LPN News

Registrants and other stakeholders can contact the Practice Department at the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (CLPNA) to receive clarification on Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) practice.

In Practice Corner, we’ll share some frequently asked questions and our answers.

Is There a List of Medications that LPNs Are Allowed to Administer?

Which medications an LPN can administer depends primarily on their workplace, their individual competence, as well as their regulatory scope of practice defined by standards, regulation, and legislation

In Alberta, legislation is very open in terms of what medications LPNs can and cannot administer. However, employer organizations define the LPN role in their specific settings, provided that the role is within the bounds set by regulatory scope of practice. This allows flexibility for employers to determine what medications are appropriate for certain providers to administer based on patient needs, provider competencies, and the resources available in that specific care environment. LPNs should speak with their manager or educator for specific requirements in their workplace.

The core importance of administering any medication is that the LPN is competent to administer it via the appropriate route. This means that the LPN should be knowledgeable of the medication, its side effects, precautions, dosage, etc. as well as being supported by their employer. Read our Medication Management policy for more information.