I am inquiring as to whether a LVN can remove a PICC line in a supervised office clinic setting if properly trained? There seems to be some questions raised as to whether a LVN can or cannot. The Texas B.O.N. does not clearly specify whether they can or cannot. I am an Infusion nurse (RN) and we have LVN's in our clinic that have been trained and observed in removing them. However, recently, the question has been raised as to whether it falls under their scope of practice. Thank you for any input.
Decisions such as this vary a great deal from state to state. Most states now use a Scope of Practice Decision Tree for both RNs and LPNs. First you will need to learn how your state makes these decisions - decision tree with decision made by the nurse and employee, declaratory ruling, or advisory opinion. Then follow their process. Having been "trained and observed" may not equate to documented competency. Please see the INS Standards on Scope of Practice and Competency. Lynn
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, BC, CRNI
Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc.
126 Main Street, PO Box 10
Milner, GA 30257
Website http://www.hadawayassociates.com
Office Phone 770-358-7861