LPN Scope and Initial Assessments
Pursuant to 655 IAC, Chapter 6, 6.3(152), a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) may not perform an initial assessment. Initial assessments are to be performed by a Registered Nurse (RN). The initial assessment is to be used to determine a patient’s baseline and develop an initial nursing plan of care.
Once the initial assessment has been completed and the nursing plan of care has been developed, the LPN may assist the RN in the nursing process, consistent with accepted and prevailing practice. The LPN is to communicate any change of a patient’s status to the RN.