California Board of Registered Nursing backs four bills expanding nurse roles, AI rules and court notice for licensing cases

SACRAMENTO — The California Board of Registered Nursing on Feb. 27 voted to take positions on four bills introduced this legislative session that would change who may perform or certify certain medical tasks, who is notified when criminal convictions are vacated, and how artificial intelligence can present health-care advice.

Marissa Clark, chief of legislative affairs for the board, summarized the bills to members and public attendees. “The first one is AB 346 by Assemblymember Wynne,” Clark said, describing the measure as intended “to expand the list” of professionals who may certify eligibility for California’s In‑Home Supportive Services program to include nurses and nurse practitioners working under a licensed professional.

The board’s executive officer, Loretta “Laurie” Melby, clarified that the proposal would codify emergency practice allowed during the COVID emergency. “This is not new. This is just codifying what happened there as a temporary fix and making it a permanent fix,” Melby said.

Why it matters: AB 346 would let additional nursing licensees sign the standard health certification form used to determine IHSS eligibility, potentially streamlining access…