LPN scope of practice in hemodialysis

[RN UNDER DOG]

I have worked with LPNs in dialysis for many years.   LPNs have always helped with assessment of dialysis patients.  I was recently told that LPNs are not allowed to assess in the hemodialysis setting in Illinois.   Does anyone know about this?  Does anyone know where to find a link with the guidelines?

[10GaugeNeedles, BSN]

No state I've ever worked has included assessments as an LPN scope of practice in any specialty. Regardless of skill or ability, SOP is usually defined by what the board tests encompass which means anything assessments related on paper is invalid in terms of SOP for an LPN. What is "normally" done is one thing. What is allowed by statute is an entirely different thing. I remember a tech titrating a vasopressor. In their SOP? HECK no. But the nurse had delegated that function to this person. Legal? Probably not. Valid? Apparently the nurse trusted the tech's experience and we have the ability to delegate our SOP to a well trained person. Would this be accepted as an explanation by a BON or nurse manager? Probably not. My point is, SOP is a practical grey area. Yes it's very clear what is and isn't allowed on paper. However, we all know, what's on paper ain't reality 60% of the time. Stay safe.