How long does a Board of Registered Nursing (“BRN”) Accusation stay on record in California?

At the Law Offices of Brown and Brown, our California nursing license defense team explains how long disciplinary actions—like citations, probations, or revocations—remain visible on the BRN’s public BreEZe database, and what nurses should know before accepting a settlement.

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One of the questions we get most often from our California Registered Nurse and Nurse Practitioner clients is how long an Accusation (document alleging violation(s) of the Nursing Practice Act or other statutes) stays posted on the BreEZe website for the public to view.

Fortunately, the California BRN has published a “Policy On Internet Discipline Document Retention” which answers these common questions.  We’ll summarize the most important points here for ease of reference:

• A final decision upholding a Citation and/or Fine after an administrative hearing is retained for 3 years from the date of resolution.
• A final decision upholding a Citation and Fine which involves an unlicensed person is retained indefinitely.
• A final decision resulting in a public reprimand, also known as a “public reproval,” is retained for 3 years from the date of completion.
• A final decision resulting in probation (with our without suspension of the license) is retained for 10 years from the date of completion. 
• A final decision resulting in probation that is “tolled” or paused is kept for 10 years from the date of completion.
• A final decision resulting in license revocation or surrender (giving up the license) is kept indefinitely.
• A final decision for any other reason is kept for 10 years from the date of completion.

When we refer to “completion” above, we are primarily referring to the date the probationary period (or suspension), or both, is/are completed, thus returning the license to unrestricted/clear status with no restrictions. 

These retention periods cannot be negotiated to a shorter time period, though we have heard of individuals who claim to be able to do so.  This is absolutely false and anyone so advised should immediately rethink this advice and contact experienced counsel such as the Law Offices of Brown and Brown for a free consultation.

The posting policies above are just one of many considerations a licensed nurse in California needs to think about when accepting an offer of settlement in an Accusation or Citation and Fine case.  The ramifications of having discipline posted up to an indefinite period is something that needs to be carefully considered. 

Our attorneys at Brown and Brown have decades of experience negotiating the best possible settlements in all types of license defense cases before nearly all California agencies and bureaus.  We know when a case should be resolved through an informal settlement and when a strong case for the nurse needs to proceed to trial/hearing. 

Our managing attorney, Adam B. Brown, has successfully tried hundreds of cases before the Board of Registered Nursing and knows exactly what it takes to win and keep your nursing license and career intact.

Call our offices today for a free consultation—we love nurses and the work  you do for society.  Let us help you protect everything you’ve worked so hard for.