Can a LPN initiate/develop the nursing care plan?
A. Staff recommends you review NDAC 54-05-01 Standards for Licensed Practical Nurses. NDAC 54-05-01-02.1 Licensed practical nurse’s contribution to, and responsibility for, the nursing process clarifies that the LPN may not initiate care and participate in the development of and modification to the ongoing nursing care plan. Only the RN may develop the initial nursing care plan and make a nursing diagnosis (NDAC Chapter 54-05-02 Standards of Practice for RNs). This difference between the LPN and RN scope of practice is based on differences in educational preparation of nurses licensed at each level as defined in the NDAC Chapter 54-03.2-06 Curriculum. The Nurse Practices Act and Administrative Rules and Regulations may be viewed in it’s entirety or printed from this website – www.ndbon.org.
