Colorado LPNs No Longer Need IV Authority – What Nurses Should Know

Big news for Colorado’s licensed practical nurses (LPNs): As of April 23, 2025, the Colorado Board of Nursing has eliminated the separate “IV Authority” requirement for LPNs. This regulatory change reflects a shift toward modernizing practice standards and aligning licensing with what’s already being taught in practical nursing programs.

What Changed?

Previously, LPNs in Colorado needed to apply for and maintain a separate IV certification—commonly called "IV Authority"—in order to perform intravenous therapy. That’s no longer the case.

Under the new rule changes:

• The IV Authority designation has been removed. LPNs no longer need a distinct license or endorsement to perform IV therapy.
• IV therapy is now included in the scope of LPN education and practice, assuming the nurse completed IV instruction during their approved LPN program.
• Multistate/compact LPN license holders no longer need to obtain a Colorado-specific IV authority to practice IV therapy in the state.

What LPNs Still Need to Know

Even without a separate IV authority:

• Competency still matters. Employers must ensure LPNs are competent in the IV tasks they perform. Nurses are expected to maintain their skills and meet facility requirements for training and evaluation.
• Supervision is still required. All IV therapy by LPNs must occur under the supervision of a registered nurse, physician, dentist, or podiatrist.
• Practice must stay within defined scope. Rule 1.9 outlines the specific IV-related tasks LPNs are permitted to perform, including:
  • Starting, regulating, and discontinuing IV fluids
  • Administering antibiotics and electrolyte solutions
  • Removing peripheral IVs in adult patients
  • Administering first-dose IV antibiotics under direct supervision
  • Performing venous blood draws

What This Means for You

While this rule change reduces regulatory red tape, it doesn’t eliminate the need for high-quality IV education and clinical confidence. For LPNs who were trained outside of Colorado or feel they need a refresher in IV therapy skills, continuing education is more important than ever.

That’s where we come in.

Stay Competitive and Competent with Pedagogy Education

Our newly created Colorado LPN IV Certification Package is designed to support nurses as they navigate this regulatory change. Even though IV Authority is no longer required, our course ensures you’re prepared, safe, and skilled when delivering IV therapy.

Advantages of Taking Pedagogy’s Online IV Therapy Course:

• Meets Colorado’s educational expectations for LPN IV knowledge
• Self-paced – learn on your schedule, at your convenience
• Affordable and comprehensive
• Accessible nationwide, ideal for multistate LPNs working in Colorado
• Approved content developed by nurse educators and aligned with Rule 1.9

References

1. Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA). IV Authority for Licensed Practical Nurses – Update. https://dpo.colorado.gov/Nursing
2. Colorado Board of Nursing. Rule 1.9 – Licensed Practical Nurse Scope of Practice Regarding IV Therapy. Accessed June 2025.
3. State of Colorado, Division of Professions and Occupations. Frequently Asked Questions – IV Authority Changes.