Confidential Recovery: Understanding the California BRN Intervention Program for Nurses
The life of a healthcare professional is demanding, and sometimes, the pressure can lead to challenges with substance use or mental health. For California-licensed Registered Nurses (RNs), Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs), and Psychiatric Technicians (PTs) facing these issues, the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) offers a crucial lifeline: the Intervention Program (formerly known as the "Diversion Program"). This is a wonderful program and the board is NOT required by law to have such a program. It is humane, demanding to complete and a benefit to nurses and patients.
This program is widely recognized as one of the strongest and most protective rehabilitation options in the country. It provides a confidential, voluntary, and non-disciplinary path for professionals whose practice may be impaired, balancing the necessity of public safety with essential recovery support.\
Consider this key point. A nurse with a problem does not have to hide the problem from the board. The non-punitive nature of the program allows early intervention which benefits the nurse and patients.
The Core Feature: True Confidentiality
The most compelling aspect of the Intervention Program is its commitment to confidentiality. This is a true alternative-to-discipline model, authorized by California Business and Professions Code sections 2770–2770.14.
No Public Discipline: Successful participants have no public record of discipline on their license.
Privacy Protected: The fact of participation is not reported to employers, the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB), or the public.
Limited Knowledge: Only the BRN’s Intervention Evaluation Committee (IEC), the contracted monitoring vendor (currently MAXIMUS), and the participant know about enrollment.
Important Note: Confidentiality is contingent on success. If a participant fails the program or is terminated due to non-compliance, the matter then becomes public and moves to formal BRN discipline.
Who is Eligible?
The Intervention Program is for nurses and psychiatric technicians with an active or inactive California license who have a diagnosed or suspected chemical dependency or mental illness that may impact safe practice.
To be eligible, a nurse must meet the following criteria:
Be willing and able to fully comply with all program requirements.
Have no prior discipline on their California license for substance abuse or mental health issues (with rare, case-by-case exceptions).
Have not caused patient harm that would warrant mandatory reporting or immediate suspension.
Voluntarily self-refer or be referred by an employer, colleague, family, or anonymous source.
Major Exclusions (Almost Always Ineligible):
Patient death or serious harm directly linked to impairment.
Diversion of controlled substances for sale or personal profit.
Sexual misconduct involving patients.
Prior failed attempt in the Intervention Program.
Program Structure and Requirements
The program length is a minimum of 3 years for substance use disorder and typically 2–5 years for mental illness only, with a maximum duration of 5 years for all participants.
Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Track Requirements:
This track is intensive and focuses on accountability and recovery:
Total Abstinence: Strict prohibition from all mood-altering substances, including alcohol and marijuana (even with a medical recommendation).
Extensive Testing: Random observed body-fluid testing (urine, blood, hair, PEth) – often $50–100+$ tests annually.
Support Groups: Weekly self-help/support group meetings (AA, NA, Caduceus, etc.) with documented attendance.
Therapy: Individual therapy with a BRN-approved therapist.
Worksite Monitoring: A designated monitor submits quarterly reports on the nurse's performance.
Mental Health–Only Track Requirements:
This track focuses on clinical stability and safe practice:
Regular psychiatric/psychological treatment.
Strict medication compliance if prescribed.
Worksite monitoring.
Random toxicology testing may be required if there is any history of substance use.
How to Enter the Program
We strongly recommend having an attorney help you navigate the sign up process and to monitor your compliance and success. However here is the information that you can use to do it yourself.
Entry is a structured process that begins with a simple, confidential phone call:
Call the Program: Contact the dedicated Intervention Program line directly at (916) 574-7810 or toll-free (800) 522-9198.
Intake Interview: Complete a confidential intake interview.
Independent Evaluation: Undergo an evaluation by a BRN-approved addictionologist or psychiatrist.
IEC Review: The Intervention Evaluation Committee (IEC) reviews the evaluation and approves or denies admission (typically within 30–45 days).
Costs and Investment
It is essential to understand that the Intervention Program is entirely self-pay. While it saves a license from public discipline, it represents a significant financial investment in recovery.
| Cost Component | Typical Annual/Session Cost |
| MAXIMUS Monitoring Fees | $\sim\$4,500–\$6,000$ per year |
| Drug Testing Penalties | $\$\text{100–300}$ per positive/missed test (normal tests included) |
| Therapy/Psychiatry | $\$\text{100–200}$ per session (weekly or bi-weekly) |
| Total Program Cost (3–5 years) | $\sim\$25,000–\$45,000$ over the full term |
What Happens After Success?
Upon completing the required duration and demonstrating full compliance, the IEC closes the file. The nurse receives a letter confirming successful completion, and the license returns to unrestricted practice with absolutely no public record of the program participation.
The Intervention Program is not an easy path, but it is an unparalleled opportunity for a licensed professional to protect their career while committing to wellness and recovery.
📚 Official BRN Resources (as of November 2025)
