The Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) is a state governmental agency established by law to protect the public by regulating the practice of registered nurses. BRN is responsible for implementation and enforcement of the Nursing Practice Act: the laws related to nursing education, licensure, practice, and discipline. Â BRN regulates California registered nurses. There are more than 500,000 registered nurses in California providing health care services in a variety of settings.
BRN performs a variety of activities in its mission to protect consumers, including:
- Setting RN Educational Standards: BRN sets educational standards for nursing programs which prepare individuals to become licensed as registered nurses.
- Approving California Nursing Programs: There are over 140 prelicensure nursing programs and over 50 advanced practice programs which have been approved because they meet BRN educational standards.
- Evaluating Licensure Applications: Applications are evaluated to determine whether the applicant meets all licensure requirements. To be licensed the applicant must: Complete the educational requirements. Pass a national licensing examination and be cleared through a background check for conviction of any crime which might make the applicant ineligible for licensure.
- Issuing and Renewing Licenses: Registered Nursing licenses are issued to applicants who meet the licensing requirements. The license must be renewed every two years.
- Issuing Certificates: BRN issues certificates to eligible public health nurses, nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and clinical nurse specialists. The BRN also maintains a list of eligible psychiatric/mental health nurse specialists.
Mission: The Board of Registered Nursing protects the health, safety, and well-being of the public through the fair and consistent application of the statutes and regulations governing nursing practice and education in California.
Vision: A leader in the oversight of nursing practice and education by creating and administering regulatory practices that safeguard public health and ensure nursing care is equitable and accessible for all.
Values:
- Effectiveness
- Integrity
- Transparency
- Collaboration
- Equity
Visit BRN’s website at www.rn.ca.gov/ or connect on Facebook and Linkedin.
 CONSUMER RESOURCES:
- Nursing Programs & Education
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Careers in Nursing
- Refugees, Asylees, and Holders of Special Immigrant Visa (SIVs)
- Pre-Licensure RN Programs
- Licensure by Examination
- Continuing Education Information
- Join Our Email List
- Nursing Associations
- Temporary License Information
