(a)
(1)By February 1, 2016, the board shall contract with the office to conduct a performance audit of the board’s enforcement program. The board shall reimburse the office for the cost of the performance audit. The office shall report the results of the audit, with any recommendations, to the Governor, the department, and the appropriate policy committees of the Legislature by January 1, 2017.
(2)
The performance audit shall include, but not be limited to, an evaluation of all the following:
(A)
The quality and consistency of, and compliance with, complaint processing and investigation.
(B)
The consistency and adequacy of the application of board sanctions or discipline imposed on licensees.
(C)
The accuracy and consistency in implementing the laws and rules affecting discipline, including adherence to the Division of Investigation Case Acceptance Guidelines (Consumer Protection Enforcement Initiative Model), as revised July 1, 2014.
(D)
The timeframes for completing complaint processing, investigation, and resolution.
(E)
Staff concerns regarding licensee disciplinary matters or procedures.
(F)
The appropriate utilization of licensed professionals to investigate complaints.
(G)
The adequacy of the board’s
cooperation with other state agencies charged with enforcing related laws and regulations regarding nurses.
(H)
Any existing backlog, the reason for the backlog, and the timeframe for eliminating the backlog.
(I)
The adequacy of board staffing, training, and fiscal resources to perform its enforcement functions.
(b)
Board staff and management shall cooperate with the office and shall provide the office with access to data, case files, employees, and information as the office may, in its discretion, require for the purposes of this section.
(c)
For the purposes of this section, “office” means the California State Auditor’s Office.