Welcome to the Board of Vocational Nursing & Psychiatric Technicians

Amendments to Vocatinal Nursing Practice Act and Psychiatric Technicians Law Effective January 1, 2002

Two bills amending the Vocational Nursing Practice Act and the Psychiatric Technicians Law were chaptered into law during the 2001 Legislative Session and became effective January 1, 2002.

Article 6. Revenue

Collection of All Accrued and Unpaid License Renewal Fees

SB 349 (Chapter 435) amends section 2892.1 of the Vocational Nursing Practice Act, and section 4545 of the Psychiatric Technicians Law, to give the Board statutory authority to collect payment of all accrued and unpaid renewal fees in addition to any fees due upon renewal of an expired license at any time within four years of expiration.

The law addresses unlicensed activity. Although most licensees who let their licenses expire have no intention of practicing during the period of expiration, some individuals attempt to avoid paying license fees and continue to practice with expired licenses. The law increases consumer protection by eliminating a financial incentive to delay renewal of an expired license, and was sponsored by the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) to ensure that all DCA boards and bureaus collect accrued and unpaid renewal fees consistently.

Licensees that renew their licenses prior to their expiration date, or within the 30-day grace period for renewal, are required to pay only the "timely" renewal fee of $100 for licensed vocational nurses (LVNs), and $240 for psychiatric technicians (PTs). Licensees renewing after the expiration of the 30-day grace period, but prior to the end of the next renewal cycle, are required to pay the regular renewal fee plus the delinquency fee (i.e., $150 for LVNs and $360 for PTs).

In accordance with the new law:

  • A renewal received more than 2 years after expiration date shall pay two renewal fees and one delinquent fee (i.e., $250 for LVNs and $600 for PTs.)

    Example: License expired January 31, 2000, renewal submitted in January 2002
    January 2000 renewal unpaid - $100 LVN; $240 PT
    January 2002 renewal now due - $100 LVN; $240 PT
    Delinquency fee - $50 LVN; $120 PT
    Total amount due: $250 LVN; $600 PT
    Renews license through January 2004

  • In the event of an increase in renewal fees, licensees will be required to pay the current renewal fee and the renewal fees in effect during the renewal cycles they missed.

    Example: License expired December 31, 1998, renewal submitted March 2002
    December 31, 1998 renewal unpaid - $75 LVN; $160 PT
    December 31, 2000 renewal unpaid - $100 LVN; $240 PT
    Delinquency fee - $50 LVN; $120 PT
    Total Amount due: $225 LVN; $520 PT
    Renews license through December 31, 2002, licensee must renew again in December 2002.

  • A renewal received within 90 days of becoming 4-year expired shall pay for the three renewal fees and one delinquency fee.

    Example: License expired April 30, 1998, renewal submitted in March 2002
    April 1998 renewal unpaid - $75 LVN; $160 PT
    April 2000 renewal unpaid - $100 LVN; $240 PT
    April 2002 renewal now due - $100 LVN; $240 PT
    Delinquency fee - $50 LVN; $120 PT
    Total amount due: $325 LVN; $760 PT
    Renews license through April 30, 2004

Please contact the Board to determine the appropriate renewal fee assessment based upon the licensee's expiration date.

Link to the laws:

Vocational Nursing Practice Act
Psychiatric Technicians Law

Article 3. Disciplinary Proceedings

Petitions for Reinstatement or Modification of Penalty - Extension of Minimum Waiting Period

Senate Bill 724 (Chapter 728) amends section 2878.7 of the Vocational Nursing Practice Act, and section 4524 of the Psychiatric Technicians Law to extend the minimum period of time required for a licensed vocational nurse or psychiatric technician whose license has been revoked, suspended, surrendered, or placed on probation to wait before petitioning the Board for reinstatement or modification of the penalty, including modification or termination of probation. Previously, individuals could petition the Board for reinstatement or modification of a penalty after a period of not less than one year from the effective date of the decision had elapsed.

DCA sponsored the law to increase the efficiency of the Board's reinstatement process by reducing the number of petitioners who file for reinstatement of a license or modification or termination of probation before sufficient time has elapsed to permit adequate rehabilitation.

Link to the laws:

Vocational Nursing Practice Act
Psychiatric Technicians Law