In Tennessee, are Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) authorized to draw blood from a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) line?

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Last updated: September 24, 2026 • View editorial policy

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Tennessee LPN Scope of Practice for PICC Line Blood Draws

This is a state-specific scope of practice question that cannot be answered from the clinical evidence provided. The provided evidence consists entirely of clinical guidelines about PICC line insertion, maintenance, and complications—none of which address state nursing board regulations or LPN scope of practice in Tennessee.

Why This Question Requires Different Resources

The authority for LPNs to draw blood from PICC lines is determined by:

  • Tennessee Board of Nursing regulations - which define the legal scope of practice for LPNs in Tennessee
  • Tennessee Nurse Practice Act - the state law governing nursing practice
  • Facility-specific policies - which may further restrict or define procedures within the legal scope
  • Individual LPN competency verification - documented training and demonstrated competence

What the Clinical Evidence Shows (Not Applicable Here)

The provided guidelines 1, 2 discuss blood sampling from PICCs in the context of:

  • Infection diagnosis (paired blood cultures from catheter and peripheral vein) 1
  • Technical feasibility and safety in various patient populations 3, 4
  • Nursing care practices in skilled nursing facilities 5, 6

However, none of these sources address which nursing license level is authorized to perform these procedures under Tennessee state law.

How to Find the Correct Answer

To determine if Tennessee LPNs can draw blood from PICC lines, you must:

  1. Contact the Tennessee Board of Nursing directly or review their official position statements
  2. Review the Tennessee Nurse Practice Act and associated administrative rules
  3. Check your specific facility's policies - even if state law permits it, your facility may require RN-level licensure
  4. Verify training requirements - competency validation may be required regardless of licensure

This is a regulatory/legal question, not a clinical medicine question, and requires consultation with Tennessee nursing regulatory authorities.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.