
The hospital standards are specific to only a Registered Nurse (RN) performing the nursing assessment within 24 hours after admission. It may be possible for an LPN to collect the data and then have an RN review the data and complete the assessment to determine the patient's needs and developing the plan of care.
An LPN may collect data if allowed by the nurse scope of practice act as defined by the state's Nurse Practice Act, however, the RN must complete the nursing assessment. Based on the Nurse Practice Act, it may be possible for an LPN to perform partial or full assessment in only specific situations, such as personal care and support services.
The Nurse Practice Act varies from one state to the next, therefore, organizations need to work with their nursing leadership and legal counsel to determine the scope of practice as defined by state-specific law and regulation. The Joint Commission does not define the scope of practice for any discipline.
Manual:
Critical Access Hospital
Chapter:
Provision of Care Treatment and Services PC
First published date: April 11, 2016
This Standards FAQ was first published on this date.
This page was last updated on October 19, 2021
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