Nurse holding IV bag and tubing.

Colorado LPNs and IV Therapy: Updated Rule 1.9 (Effective 09/14/2025)

The Colorado Board of Nursing recently adopted the final updated Rule 1.9 (3 CCR 716‑1), clarifying the scope of intravenous (IV) therapy practice for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). These updates impact what LPNs may and may not perform under Colorado law.

You can review the full official rule here:
📄 Colorado Board of Nursing — Rule 1.9 PDF

Key Updates

  • The LPN‑IV authority license has been removed — IV therapy training is now required in all PN programs. All LPNs are considered IV-trained upon licensure.
  • LPNs with multistate (compact) licenses no longer require a separate C‑IV authority.
  • Employers must verify IV competency at hire and periodically.
  • IV therapy must be performed under supervision of a professional nurse, physician, dentist, or podiatrist.
  • Rule 1.9 now explicitly defines both permitted and prohibited IV therapy procedures for LPNs.

Tasks LPNs May Perform (Under Supervision)

According to Rule 1.9, LPNs may:

  1. Calculate and observe the flow rate of intravenous infusions
  2. Stop the flow of IV fluids as defined in Rule 1.9
  3. Remove peripheral short catheters for adult clients
  4. Report and document observations and procedures related to IV infusion and insertion sites
  5. Utilize peripheral veins for IV access with a peripheral short catheter
  6. Perform blood sampling from a peripheral vein or through a central venous access device using a syringe or vacutainer
  7. Reconstitute IV antibiotics following pharmacy instructions and/or organizational policies
  8. Administer:
    1. Intravenous fluids through venous access devices
    2. Pre‑mixed intravenous fluids containing electrolytes and vitamins
    3. Pre‑mixed antibiotic solutions via venous access devices delivered per labeled instructions by gravity flow, pump, or direct injection for a period greater than five minutes
    4. The first dose of IV antibiotic therapy under observation by a professional nurse, physician, podiatrist, or dentist in the same patient care area
  9. Regulate the prescribed flow rate of IV fluids
  10. Monitor the systemic effects of IV therapy
  11. Flush venous access devices to maintain patency with normal saline or a sub‑therapeutic dosage of heparin
  12. Change dressings and/or caps to venous access devices
  13. Switch from continuous infusion of IV fluid to heparin/saline lock

Procedures LPNs Cannot Perform

Rule 1.9 specifically prohibits LPNs from:

  1. Administering IV medications, except as allowed in Rule 1.9
  2. Accessing or de‑accessing implanted central venous access ports
  3. Inserting PICC lines or peripheral midline catheters
  4. Repairing venous access devices
  5. Removing central venous access catheters
  6. Administering parenteral nutrition solutions
  7. Administering blood and blood products
  8. Administering chemotherapy intravenous medications/solutions
  9. Administering thrombolytic agents to declot a catheter
  10. Direct injection of any IV medication for five minutes or less in duration

Stay Compliant with the New Rule

Even though LPNs now have IV therapy authority included with licensure, employers must verify competency. The safest and most effective way to ensure compliance is through structured education aligned with Rule 1.9.

That’s why Pedagogy Continuing Nurse Education created the Colorado LPN IV Certification Package — designed specifically to meet Colorado’s new regulatory requirements.

Package Highlights:

  • Colorado Legalities of Infusion Therapy – clear review of Rule 1.9 and supervision requirements
  • Basics of Peripheral IV Therapy – insertion techniques, monitoring, and complication management
  • Current Practices in Management of Central Lines – flushing, maintenance, and patient safety
  • 12 contact hours of continuing education
  • Self‑paced online access
  • Skills checklists for employer verification
  • Certificate of completion

Why This Matters

  • Ensure compliance with the Colorado Board of Nursing
  • Demonstrate competency to employers
  • Enhance patient safety and quality of care
  • Protect yourself from scope‑of‑practice violations
  • Improve your professional credibility and employability

Enroll Today:
Colorado LPN IV Certification Package

Official Colorado Rule 1.9 PDF:
📄 View the full Rule here