LPN scope of practice in Michigan

The State of Michigan is one of those states that do not go into much detail when it comes to its Nurse Practice Act. We actually no longer have a nurse practice act per se but the Michigan Public Health Code is the law that defines the practice of nursing in Michigan. This law also creates the Board of Nursing for our state.

As far as LPN's the Michigan Public Health Code merely states, “Practice of nursing as a licensed practical nurse” or “l.p.n.” means the practice of nursing based on less comprehensive knowledge and skill than that required of a registered professional nurse and performed under the supervision of a registered professional nurse, physician, or dentist. (see http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(uts...=mcl-333-17201). Pretty darn simple isn't it?

Anyway maybe I can take a shot at your questions but do talk to someone at the BON so you can get the definitive answer.

1. Technically, yes. You have learned pharmacology in your program so you should be able to pass oral meds.

2. Yes, the law states that LPN's are under supervision of a physician (or an RN or a dentist as the law states) so if the physician orders something, an LPN is qualified to transcribe and carry out the order written or verbal.

3. Now, I do not know if IV flushes and IV meds are part of the competencies included in an LPN program. I always thought they are not. However, I think that is where NAPNES comes in. I believe NAPNES offers IV lines and drug management courses for LPN's and that's how they can practice IV lines and drug management.

4. Same answer as number 3.

5. There is no definite language in the law that states that on-site supervision is the requirement.

Welcome Happy, where did you go for your LPN and what school are you attending now for your RN?

Licensed Practical Nurses may:
Assist in the development and modification of patient plans of care
Take and record temperature, pulse, blood pressure, respiration rate, height, and weight
Dress wounds, draw blood samples, and give tube feedings
Give enemas, douches, irrigations and catheterizations
Apply compresses, ice bags, or hot water bottles
Observe patients and chart and report reactions to registered nurse or physician in charge
Sterilize equipment and supplies, using germicides, sterilizers, or autoclaves (a pressurized, steam-heated vessel)
Give prescribed medication or start intravenous fluids when authorized by a licensed physician, dentist or registered nurse
Assist patients in activities of daily living, such as eating, exercising, bathing, oral hygiene, and making beds
Assist with teaching patients good health habits
Perform simple diagnostic tests
Turn patients in bed, position, and help them walk
Record the intake and output of food and fluids
Care for mothers in labor and after childbirth
Feed infants and newborn babies
Provide emotional support for patients and families
Provide post-mortem care for patients who have died
Provide pre-operative and post-operative care
Care for patients in isolation, in casts, or in traction
Observe patient monitoring equipment
Supervise care delivered by nurse aides as delegated by a registered nurse