LPN News

Update from the most recent CLPNA Council meeting

The Council of the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (CLPNA) is responsible for the oversight of the organization and for guiding our strategic direction. The Council consists of 50% regulated members and 50% public members.

The Council held its quarterly meeting on November 20 and 21. A summary of key activities is below.

Ownership Linkage and Education

To inform strategic ends and decision-making, the Council engages in work to support better understanding of the populations that LPNs serve and the role of a regulator in an evolving healthcare system.

At this meeting, Council members received presentations from a political analyst and a professional regulatory lawyer. They were also provided with a review of previous ownership linkage activities.

In addition, the Registration Department and the Education Department presented to the Council on their processes, and the Registration Department presented the LPN and HCA Meeting English Language Requirements policy.

Ongoing Monitoring of the Organization

The CLPNA Council monitors the CLPNA’s operations and evaluates the performance of the CEO. At this meeting, the Council received and accepted the following monitoring reports:

• Financial Condition
• Planning
• Compensation and Benefits
• Development of Standards and Policies Governing Practice of LPNs
• Investments

Committee Membership

LPN member appointments and reappointments were made to the Hearing Tribunal and the Competence and Complaint Review committees.

The Hearing Tribunal and the Competence and Complaint Review committees are legislated under the Health Professions Act (HPA) to make in the areas of education standards, complaints of unprofessional conduct, and continuing competence. LPN committee members are appointed by the CLPNA’s Council.

Regulatory Approvals

Education Program Approvals

Under the Health Professions Act, the CLPNA Council approves all practical nurse education programs in Alberta. This includes diploma programs, programs leading to advanced authorization, as well as refresher programs.

In October, the Council conditionally approved the practical nursing programs at Columbia College and Keyano College for two years each.

Annual Competency Survey

In October, Council completed their annual Competency Survey. The results were shared at this meeting to identify the areas of strength and topics for further Council education.