LPN Practice

All nurses must hold an active SD nursing license, or a compact multistate license, to practice nursing in South Dakota.

Scope of Practice

• South Dakota codified law, SDCL 36-9-4 and ARSD 20:48:04 outline the legal scope of practice for RNs who practice in the state of South Dakota, in-person or via telehealth. 

• All health care providers, including nurses, are expected to adhere to the requirements in SDCL 34-52 when providing services to patients located in South Dakota through telehealth.  

• Nurses and employers are encouraged to use the Board's approved Scope of Practice Decision-making Framework as a guide to making decisions on whether a specific task, intervention, or activity is in an LPN's scope.  

• Review the LPN Tasks and Activities document for more information.

•  LPN intraveous (IV) therapy scope is listed in ARSD 20:48:04:06, 20:48:04:06.01; and 20:48:04:07; and LPNs should also review the Decision-making Framework. 

  • LPNs who did not have IV therapy in their inital nursing education program, or nurses who need a refresher, should complete additional education before adding IV therapy to their practice. The education should include theory and skills and be taught by and supervised by an RN. After successfully completing the additional education and competency validation, an LPN may add IV therapy to their practice in SD.

  • One option to obtain the additional education is the online South Dakota IV Therapy Education course offered by Pedagogy Continuing Nurse Education. The skills portion of the course must be completed under the supervision of an RN at a practice setting. The completed checklists should be maintained by the LPN and employer. Be advised that the course's content on the removal of midline catheters, PICC lines, or other types of central lines, is not in an LPN's scope.

  • Email the Board office if you have questions.   

Delegation to Unlicensed or Registered Assistive Personnel

Nurses and employers are encouraged to use the Delegation Decision Making Algorithm as a guide on the delegation of nursing tasks to Nursing Assistants.

Safe Driving

Nurses are encouraged to discuss with their patients the effects their medical condition and medication use has on the ability to safely operate a vehicle, in any mode of transportation. Learn more and find additional resources on the dangers of Drugged Driving by visiting the National Transportation Safety Board and the National Institute on Drug Abuse.