Should CA RNs Report Pending DUI Cases?

California RNs often ask the question: "I have a DUI case pending in criminal court and I may go to trial or settle, should I report the case on my license renewal application?"

The answer is No.  As of the date of this article, the CA Board of Registered Nursing's license renewal application requires disclosure of criminal convictions, but not pending cases.  Some nurses ask whether they should report the case anyway to make the Board of Registered Nursing look upon them more favorably.  We have no data to suggest this approach would be helpful and do not recommend it.