Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) may also function under direction of a registered nurse, physician, physician assistant, dentist, or advanced practice registered nurse in other areas, including but not limited to administrative and management areas, and quality assurance and peer review programs.
Per Kentucky Revised Statute – KRS 314.011, the scopes of practice for the registered nurse (RN) and the licensed practical nurse (LPN) differ. The RN functions at an independent level while the LPN functions at a dependent level. This chart provides a snapshot comparison with web links to Kentucky statutes, regulations and advisory opinion statements (AOS).
It is NOT within the legal scope of licensed practical nursing practice for a LPN to direct and supervise the practice of a registered nurse.
It is NOT within the scope of practice for the LPN or RN to independently practice, order products, or prescribe treatments.
Advisory Opinion Statements
In addition to Kentucky Nursing Laws, the KBN issues Advisory Opinion Statements (AOS) as guidelines to assist nurses in the safe practice of nursing.
An opinion is not a regulation of the Board and does not have the force and effect of law. It is issued as a guideline to licensees who wish to engage in safe nursing practice, and to facilitate the delivery of safe, effective nursing care to the public.
A Nurse’s Responsibility and Accountability
Per KRS 314.021: Each nurse is individually responsible and accountable for their individual's acts based upon the nurse's education and experience. Each nurse must exercise professional and prudent judgment in determining whether the performance of a given act is within the scope of practice for which the nurse is both licensed and clinically competent to perform.
Educational Preparation and Clinical Competency
Pursuant to KRS 314.021(2) all nurses are held responsible and accountable for making decisions that are based upon the individual’s educational preparation and current clinical competence. One method for demonstrating educational preparation and clinical competence is through obtaining relevant certifications within a specialty area. Another method would be to create a portfolio of trainings, workshops, and continuing education that demonstrates the acquisition of additional knowledge and clinical competency in the specialty area.
LPN Scope of Practice Topics of Frequent Concern