North Central PA Times

The state Senate today approved a bill introduced by Sen. Lynda Schlegel Culver (R-27) to enable licensed practical nurses (LPNs) working in a hospice setting to make death pronouncements. Pennsylvania law currently allows registered nurses (RNs), medical doctors, physician assistants, and coroners to make death pronouncements.

"LPNs in hospice settings provide end-of-life care to patients in the weeks and months before they pass away," Culver said. "LPNs provide care up until the moment of death, but when the patient dies, the LPN lacks the authority to make a death pronouncement. My bill would enable LPNs to make death pronouncements."

Culver introduced Senate Bill 1080 after learning many hospice facilities across Pennsylvania face workforce shortages. Giving LPNs the authority to make death pronouncements can help hospice facilities address their staffing issues.

"LPNs provide quality and essential care during a highly emotional time for patients and their families," Culver said. "Requiring a doctor, RN, physician assistant or coroner to make a death pronouncement when an LPN easily could fulfill that function can be costly."

Senate Bill 1080 now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.

More information about Culver is available online at SenatorCulver.com. Residents can follow her on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SenCulver and on Instagram at Instagram.com/SenatorCulver for updates about legislative action in Harrisburg and news in the 27th District.

Media Contact: Betsy Reichenbach

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