Expanded Scope of Practice of the Licensed Practical Nurse in the Administration of Intravenous Therapy

Iowa Administrative Code 655 6.5(3) authorizes the licensed practical nurse to perform procedures related to the expanded scope of administration of intravenous therapy in a licensed hospital, a licensed skilled nursing facility and a certified end-stage renal dialysis unit. The board-approved course offered by a board-approved provider of continuing education includes the responsibilities of the nurse when providing intravenous therapy to children, adults and elderly adults. When providing intravenous therapy, the licensed practical nurse must be supervised by the registered nurse and the licensed practical nurse may perform the procedure only when the procedure has been delegated to the licensed practical nurse by the registered nurse.

To be eligible for intravenous therapy certification, the licensee must hold a current unrestricted Iowa license, documentation of 2080 hours of practice as a licensed practical nurse and successful completion of a math pre-test with a passing grade of at least 90%. The licensed practical nurse may not perform procedures in the expanded scope in any setting other than a licensed hospital, a licensed skilled nursing facility and a certified end-stage renal dialysis unit.

The Expanded Intravenous Therapy Course is available through board-approved providers of continuing education. Iowa does NOT accept out-of-state Intravenous Courses.

For details regarding procedures which may be delegated to the licensed practical nurse, see Iowa Administrative Code 6.5(3).

Revised: 1/18/06 LL