Rule 4723-4-04 | Standards relating to competent practice as a licensed practical nurse.
(A) A licensed practical nurse shall function within the scope of practice of nursing for a licensed practical nurse as set forth in division (F) of section 4723.01 of the Revised Code and the rules of the board.
(B) A licensed practical nurse shall maintain current knowledge of the duties, responsibilities, and accountabilities for safe nursing practice.
(C) A licensed practical nurse shall demonstrate competence and accountability in all areas of practice in which the nurse is engaged which includes, but is not limited to, the following:
(1) Consistent performance of all aspects of nursing care; and
(2) Recognition, referral or consultation, and intervention, when a complication arises.
(D) A licensed practical nurse may provide nursing care in accordance with division (F) of section 4723.01 of the Revised Code that is beyond basic preparation for a licensed practical nurse provided:
(1) The nurse obtains education that emanates from a recognized body of knowledge relative to the nursing care to be provided;
(2) The nurse demonstrates knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the nursing care;
(3) The nurse maintains documentation satisfactory to the board of meeting the requirements set forth in paragraphs (D)(1) and (D)(2) of this rule;
(4) When the nursing care is to be provided according to division (F)(3) of section 4723.01 of the Revised Code, the nurse has a specific current valid order or direction from an individual who is authorized to practice in this state and is acting within the course of the individual's professional practice; and
(5) The nursing care does not involve a function or procedure that is prohibited by any other law or rule.
(E) A licensed practical nurse shall, in a timely manner:
(1) Implement any order or direction for a patient unless the licensed practical nurse believes or should have reason to believe the order or direction is:
(a) Inaccurate;
(b) Not properly authorized;
(c) Not current or valid;
(d) Harmful, or potentially harmful to a patient; or
(e) Contraindicated by other documented information; and
(2) Clarify any order or direction for a patient when the licensed practical nurse believes or should have reason to believe the order or direction is:
(a) Inaccurate;
(b) Not properly authorized;
(c) Not current or valid;
(d) Harmful, or potentially harmful to a patient; or
(e) Contraindicated by other documented information.
(F) When clarifying an order or direction, the licensed practical nurse shall, in a timely manner:
(1) Consult with an appropriate licensed practitioner or directing registered nurse;
(2) Notify the ordering practitioner or directing registered nurse when the licensed practical nurse makes the decision not to follow the order or direction or administer the medication or treatment as prescribed;
(3) Document that the practitioner or directing registered nurse was notified of the decision not to follow the direction or order, or administer the medication or treatment, including the reason for not doing so; and
(4) Take any other action needed to assure the safety of the patient.
(G) A licensed practical nurse shall, in a timely manner report to and consult as necessary with other nurses or other members of the health care team and make referrals as necessary.
(H) A licensed practical nurse shall maintain the confidentiality of patient information obtained in the course of nursing practice. The licensed practical nurse shall communicate patient information with other members of the health care team for health care purposes only, shall access patient information only for purposes of patient care, or for otherwise fulfilling the nurse's assigned job responsibilities, and shall not disseminate patient information for purposes other than patient care, or for otherwise fulfilling the nurse's assigned job responsibilities, through social media, texting, emailing or any other form of communication.
(I) To the maximum extent feasible, identifiable patient health care information shall not be disclosed by a licensed practical nurse unless the patient has consented to the disclosure of identifiable patient health care information. A licensed practical nurse shall report individually identifiable patient information without written consent in limited circumstances only, and in accordance with an authorized law, rule, or other recognized legal authority.
(J) When a licensed practical nurse is directed to observe, advise, instruct, or evaluate the performance of a nursing task, the licensed practical nurse shall use acceptable standards of safe nursing care as a basis for that observation, advice, instruction, teaching, or evaluation and shall communicate information that is consistent with acceptable standards of safe nursing care.
Last updated January 3, 2024 at 2:02 PM
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