Are LPN's allowed to access and monitor central lines?

U.S.A. Pennsylvania

Published

Specializes in ICU, Agency, Travel, Pediatric Home Care, LTAC, Su.

Hi all. I have looked everywhere on the PA State Board of Nursing website and I can't find a yes or a no as far as are LPN's allowed to access and monitor central lines such as Broviac and Cook Catheters. Does anyone know and can provide the documentation? My guy is telling me no, but my bosses are telling me yes. I did email the board and called and left them a voicemail asking the same question. Thanks in advance for the help!

Specializes in 6 Years Hematology and Oncology.

The answer is a def no. It is on the State Board website I remember reading it when I worked in a Hem/Onc office. As a medical assistant I was able to because I worked under the physicians license. When I became an LPN I no longer could perform that task because of the scope of practice. Sorry if this reply comes a bit late. Good luck to you!

The answer is a def no. It is on the State Board website I remember reading it when I worked in a Hem/Onc office. As a medical assistant I was able to because I worked under the physicians license. When I became an LPN I no longer could perform that task because of the scope of practice. Sorry if this reply comes a bit late. Good luck to you!

While I have not done so recently, I have read the PA nurse practice act for practical nurses and nowhere in that document was any specific VAD even mentioned so I believe you are incorrect.

I raised this very question to the PA BON and was not given a sraight answer even when I went through my state assemblymen to force a definitive answer.

The PA BON could care less about protecting and giving guidance to nurses under it's licensure.

If you have a link to the PA law prohibiting LPN's from accessing or monitoring central lines, I'd like to see it.

jt

Specializes in 6 Years Hematology and Oncology.

Ok, I concede! I am wrong and have proof! http://www.pabulletin.com/secure/data/vol40/40-18/773.html Looks like this was a "suggestion" of proposed guidelines to set forth but have not yet been voted on. In my defense I said I remember seeing this. Thank you JimThorp for calling me out and bringing this to my attention. I would hate to give out misguided info, that does not help anyone out.

Good for you, Jim Thorpe, for digging into your practice act!! More LPNs need to be doing that!

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