Authority and scope
Check the professional and concern
BRN covers RNs and certified advanced practice nurses; BVNPT covers LVNs and psychiatric technicians. BRN directs nursing assistant and home health aide concerns to California Department of Public Health. Each board reviews unsafe practice or professional misconduct within its authority.
Supporting guidance: BRN complaint process ↗BVNPT file a complaint ↗
Choose the right licensing authority
RN and certified advanced practice nurse complaints — BRN
Registered nurses and certified advanced practice nurses
Open this official route ↗LVN and psychiatric technician complaints — BVNPT
Licensed vocational nurses and psychiatric technicians
Open this official route ↗How the official source says to file
- BRN: follow its BreEZe online link, or mail the BRN complaint form to Attn: Complaint Intake, PO Box 944210, Sacramento, CA 94244-2100.
- BVNPT: follow its online complaint link or mail its separate Consumer Complaint Form to 2535 Capitol Oaks Drive, Suite 205, Sacramento, CA 95833. Its Enforcement Unit also accepts complaints by writing or calling 916-263-7827.
- Use the correct board's form. Identify the professional and describe events, dates, witnesses and relevant documents. The forms request the applicable medical-information release when the filer is the patient or representative.
- For the BVNPT release, a representative signing for the patient must attach written proof of authority to act for the patient.
Supporting guidance: BRN complaint process ↗BVNPT file a complaint ↗BRN complaint and release form ↗BVNPT consumer complaint form ↗
What this route may not provide
BRN excludes billing disputes, general business practices and personality conflicts, and says its action does not affect civil remedies. Financial recovery through either complaint route was not established.
Supporting guidance: BRN complaint process ↗BVNPT file a complaint ↗
Do not guess about confidentiality
BRN reviews anonymous complaints, but evidence may be insufficient to pursue them. Its investigations are confidential; later disciplinary or criminal proceedings can make information public. BVNPT's form requests the complainant's identity and signature; anonymous acceptance was not established. Its release warns that the licensee may receive patient records.
Supporting guidance: BRN complaint process ↗BVNPT consumer complaint form ↗
A filing cutoff was not established for either route.
The checked instructions do not specify a consumer filing period. Ask the relevant board promptly about incident dates. No completion date is promised here.
Supporting guidance: BRN complaint process ↗BVNPT file a complaint ↗
What may happen after filing
BRN screens jurisdiction, investigates, then closes cases or pursues proceedings. BVNPT describes discipline for incompetence, gross negligence and other unprofessional conduct.
Supporting guidance: BRN complaint process ↗BVNPT file a complaint ↗
Prepare a reviewable submission
State the concern you want reviewed, then add a short chronology, best supporting records, factual consequences, and a specific request for review.
Read the linked authority and process information ↗
Sources and scope
BRN complaint process ↗
RN/APRN jurisdiction, exclusions, submission, anonymity, confidentiality and process
Source checked: September 19, 2026
BVNPT file a complaint ↗
LVN/PT jurisdiction and separate filing routes
Source checked: September 19, 2026
BRN complaint and release form ↗
BRN preparation and medical release
Source checked: September 19, 2026
BVNPT consumer complaint form ↗
BVNPT preparation, signature and possible record disclosure
Source checked: September 19, 2026
Source check: September 19, 2026. This records a review of the linked material, not a decision about your case. No clinical or legal reviewer is identified for this guide. Confirm current instructions with the receiving authority.