The California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) investigates complaints that are related to a licensee’s ability to practice as a nurse. This includes complaints regarding: Patient abuse Patient neglect Drug and/or alcohol abuse Gross negligence or incompetence that results in patient endangerment Fraud or theft offenses Sexual, violent, or abusive criminal offenses Other criminal charges or convictions related to the practice of nursing Mentally impaired to the extent that a nurse is unable to practice safely Practicing nursing without a license Violations of conditions of probation. Each of these areas relates to the BRN’s mission of protecting the public through the regulation of the practice of registered nurses pursuant to the Nursing Practice Act (NPA). For this reason, complaints about issues that are not relevant to the safe practice of nursing are outside of the BRN’s jurisdiction. This may include matters such as rudeness, billing disputes, and interpersonal conflicts.