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Board members and staff describe threats, security steps after rise in abusive contacts
Summary
Executive staff and board members described threatening emails, subpoenas served at home, and a parking‑lot incident; the board discussed security measures including CHP coordination and procedural steps to report threats.
Board President Dolores Trujillo and Executive Officer Loretta Melby told the Board of Registered Nursing that members of board staff and leadership have received threatening emails, subpoenas served at home and in one case an in‑person assault and spitting incident during the COVID period.
Melby described multiple incidents over several years that escalated from abusive emails to targeted threats. She said staff have been spat on, kicked and otherwise assaulted at public counters, and that anonymous subpoenas and messages identifying staff home addresses increased personal safety concerns. "I had to start looking at my office window saying I'm a direct shot from the road," Melby said, describing how the threats affected her sense of personal security.
Board members and counsel discussed both administrative options and criminal referrals. Reza Pazhuhesh, the board’s legal counsel, told members that the board’s investigative and enforcement teams take reported threats seriously and that an expedited administrative path exists — including interim suspension orders — when there is sufficient evidence. He also noted limits on the board’s ability to immediately remove licenses absent due process but said the board has tools to pursue discipline for unprofessional or threatening conduct.
Division of Investigations and other law‑enforcement partners already assist in individual cases, Melby said; the board is pursuing a contract with the California Highway Patrol to provide dignitary‑style protection and more uniform presence at meetings. Melby and staff reported increased coordination with CHP and the BRN’s Division of Investigations, including added patrols and threat assessments when warranted.
Board members emphasized the chilling effect on recruitment and retention of volunteers and appointees. "It makes it hard for people to want to continue to serve in the way that they do," Vice President Nilu Patel said. Board counsel and the enforcement chief encouraged staff and members to report threats to local police, the Division of Investigations, and the BRN enforcement team; they also noted the board can compel mental‑health evaluations (B&P 820 authority) where warranted.
Public commenters, including licensed nurses and program directors, acknowledged the board’s work and urged continued attention to staff safety. The board said it will continue to coordinate with law enforcement, pursue administrative remedies where permitted and consider legislative or regulatory changes when needed to protect staff and members.
