Yes, the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) knows about your arrest, even without receiving notice from you. This is because your nursing license is connected to your fingerprints. Your next steps matter, and understanding California law is essential to planning your actions.
How the BRN stays informed
The moment the police collect your fingerprints for an arrest, the California Department of Justice (DOJ) triggers an automatic notification to the BRN. This means it is almost impossible to hide your arrest from them.
What you must do after an arrest
As a licensee, you typically do not have to notify the BRN when an arrest occurs. You must only do so under these situations:
- The courts convicted you of your crime.
- You pleaded guilty or did not contest.
- You are on probation and must report the arrest within 72 hours.
While the BRN does not have an explicit rule for reporting a standalone arrest, your hospital may have one. Failure to follow internal employer policy could result in termination, even if the BRN takes no action.
What to do after a conviction
If the court convicts you of a crime, you must report it to the BRN within 30 days. Waiting until your renewal cycle may lead to disciplinary actions and an additional charge of dishonesty or unprofessional conduct. The board evaluates discipline based on the nature of the underlying crime and rehabilitation criteria.
Protecting your career
Whether you experienced an arrest or received a conviction, the stakes are simply too high to navigate this matter alone. Given the BRN’s strict nature, uncalculated steps could trigger a license suspension or revocation. Consider consulting an experienced license defense attorney for guidance.
