can lpn's do anything with central lines?

suzanne4, RN · Oct 6, 2005

Not sure of specifics with your state, but in most states, the answer is no. Only a peripheral IV can be used by an LPN. I would make sure that you find out specifically form your BON, even if you need to personally contact them, if you are concerned about this.

beckyboo1, BSN, RN · Oct 7, 2005

In Missouri, we are allowed to flush, draw blood, hang piggybacks and mainlines on central lines AND do the dressing changes. Now swans are a different story....we aren't allowed to do PCWP or anything like that. But yes, definately check with your state board about it.

Becky

pattyzaccy · Oct 8, 2005

hi all, im from pennsylvania. i was looking for the scope of practice for an lpn od the bon site and couldnt find much.. so i thought i'd ask an lpn..can you use central lines?

Where I work the Lpn's become IV certified thru a classes and we are then able to basically do what our facility permits thru an iv run whether it be a picc or a peripherial line we just can't start a line(naturally). We basically do alot of antibiotics iv or fluid hydration, this all means nurses IV certified only a few just have more resposibilities and work load but not extra pay!

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Oct 8, 2005

You also want to check any position statements your state board of nursing has issued on LPNs and IVs. Many boards of nursing issue these position statements in answer to commonly posed questions about nursing practices to help clarify their state nursing laws. They may well have already addressed this issue as it is a pretty common question you are asking. If PA doesn't have their position statements printed on their web site you'll have to call them on the phone.

RN34TX · Oct 8, 2005

I worked as an LPN in PA for a few years and we were allowed to use central lines.

I just looked at the PA BON website and it looks like nothing has changed scope of practice wise and the LPN practice act still does not address LPN's use of central lines.

When I got my initial PA LPN license the PA BON sent a position statement inserted into the current state Practice Act book.

It stated something to the effect that:

It is the opinion of the PA BON that flushing central lines with heparin and administering IV fluids and meds that are not specifically barred from LPN practice (TPN, chemo, or any push drugs) is an appropriate activity for LPN's to carry out. It also included changing central line dressings. It only specifically excluded inserting or pulling of central lines, which of course, many RN's don't even do.

It went on about some particular reason that they didn't want to include it in the actual practice act at this time but I can't remember why now.

I was looking for that position statement on their website but couldn't find it.

Anyway, it was that position statement that covered LPN's being allowed to use central lines at the hospitals in PA.

Strangely enough, however, I did work agency at a couple of LTC facilities who only allowed RN's to use central lines but all of the hospitals I worked at let us do it.

Call the PA BON and ask them to mail you a copy of their current position statement on LPN practice and central lines. It probably hasn't changed.

Home Health Columnist / Guide · Oct 8, 2005

practical nurses ... 21.141

functions of the lpn.

(1) the lpn has received and satisfactorily completed a board approved educational program which requires study and supervised clinical practice intended to provide training necessary for the performance of venipuncture and the administration and withdrawal of intravenous fluids as authorized by this section.

(2) a specific written order has been issued by a licensed physician for an individual patient under the care of a licensed physician.

(3) the lpn complies with written policies and procedures which are established by a committee of nurses, physicians, pharmacists and the administration of the agency or institution employing or having jurisdiction over the lpn and which set forth standards, requirements and guidelines for the performance of venipuncture by the lpn and for the administration and withdrawal of intravenous fluids by the lpn. a current copy of the policies and procedures shall be provided to the lpn at least once every 12 months. the policies and procedures shall include standards, requirements and guidelines which:

(i) list, identify and describe the intravenous fluids which may be administered by the lpn. the lpn is not authorized to administer the following intravenous fluids:

(a) antineoplastic agents.

(b) blood and blood products.

(d) titrated medications and intravenous push medications other than heparin flush.

(ii) list, identify and describe the circumstances under which venipuncture may be performed, including technical and clinical indications.

(iii) list, identify, describe and explain principles, including technical and clinical indications, necessary for the identification and treatment of possible adverse reactions.

(iv) provide for and require inservice instruction and supervised practice to insure competent performance of venipuncture and competent administration and withdrawal of intravenous fluids.

(4) an accurate record is made concerning:

(i) the time of puncture or injection or withdrawal of the intravenous fluid.

(ii) the type of intravenous fluid injected.

(iii) the amount of intravenous fluid injected.

(iv) the site of the puncture or injection.

(v) reactions to the puncture or the intravenous fluid injected. (g) the board will issue annually to the lpn definitive information describing the nature, scope and extent of authorized functions and practice concerning immunization, skin testing, venipuncture and the administration and withdrawal of intravenous fluids.

interpretations ... 21.401

2003 bon newsletter states there were going to look at lpn scope of infusion practice but haven't seen anything posted online nor in newletters.

contact info:

state board of nursing

p.o. box 2649, harrisburg, pa 17105-2649

phone - (717) 783-7142

fax - (717) 783-0822

[email protected]

Darlene K. · Oct 8, 2005

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TNRNMAN · Oct 9, 2005

In Florida we are able to use central lines if you are certified.

I believe in TN that it is a NO NO for LPNs to work with Cental Lines, not that some of them aren't competent to do it, because most that I know are well versed in Cental Lines, but times they are a changin. :bluecry1:

RN34TX · Oct 9, 2005

I think we're all forgetting that LPN practice varies widely from state to state and even by facility.

The OP was asking for info on LPN practice in PA so what LPN's do in FL or TN may not pertain to them.

The only reason I didn't post everything that Karen posted is that none of it pertains specifically to central lines and LPN practice.

It still hasn't been included in the PA NPA, which is the same as when I lived there.

That's why I mentioned getting a copy of the PA BON position statement, because I couldn't find it on their website but I did get a copy with my initial license when I endorsed into PA.

It was very specific about their opinion on LPN's and central lines, and this statement is what provided coverage for LPN's to use central lines in PA.

Darlene K. · Oct 9, 2005

I think we're all forgetting that LPN practice varies widely from state to state and even by facility.
The OP was asking for info on LPN practice in PA so what goes on in FL or TN isn't very helpful to them.
The only reason I didn't post everything that Karen posted is that none of it pertains specifically to central lines and LPN practice.
It still hasn't been included in the PA NPA, which is the same as when I lived there.
That's why I mentioned getting a copy of the PA BON position statement, because I couldn't find it on their website but I did get a copy with my initial license when I endorsed into PA.
It was very specific about their opinion on LPN's and central lines, and this statement is what provided coverage for LPN's to use central lines in PA.

Please accept my apology for responding regarding my state.

RN34TX · Oct 9, 2005

Please accept my apology for responding regarding my state.

No I think it was me.

I read my own post and thought it sounded a little offensive so I changed it to "may not pertain" rather than my original "isn't very helpful."

Everyone's input can be helpful.

I guess I was just trying to say that the OP was looking for specific info on central line practice for LPN's in PA and as someone who's worked as an LPN in different states, I've experienced a WIDE variation of practice acts and what may be standard LPN practice in one state can be totally forbidden in another.