Consumer Information
Consumer Service Commitment
The mission of the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (Board) is to protect the public. Public protection is paramount to the Board and its highest priority in exercising its licensing, regulatory and disciplinary functions. Toward this end, the Board ensures that only qualified persons are licensed vocational nurses and psychiatric technicians by enforcing education requirements, standards of practice and by educating consumers of their rights.
To achieve this mandate, the Board:
- Establishes the minimum requirements for examination and licensure.
- Establishes the educational standards for the accreditation of vocational nursing and psychiatric technician schools in California.
- Adopts regulations to clarify the performance, practice and disciplinary standards for its licensees.
- Enforces the regulations governing licensed vocational nurses and psychiatric technicians by taking appropriate disciplinary action against incompetent or unsafe licensees efficiently and effectively.
To uphold its commitment to consumers, the Board will do its best to:
- Ensure that the health, safety and welfare of consumers is protected.
- Educate the public on their rights as health care consumers.
- Respect and maintain privacy rights required by law.
- Investigate complaints and discipline licensees to the full extent of the law.
- Conduct background checks of all applicants and licensees.
- Utilize current technology and automation to keep consumers informed of their rights and disciplinary actions against licensees.
Notice to Consumers
With emerging technology, many health care services, such as online medical advice, are now available via the internet. Please keep in mind that all practicing licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) or psychiatric technicians (PTs) in California must have a current (unexpired) and active license in California. An LVN must work under the direction of a licensed registered nurse or physician, and a PT must work under a licensed registered nurse, physician, or Director of Services. See Business and Professions Code Sections 2859, 2860.5, and 4502.
If you have any concerns regarding the licensed status of an LVN or PT, please go to the Online License Verification page to verify the status of their license.
For further information, please refer to the Board's "Forms & Publications" and "Consumers" sections of this website.
Please note: The Board can ONLY provide information regarding licensed vocational nurses and psychiatric technicians. We cannot assist you with questions regarding registered nurses, certified nursing assistants, psychologists, medical assistants or any other related profession. See our links page for links to other agencies.
