The Standards of Practice for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) in Canada provide a national framework for LPN practice. The Standards of Practice are authoritative statements that define the legal and professional expectations of licensed practical nurse practice. In conjunction with the Code of Ethics for Licensed Practical Nurses, they describe the elements of quality LPN practice and facilitate mobility through inter-jurisdictional mutual understanding and agreement of expectations and requirements for practice.

The four broad standards are applicable to LPNs in all settings in which they practice. They provide the benchmark to which LPNs are measured. Indicators accompany each standard and describe more specifically the expectations for LPN practice. Neither the standards nor the indicators are in any order of priority.

As members of a self-regulating profession, LPNs are personally responsible for meeting the Standards of Practice. The legislative responsibility for setting, monitoring and enforcing the Standards of Practice lies with the provincial and territorial regulatory authorities.

The policies and practices of employing organizations do not relieve LPNs of accountability to meet these standards of practice.

Where the legislation and this Standards of Practice document conflict, legislation will apply.