Understanding the actions that the California Board of Registered Nursing can take against you for disciplinary infractions is a must. One potential disciplinary action is a “Letter of Public Reprimand.”
The California Board of Registered Nursing typically issues public reprimands for minor violations of the Nursing Practice Act. According to the California Board of Registered Nursing, a Letter of Public Reprimand will stay online for 3 years following completion of reprimand terms.
What is the Nursing Practice Act?
The Nursing Practice Act, commonly shortened to NPA, sets out the responsibilities and practice scope for all Registered Nurses. The Board updates this law yearly. If a Registered Nurse is not in compliance with the NPA, the California Board of Registered Nursing may choose to discipline him or her.
There are a variety of different penalties for violating the NPA. Outside of a criminal investigation, the most stringent action the Board can take is revoking the license of a nurse. However, there are other, less-serious penalties, and a Letter of Public Reprimand is one of them.
When would I receive a Letter of Public Reprimand?
The California Board of Registered Nursing issues Letters of Public Reprimand when a nurse violates the NPA in a minor way. There are no additional restrictions on the license of a nurse who receives a Letter of Public Reprimand, but the information is public.
The 3-year period that a Letter of Public Reprimand will remain public starts upon completion of terms of the letter. For example, if you must pay fines or take classes to complete the terms, the 3-year period starts after you complete these activities.
