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Question
Can the licensed practical nurse (LPN) determine, pronounce, or certify death?
Answer

The LPN may determine and pronounce death. It is not within the LPN’s scope of practice to certify death.

See the Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission (NCQAC)’s Determining, Pronouncing, and Certifying Death Advisory Opinion for more information. 

FAQ Category
Portable Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment