Definitions of Life Care Planning
The life care plan is a dynamic document based upon published standards of practice, comprehensive assessment, data analysis and research; it provides an organized, concise plan for current and future needs with associated cost for individuals who have experienced catastrophic injury or have chronic health care needs. (International Academy of Life Care Planners, Standards of Practice)
The Nurse Life Care Planner utilizes the nursing process in the collection and analysis of comprehensive client specific data in the preparation of a dynamic document. Nurse Life Care Planners function within their individual professional scope of practice and, when applicable, incorporate opinions arrived at collaboratively with various health care providers. The nurse life care plan is considered a flexible document and is evaluated and updated as needed. (American Association of Nurse Life Care Planners)