Committee introduces bill to clarify LPN tasks delegated by RNs

Representative Dore Healy (R., Dist. 15) told the House Health and Welfare Committee that RS 31,965 updates statutory language governing delegation of tasks from registered nurses (RNs) to licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and asked that the measure be introduced.

Healy said the bill removes the phrase “contributing to,” which she called “very, very vague,” and instead would incorporate “performing delegated assessments” to clarify LPN scope of practice. “The purpose of this is really to better reflect the practical roles and responsibilities of our licensed practical nurses,” Healy said. “This is going to create better safety and quality of care for all of our patients.”

Representative Wheeler moved to introduce RS 31,965. The committee chair called the question, members signified by saying “aye,” and the chair announced, “Motion carries; RS 31,965 is introduced.”

The discussion on the floor was limited to the presentation of the bill language and the motion to introduce; no fiscal impact, stakeholder concerns, or amendments were discussed at this introduction. The bill will proceed to printing and a committee bill hearing for detailed line-by-line review and stakeholder comment.