Published Mar 1, 2017
hppygr8ful, ASN, RN, EMT-I
4 Articles; 5,186 Posts
Talk about incredible bureaucracy The California Board of Registered Nursing raised their renewal fees after they sent out invoices in January of this year. I sent a check for 160.00 and it was cashed but I still owe $30.00 now and of course they are "Currently receiving a high volume of calls and are not taking any calls at this time, please call back again" I tried going on line but it does not show my cashed check posted! Ridiculous!
My husband sent my renewal by mail because he is paranoid of paying anything on line.
Please be aware to renew on line - and the new fee of $190.00. Do not risk your license being suspended.
Moderators if this is in the wrong place - please move it to the appropriate forum.
Hppy
Sour Lemon
5,016 Posts
I hope they use those extra fees to hire more staff. Online renewals have been quick and easy for me, but dealing with the California BON by mail or phone is a complete nightmare.
After much frustration I was able to talk to someone with Consumer Affairs who is the regulatory body over the BON. A very nice person addressed my concerns and took my payment. When I mentioned that the BON was not even taking calls she told me "Yeah we get that a lot!"
I see that a lot even on this board. And I've experienced it when initially applying for a California license. The saddest thing is that if you do happen to get through and it hasn't been six weeks since you applied, they will decline to speak to you and advise you to call back after six weeks have passed.
I'm glad you got your issue resolved!
Wolf at the Door, BSN
1,045 Posts
I have usually never had a problem with getting a hold of CA BON. Even my alternative ways to speak to them have not worked. I sent an email the other day, wonder if I will get a response. I need my card resent to me.
Got the CA BON on the phone today. Took 19 calls today.
You got off easy. By some lottery tickets!! You're a lucky person.
Kooky Korky, BSN, RN
5,216 Posts
Try using an automatic dialer. It will keep re-dialing the number for you. Good luck.
Maybe you could get your California state Congressmen/women and Senators involved. They need to know how miserable people find dealing with this agency. They need to know that Consumer Affairs is not doing a good job of regulating the BON, too.
It really is outrageous that the people who determine your ability to keep your job, earn money to feed your family, and pay your mortgage are just somehow not doing a smooth job. What are the real reasons for this? Too few staff? Disorganization? Punitive action because the staff are in a bad mood and misuse their power? Other?
Good luck.