California board of Nursing
In the state of California, the practice of registered nursing (RN) and certified advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) are regulated by the California Board of Nursing for safeguarding the public health and welfare. The board is a state governmental agency and founded by the law to promote and protect the health and safety of consumers, for nursing care excellence and to implement and enforce the Nursing Practice Act in CA.
Feature of the California Board of Nursing
The board is located in Sacramento, CA and also known by CA Board of Registered Nursing (BRN). It constitutes nine (9) board members that include, 5 registered nurses, comprising of two direct-patient care nurses, a nurse educator, an advanced practice nurse (APN), and a nurse administrator, and four (4) public members. The legislature appoints two members and the governor appoints 7 members. The serving duration of the members are 4 years and they eligible to get re-appointed but members can not get serve more than two consecutive terms.
The Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) is a state governmental agency established by the law to protect the public by regulating the practice of registered nurses. The BRN is responsible for the implementation and enforcement of the Nursing Practice Act: the laws related to nursing education, licensure, practice, and discipline. The Board also serves as the BRN decision-making body.
CA Board of Nursing Functions
The primary mission of the BRN is to protect the consumers through safe and quality practice and in order to meet its goal, the Board performs following functions:
Set the standard of Education
The standards for the licensed practical nurse education program are formulated by the BRN.
CA Nursing Programs Approval
The approval to CNA Nursing programs is granted by the BRN. Currently there are 100 programs that are approved by the Board and offered in various nursing schools.
Licensure Applications Evaluation
The Board evaluates the licensing eligibility of the candidates before awarding the License and to get the eligibility the Applicants are required to meet certain Board conditions including:
- Complete the educational requirements
- Pass a national licensing examination
- Must complete criminal background check
Issuing and Renewing Licenses
The eligible Applicants are issued practice Licenses. The Licenses remain in current status for two months before it is expired and must be renewed before it gets expired.
Certificates Issue
The BRN issue the practice License to advance practice registered nurses (APRNs) including clinical nurse specialists (CRNs), nurse midwives (NMs), nurse anesthetists (NAs) and nurse practitioners (NPs). The list of eligible psychiatric/mental health nurse specialists is also maintained by the board.
Taking Disciplinary Action
The appropriate disciplinary action against the nurses, violating Nurse Practice Act is taken by the BRN. The board also maintains the record file of the RNs, against whom the disciplinary action is taken. The records are accessible to the public
Managing a Diversion Program
The Diversion Program of the nurse can be termed as an alternative to the discipline process against the nurses whose practice is affected due to chemical dependency or mental illness. The program helps rehabilitating the nurses and provides safety to public health and consumers.
Licensing Verification System and an Online License Verification System
The BRN offers a 24-Hour Toll-Free Licensing Verification System and an Online License Verification System through the toll-free system by calling 1-800-838-6828 or access the online licensing system browsing board website: http://www.dca.ca.gov/proflic/rns.shtml.
Contact:
California Board of Registered Nursing
400 R Streets, Suite 4030
1747 North Market Blvd., Suite 150,
Sacramento, CA 95834.
Phone: (916) 322-3350
FAX: (916) 327-4402
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