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We do on both of my jobs I work in. One is a traditional LTC facility, the other is licensed as a LTC, but is considered a type of school for developmental and physically challenged people, but, yes, it is a LTC. We call the doctor for problems, and take orders and carry out those orders. However, our facility policy on the job that houses the mentally challenged, is that we also notify the RN on call, as well as the MD. So the RN knows what we are doing before we call the doctor and can have her input into it as well.
I live in TX and LVN's can take telephone and verbal orders. They can do assessments if an RN signs behind them. They can not hang blood. Although, they can check blood with a RN. There are also some medications they are not allowed to give. In our hospital they are given full pt. loads just like the RN.
This varies from state-to-state. You'll need to contact your state's board of nursing to receive a more definitive answer to your question.Can a LPN take verbal telephone orders and call a MD with a status change or is this out of the scope of practice?
I'm permitted to take verbal and telephone orders in my state, but I don't know which state you reside (which is the issue).
For LTC yes,, but in acute care hospitals you need to check their own policies. In my facility LPN's do not take telephone orders. And according to joint commission, verbal orders(not telephone orders) can only be taken by an RN with a signature by the physician within one hour of the verbal order.
mom4jesus
48 Posts
I have been inactive for a while and was just wondering after reading some of the posts on this board. Can a LPN take verbal telephone orders and call a MD with a status change or is this out of the scope of practice?
I used to be evening charge nurse in LTC facility and did the above all the time. I would take telephone orders, send patients to hospital, call MD for status change or when a resident fell ect. If this isn't allowed currently with a LPN license then we aren't anything more than glorified Medicine Aids.
I do believe that I have the skills as an LPN for the assessing a patient and calling MD ect. I was just currious. Thank you and help in this area.