MESSAGE FROM THE PUBLIC MEMBERS

As we come to the end of our first term as public members on the CLPNA Council, we reflect on a busy and exciting year. As public members, we play a unique role in providing a diverse perspective on the regulatory role and governance of the CLPNA and ensuring that the public receives safe, competent and ethical healthcare services from LPNs.

In the fall of 2019, an amendment to the Licensed Practical Nurses Profession Regulation was announced and will come into force on February 1st, 2020. This is the first change to the regulation in 17 years and as public members, we are pleased that these changes were approved by government to reflect the reality of an everchanging healthcare system and the evolving needs of Albertans accessing our healthcare system.

As a Council, we worked with a research firm to better understand the public perception of the CLPNA, which provided excellent insights into public knowledge of our role in the healthcare system. While 94% of people surveyed indicated that they had confidence that an LPN would provide them with safe and ethical healthcare, over 30% of those surveyed did not know about the CLPNA’s role in regulating the profession through discipline processes. This shows a need to better communicate with the public about our regulatory role and how to access the CLPNA when they have a concern about the care they have received by an LPN.

In October 2019, the CLPNA hosted its 7th Annual Think Tank, presenting national and international experts on the subject of Empowering the Health System for Excellence.

At the end of 2019, Linda Stanger announced her retirement after leading the CLPNA as CEO for the past 14 years. Under her leadership, the CLPNA has tripled its membership, established collaborative provincial, national and international partnerships and become an organization known for its innovation with impact across the healthcare system. As public members, we would like to thank Linda for her tireless work to advance the regulatory system in Alberta.

As we move into 2020, we are faced with a rapidly changing regulatory environment as well as an evolving healthcare system. As public members, we look forward to working with the CLPNA’s leadership and the new CEO to continue Linda’s legacy of regulatory excellence and contributions to a quality healthcare system for Albertans.

Austin Mardon, Lisa Stebbins, John Chapman - Public Members