If you’re familiar with our content here at RN Guardian, you’re likely familiar with the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) ‘s enforcement division – aka a nurse’s worst nightmare. However, the BRN does so much more than investigations. The BRN is responsible for regulating almost every aspect of nursing practice.
What is the California Board of Registered Nursing
The California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) is a government agency designed to protect consumers by creating and enforcing rules and regulations for nurses. The BRN’s central role is to implement the Nursing Practice Act. This Act is a group of Laws related to nursing education, licensing, practice, and discipline. A group of nine members makes up the decision-making body of the BRN. The Nursing Practice Act appoints this group.
1. What does the California Board of Registered Nursing do?
The BRN regulates just about every aspect of the nursing practice by enforcing the laws of the Nursing Practice Act. The BRN is responsible for setting RN Educational Standards for programs that educate future nurses and approving California Nursing Programs where future nurses are educated. They’re also responsible for evaluating licensure applications, making sure prospective nurses have met all of the educational requirements, passed the licensing exam, and are cleared through a background check, issuing and renewing licenses, issuing certificates.
And finally, the roles we’re most familiar with here at RNG, Taking Disciplinary Action and Managing an Intervention Program.
Two of the BRN board members are appointed by the Governor, and the Legislature sets the other two. The group of nine is a mix of four members of the public and five registered nurses. The group of registered nurses includes:
- An Advanced Practice Nurse
- Two Patient Care Nurses
- A Nurse Educator
- A Nurse Administrator
Board members serve a four-year term and can be re-appointed, although the member cannot serve more than two consecutive terms.
In short, the BRN is responsible for four things:
- Complaint intake. – These typically involve criminal convictions. The BRN’s complaints can include patient abuse, medication errors, and failure to provide appropriate care. These complaints can also include accusations of alcohol or drug abuse.
The BRN does not investigate complaints about billing or personality conflicts. The BRN can only look into complaints about nurses, not other practitioners like physicians or licensed vocational nurses. Nursing assistants are also outside the BRN’s jurisdiction.
- Investigation.
- Legal action.
- Probation monitoring.
4. An investigation by the BRN
Once the BRN receives a complaint, they must investigate it. Complaints involving drugs, alcohol, or mental health are referred to the Diversion or Intervention Program. The Diversion Program moves quickly, and they will usually reach out within a few weeks of the arrest or complaint to offer enrollment in the program. A nurse will be immediately suspended by voluntarily enrolling in the BRN’s Diversion or Intervention Program. It’s best to consult with an attorney before entering the Diversion Program. Declining the Diversion Program means the case will be assigned to an investigator for further follow-up and to set up an interview.
RN Success Stories
RN Guardian is here to help you navigate the BRN. We offer a way to defend your RN or LVN license and will take the time to understand your unique situation. Our expert attorneys have years of success in nursing license defense to achieve the best possible outcome.
Read a couple of our recent success stories:
July 2, 2021 – “Outstanding Support”
“Our client required a letter of consequence for her case. She reached out to us for support and guidance. Nicole helped her immediately by blocking out the time necessary to compose a detailed letter that supplied essential details to support her case. She was pleased with the outcome and recommended Nicole 110%. “
May 7, 2021 – “Highly Recommended”
“Our client was accused of gross negligence, didn’t want to settle forthat, and wanted to fight for a full dismissal. With a positive outcome, our client was satisfied with the results. Nicole helped her with the entire case and fought for what her client wanted to achieve. With perseverance and support from Nicole, she received news that the BRN dropped the accusations before the hearing. She was shocked to hear this and relieved that her case was dropped, and now our client can move forward and focus on her career.”
Secure Your Future!
RN Guardian and our team of attorneys are here to ease your worries and give you the ultimate support and guidance. We have helped thousands of nurses in sticky situations and have a 98% success rate with similar cases.
Contact RNG today! We can help you avoid the BRN and ensure your nursing license.