Can the licensed practical nurse provide epidural care during labor and delivery?

The Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission determines it is beyond the scope of the licensed practical to provide epidural care during labor and delivery. It is within the scope of an appropriately prepared and competent licensed practical nurse to assist an authorized health care practitioner or the registered nurse, in providing epidural care, following clinical practice standards. The licensed practical nurse should use the Scope of Practice Decision Tree to determine if these activities are within the nurse's legal and individual scope of practice. See the Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission's Administration of Sedating, Analgesic, and Anesthetic Agents Advisory Opinion for additional guidance and recommendations.