Nurse Practitioners

The California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) enforces nursing practice regulations in California. The BRN license is and regulates advanced practice nurses such as nurse practitioners. A BRN investigation can be triggered by:

• Allegations of gross negligence while caring for patients
• An arrest or criminal conviction
• A report by an employer alleging unprofessional conduct, including abuse of alcohol or drugs
• Diversion of controlled substances. 

Nurse Practitioners occupy a unique space as mid-level providers who don't simply follow physician orders and exercise independent clinical judgment, yet are not (theoretically) held to the the same standard as their supervising physician. However, can you think of any situation where negligent care provided by a physician would be acceptable if provided by a mid-level?

As always, if you are being investigated by the BRN, you need to be proactive to help you deal with the serious threat of a disciplinary action.  If you are accused of unprofessional conduct, negligence, or incompetence, contact me so we can discuss your case and prepare a defense.