The Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT) would like to inform licensees, employers and educators of regulations adopted by the Respiratory Care Board (RCB) impacting the scope of practice licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) going into effect on October 1, 2025.

These regulations impact the LVN scope of practice with various changes, as described below. BVNPT licensees, employers and educators are expected to comply with the regulations.

LVNs CAN perform the following:

• Patient data collection.
• Application and monitoring of a pulse oximeter.
• Medication administration by aerosol that does not require manipulation of an invasive or non-invasive mechanical ventilator.
• Heat moisture exchanger (HME) and oxygen tank replacement for patients who are using non-invasive mechanical ventilation.
• Hygiene care including replacement of tracheostomy ties and gauze and cleaning of the stoma sites.
• Use of a manual resuscitation device and other cardio-pulmonary resuscitation technical skills (basic life support level) in the event of an emergency.
• Documentation of care provided, which includes data retrieved from performing a breath count or transcribing data from an invasive or non-invasive ventilator interface.
• Observing and gathering data from chest auscultation.

LVNs CANNOT perform the following:

• Manipulation of an invasive or non-invasive ventilator.
• Assessment or evaluation of observed and gathered data from chest auscultation, palpation, and percussion.
• Pre-treatment or post-treatment assessment.
• Use of medical gas mixtures other than oxygen.
• Preoxygenation or endotracheal or nasal suctioning.
• Initial setup, change out, or replacement of a breathing circuit or adjustment of oxygen liter flow or oxygen concentration.
• Tracheal suctioning, cuff inflation/deflation, use or removal of an external speaking valve, or removal and replacement of the tracheostomy tube or inner cannula.

Important Note: The Vocational Nursing Practice Act authorizes LVNs to perform services under the direction of only licensed physicians, registered nurses (including nurse practitioners [NP]) and naturopathic doctors. LVNs work with Respiratory Care Practitioners as part of patient care team members but shall only work under the direction of a licensed physician, registered nurse (including NPs) and naturopathic doctors.

Additional Resources and Information

1. SCHOOL NURSE EXEMPTION:
   With Governor Newsom’s signature, SB 389 (Ochoa-Bogh) will continue the current authorization in Education Code Section 49423.5 for LVNs working under the supervision of a credentialed school nurse to perform suctioning and other basic respiratory tasks/services for students as part of their school-day care. Please see SB-389 Pupil health: individuals with exceptional needs: respiratory services: licensed vocational nurses for more information and updates on the bill’s status.
2. LVN EDUCATORS:
   California schools for Vocational Nursing are urged to continue providing the curriculum approved by the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians, including the respiratory system and care of patients. The National Council Licensing Examination for Practical and Vocational Nursing (NCLEX-PN) will continue to include this subject matter.
3. RCB INFORMATIONAL WEBPAGES
   • Respiratory Care Practitioners (RCPs)
   • Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs)
   • Employers and health care providers
   • Patients and the public
   • 2025 Rulemaking Calendar

ALERT On July 2, 2025, license verification requests previously completed by the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT) will be completed by Nursys®.

Nursys® provides online verification for endorsement to a vocational nurse requesting to practice in another state and anyone who wants to verify a vocational nurse license.

To request an out of state verification, please visit the Nursys® website: https://www.nursys.com/

The Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (Board) has learned of a phone scam aimed at licensees. In this scheme, the caller falsely identifies themself to licensees as employees of the Board, claims that the licensee is under investigation by the Board, and at risk of being arrested. In some cases, the caller demands payment to resolve disciplinary action, warns the licensee not to report the call, attempts to extort money or elicit sensitive information, and/or requests the licensee to pick up a package from a post office or parcel location.

The Board always initiates contact via a letter sent to your address on file with the Board, and only reaches out to you via phone or email after a letter is sent.

If you receive a call or fax from an individual claiming to be a Board employee and they attempt to gather personal and financial information, here are ways to protect yourself:

• If you have any doubts or questions about someone claiming - by phone - to represent the Board, contact the Board at (916) 263-7800.
• You can also take down the caller's information (including name, title, phone number, and email address), let them know you will follow-up directly with the Board, and end the call.
• You may also consider ending the call without explanation if it appears suspicious or to be a scam.
• Refuse to make any payment and never disclose any personal information, i.e. social security numbers, dates of birth, or credit/debit card numbers.

To contact the Board, call (916) 263-7800 or email bvnpt@dca.ca.gov.

The Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians is pleased to announce that effective October 1, 2024, our Disciplinary Guidelines and Uniform Standards Regarding Substance Abusing Licensees has been updated.

You can find more information on our website, by visiting the below.

Office of Administrative Law Notice of Approval

https://www.bvnpt.ca.gov/pdf/dg_noa.pdf

 

Disciplinary Guidelines and Uniform Standards Regarding Substance Abusing Licensees

https://www.bvnpt.ca.gov/pdf/discguide.pdf

The Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (Board) acknowledges the 2022 legislation, Senate Bill 994 (Jones, Chapter 713, Statutes of 2022), that specifically authorizes licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) to practice under the direction of licensed naturopathic doctors, effective January 1, 2023. For more information visit Board Statement Regarding Vocational Nursing Under the Direction of Naturopathic Doctors and Notice to Licensed Vocational Nurses Regarding Senate Bill 994.

Effective September 9, 2022, the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians’ fees for each of its license types increased. The new fees apply to payments received online on or after September 21, 2022, or whose payment is postmarked on or after September 21, 2022. For more information on the fee increase, visit: New Fee Schedule for September 2022

• With California’s economy reopening, students returning to the classroom and overall improved conditions in the state, the Department of Consumer Affairs informed the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT) that its remaining active law waivers put in place during the COVID-19 State of Emergency (DCA Waiver DCA–21–195) ended October 31, 2021. The BVNPT and DCA thank you for your continued dedication to serving California consumers.

• COVID–19 Information – Updated August 17, 2021
• How to get Vaccinated?
• Notice Regarding COVID-19 Vaccine Administration
• Have Questions About the Coronavirus?

• Expedited Licensure Application Processing for Service Members Enrolled in Skillbridge
• DCA Fraud Alerts
• The Board would like to notify you that the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Department of Health and Human Services have credible information of an increased and imminent cybercrime threat to U.S. hospitals and healthcare providers. The Board is sharing this information to provide warning to healthcare providers to ensure that they take timely and reasonable precautions to protect their networks from these threats. Please see additional information at the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency website
• The Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT) will NEVER call our licensees requesting ANY type of payment. Please do not give out personal or credit card information to anyone over the telephone if they say they are calling from BVNPT. Thank you.

• Public Service Announcement: Suicide Prevention Video
• Expedited Licensure for Refugees, Asylees, and Holders of Special Immigrant Visas
• Clarification of Current Licensee Practice – Mechanical Ventilation Care