Determining Scope of Practice
The Kentucky Board of Nursing issues Advisory Opinion Statements (AOS) as guidelines to assist nurses in providing safe effective care to the public. An opinion is not a regulation of the Board and does not have the force and effect of law. The AOS index can be located: at the Advisory Opinion Statements Index. Additionally, and as part of the AOS index, the LPN can utilize the RN/LPN/APRN Scope of Practice Determination Guidelines when a question arises that may not be addressed elsewhere.
AOS 41 - RN/LPN/APRN Scope of Practice Determination Guidelines
Comparing LPN and RN Nursing Practice
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) may also function under the 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).
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