Expansion of the Scope of LPN Practice

In April 2004, the Board responded to an opinion request expressing concern that the scope of licensed practical nursing practice should be expanded, and that provisions should be established to permit a licensed practical nurse to become a registered nurse.

In response, the Board also expressed concern that the scope of licensed practical nursing practice should be expanded, and within the past two years established a Task Force to address this concern.  One of the major outcomes of the Task Force’s work leads the Board’s action to expand the scope of licensed practical nursing practice in intravenous therapy practice.  The Board approved a new administrative regulation governing this practice, 201 KAR 20:490, Licensed Practical Nurse Intravenous Therapy Scope of Practice, which became effective September 15, 2004.

The Board issued Advisory Opinion Statement #27, Components of LPN Practice [PDF Format - 48k].  This provides information on the scope of licensed practical nursing practice in Kentucky.

It was requested that a provision be established that permits a licensed practical nurse (LPN) to become a registered nurse.  In response, information was provided that there are nursing programs, such as “bridge programs,” in Kentucky that provide an opportunity for the educational mobility of an LPN to gain additional educational preparation and subsequently, take the RN licensure examination.  

Clearly, the licensed practical nurse is a valuable provider of nursing care in the Commonwealth and the Board is committed to assuring the full utilization of licensed practical nurses in the delivery of safe nursing care to the public.  

The opinion request also referred to the practice of paramedics.  Since KBN does not regulate the scope of paramedic practice, a referral was made to the Kentucky Board of Emergency Medical Services, Frankfort, Kentucky.