Can LPN's take phone orders?

peter73 · Oct 8, 2003

LPNs can take verbal and written orders. It is the facility policy that sets the limits. The FL nurse practice act is VERY vague, like most states,with the exception of basic differences in practice, supervision in SNF, IV infusions that are outlined very well in FL.

Except for the issues that are adressed by the BON, all else is left to the facility and individual nurse to decide if they "should" do a task.

If in doubt check with the BON and nurse practice act. If it is not addressed there, check you facility policy.

Also, always remember that just because the BON and/or facility says a nurse *may* do the nursing function, that does not mean that specific nurse *can* do it. To my knowledge all BON have the knowledge and experience clause that can result in loss of licensure if you go above and beyond "your" knowledge and experience and make an error.

Most of the time these issues are decided by a facilityon a liability/risk managment train of thought rather than is the skill is allowed by the BON.

pete

boopchick · Oct 9, 2003

LPNs can most definitely take phone orders. Is this a facility policy?!

I read the post about FL nurses only after I posted this. :rolleyes:

Brownms46 · Oct 9, 2003

Originally posted by Brownms46
And I forgot, Oregon does not state that LPN have limitations in IV therapy.
http://www.osbn.state.or.us/pdfs/npa/Div45.pdf

This post and others weren't meant to address the OP. Sorry next time I will make a different thread addressing my irate feeling concerning incorrect or misleading info:).

Tweety, BSN, RN · Oct 10, 2003

Originally posted by Brownms46
This post and others weren't meant to address the OP. Sorry next time I will make a different thread addressing my irate feeling concerning incorrect or misleading info:).

Not a problem. I got the answers I was after. You can go on a irate address anytime!

TIFFANYLEE · Feb 28, 2004

We were taught in school that LPN's may not take phone orders, only an RN may do so. However, I'm working agency and have seen LPN's taking phone orders.

In PA 1/1/04 LPN allowed to take verbal orders per nursing board:rotfl:

TIFFANYLEE · Feb 28, 2004

Albility of LPN's to take verbal oders is state specific under your states practice act--check it out before YOU land in trouble.
In PA, LPN's are not permitted to accept routine verbal orders orders---change has been planned (only for the past SIX years).
From PA SBON Rules and Regulations:
21.145. Functions of the LPN.
(a) The LPN is prepared to function as a member of the health-care team by exercising sound nursing judgment based on preparation, knowledge, skills, understandings and past experiences in nursing situations. The LPN participates in the planning, implementation and evaluation of nursing care in settings where nursing takes place.
Please note effective 1/1/04 LPN in PA allowed to take verbal orders
(b) The LPN administers medication and carries out the therapeutic treatment prescribed or ordered for the patient. The LPN shall accept only written prescriptions or orders from the responsible practitioner for medication and therapeutic treatment unless the urgency of the medical circumstances requires immediate medication or therapeutic treatment. The LPN may not accept an oral prescription or order under this subsection which is not within the scope of functions permitted by this subsection or which the LPN does not understand. An oral prescription or order accepted by the LPN under this subsection shall be immediately transcribed by the LPN in the proper place on the medical record of the patient. The transcription shall include the name of the physician giving the order, the date and time of the oral prescription or order and the full signature of the LPN accepting the oral prescription or order. The countersignature of the physician shall be obtained in accordance with applicable regulations of the Department of Health governing the licensed facility.
http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/049/chapter21/chap21toc.html#21.145.
List of State Boards of Nursing
https://allnurses.com/Boards_of_Nursing/USA/

please note in PA LPN are now allowed to take vebal orders effective 1/1/04 . It was a stupid idea for LPN's not to have that ability . I did it for years than some RN decided we were not good enough to handle to V/O 's weird !!

lilnrsjean100 · Mar 20, 2004

I just transferred to a floor that has all RNs, except we recently got an LPN. I was told she can't take phone orders. I'm sure this is wrong because the floor I worked on prior had many LPNs taking verbal orders.
What do you guys do?

I am pretty sure that the ANA has specific rules and regs regarding LPN's taking telephone orders. I have been an LPN for about 25 years. I can take them in a nursing home, or when I do home care, or home visits, as long as the policy of the facility or the company I work for agrees to this. I can start an IV and hang saline or G5w etc. No IV pushes. I cannot under any circumstances take a telephone order in a hospital setting. I can get on another line and listen in as a doctor gives a verbal order to an RN especially if MD forgets what he/she said at 3AM. As far as California, I think their rules are a little different.

Keep smiling, "It is contagious"

lilnrsjean100 · Mar 20, 2004

I just transferred to a floor that has all RNs, except we recently got an LPN. I was told she can't take phone orders. I'm sure this is wrong because the floor I worked on prior had many LPNs taking verbal orders.
What do you guys do?

I am pretty sure that the ANA has specific rules and regs regarding LPN's taking telephone orders. I have been an LPN for about 25 years. I can take them in a nursing home, or when I do home care, or home visits, as long as the policy of the facility or the company I work for agrees to this. I can start an IV and hang saline or G5w etc. No IV pushes. I cannot under any circumstances take a telephone order in a hospital setting. I can get on another line and listen in as a doctor gives a verbal order to an RN especially if MD forgets what he/she said at 3AM. As far as California, I think their rules are a little different.

Keep smiling, "It is contagious"

tylerbug · May 25, 2004

orlando florida...lpn's take phone orders here!