Editing LPN Scope of Practice (section)

== Legal and Ethical Accountability ==

Delegation and supervision do not transfer accountability away from the LPN for the LPN's own acts. The LPN is personally responsible for practicing within scope, for the safe performance of every task accepted, for accurate documentation, and for reporting significant findings in a timely manner. The supervising RN remains accountable for the delegation decision, for appropriate supervision, and for the nursing process overall.

Common sources of LPN discipline include practicing outside scope, medication errors, falsification of documentation, patient abandonment, failure to report a change in condition, breach of confidentiality, and impairment. Mandatory reporting duties, such as reporting suspected abuse or neglect of a child or vulnerable adult, apply to LPNs as they do to other licensed nurses.