California · Business and Professions Code - BPC

BPC §2796: It is unlawful for any person or persons not licensed or certified as provided in this chapter to use the title “registered nurse,” the letters “R.

Misdemeanor

What this law says, in plain English

It is illegal for unlicensed persons to use nursing titles like 'registered nurse' or 'R.N.' or to falsely claim to be a licensed professional nurse.

Read the full statutory text

It is unlawful for any person or persons not licensed or certified as provided in this chapter to use the title “registered nurse,” the letters “R.N. ,” or the words “graduate nurse,” “trained nurse,” or “nurse anesthetist.” It is unlawful for any person or persons not licensed or certified as provided in this chapter to impersonate a professional nurse or pretend to be licensed to practice professional nursing as provided in this chapter.

Verify at the official source: California legislative text

Facing this? Know exactly what happens next.

MOFRD turns this code section into your situation: the deadlines that apply to you, the forms your county uses, and the resolution paths people in your position actually take. Free for 3 days — no card required.

Start your matter free Ask Law Link about this code

This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.