Nurse Tests Delayed as Possible Theft Is Probed

The state Board of Registered Nursing announced Tuesday that it had postponed tests for 8,600 registered nurse candidates because of evidence that copies of the tests were stolen and photocopied.

Susan Brank, the board’s assistant executive officer, said a box of exams on route to a test location in Pomona was found to have been opened and there was “strong evidence” the tests had been tampered with.

“Most likely a section of the exam was photocopied,” Brank said. The two-day test, originally scheduled for Feb. 2-3, has been postponed until Mar. 8-9 to give the state additional time to prepare new examinations. Brank said there are no suspects in the case and that the investigation has been turned over to the state Department of Consumer Affairs.

The nursing board earlier this week mailed notices to all 8,600 nurse candidates informing them of the problem and the rescheduled test dates.

Although the postponement means that these applicants will have to wait an additional five weeks for certification, Brank said those taking the test for the first time will be able to continue working under authority of interim permits that are issued to qualified candidates.

“The advantage is that we will be giving them a secure examination that will be valid and the results will be accepted by other states,” Brank said.