The authority for certain clinical tasks performed by unlicensed patient care technicians and LPNs/LVNs in the hemodialysis setting: a review.

The growing incidence of end stage renal disease (ESRD) has resulted in an ever-increasing demand for hemodialysis services throughout the country. Unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP), including dialysis technicians or patient care technicians (PCTs), and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) or licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) perform a vital role in the care of patients undergoing hemodialysis and are a critical staff component in hemodialysis facilities. This analysis provides a broad overview of the positions of states with respect to the administration of heparin and saline via peripheral and central lines by PCTs and LPNs/LVNs in the hemodialysis setting.