California Nurses Registry Bond: A Comprehensive Guide

This guide provides information for insurance agents to help their customers obtain a California Nurses Registry Bond

At a Glance:

• Lowest Cost: $100 per year or $10 per month
• Bond Amount: $3,000
• Who Needs it: All nurses registries operating in California
• Purpose: To ensure the public will receive compensation for any damages should the registry engage in any acts of fraud or breach contracts made with nurses or consumers
• Who Regulates Nurses Registries in California: The California Secretary of State

Background

California statute 1812.525 requires all nurses registries operating in the state to file a $3,000 surety bond with the Secretary of State prior to conducting business. The California legislature enacted the bonding requirement to ensure that nurses registries engage in ethical business practices. There is no statewide licensing requirement for nurses registries in California, however, most cities/counties require businesses to obtain a local license for tax purposes.

Purpose

California requires all nurses registries to purchase a surety bond as a prerequisite to conducting business. The bond ensures that the public will receive compensation for financial harm if the registry fails to comply with the regulations set forth in California statute 1812.525. Specifically, the bond protects the public in the event the registry engages in any acts of fraud, breaches any contracts made with nurses or consumers, or fails to provide any services that have been paid for. In short, the bond is a type of insurance for the public if the registry acts unethically.

How Can an Insurance Agent Obtain a California Nurses Registry Surety Bond?

BondExchange makes obtaining a California Nurses Registry surety bond easy. Simply log in to your account and use our keyword search to find the “Nurse” bond in our database. Don’t have a login? Gain access now and let us help you satisfy your customers’ needs. Our friendly underwriting staff is available by phone at (800) 438-1162, email, or chat from 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM EST to assist you.

At BondExchange, our 40 years of experience, leading technology, and access to markets ensures that we have the knowledge and resources to provide your clients with fast and friendly service whether obtaining quotes or issuing bonds.

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Is a Credit Check Required for the California Nurses Registry Bond?

No, a credit check is not required for the California Nurses Registry bond. Because the bond is considered relatively low risk, the same low rate is offered to all nurses registries in the state regardless of their credit history.

How Much Does the California Nurses Registry Bond Cost?

The California Nurses Registry bond costs just $100 per year or $10 per month.

How Does California Define “Nurses Registry”?

To paraphrase California statute 1812.524, a nurses registry is any business entity that connects clients with licensed/registered nurses. Nurses who utilize a registry are considered self-employed, however, they must work under the direct supervision of a registered physician/surgeon.

BondExchange now offers monthly pay-as-you-go subscriptions for surety bonds. Your customers are able to purchase their bonds on a monthly basis and cancel them anytime. Learn more here.

Do Nurses Registries Need to Obtain a License in California?

There is no statewide licensing requirement for nurses registries in California. However, most cities/counties require businesses to obtain a local license for tax purposes. Nurses registries should check with their local municipal authority for any licensing requirements prior to conducting business.

What are the Insurance Requirements for Nurses Registries in California?

California does not require nurses registries to obtain any form of liability insurance as a prerequisite to conducting business. Nurses registries must purchase and maintain a $3,000 surety bond.

How Do California Nurses Registries File Their Bond?

Nurses registries should mail their completed bond form, including the power of attorney, to the following address:

California Secretary of State
P.O. Box 942870
Sacramento CA 94277-2870

The surety bond requires signatures from both the surety company that issues the bond and from a commissioned notary public. The surety company should include the following information on the bond form:

• Legal name and address of entity/individual(s) buying the bond
• Surety company’s name and address
• Premium paid
• Bond term
• Date the bond is signed

Nurses registries must pay a $30 fee when filing their bond.

What Can California Nurses Registries Do to Avoid Claims Against Their Bonds?

To avoid claims on their bond, nurses registries in California must adhere to the following provisions:

• Do not engage in any acts of fraud
• Do not breach any contracts made with nurses or consumers
• Provide all services that have been paid for

What Other Insurance Products Can Agents Offer Nurses Registries in California?

California does not require nurses registries to obtain any form of liability insurance as a prerequisite to conducting business. However, most reputable businesses will seek to obtain this insurance anyway. Bonds are our only business at BondExchange, so we do not issue any other types of insurance, but our agents often utilize brokers for this specific line of business. A list of brokers in this space can be found here.

How Can Insurance Agents Prospect for California Nurses Registry Customers?

California unfortunately does not provide a public database listing all active nurses registries in the state. We suggest contacting the Secretary of State’s office directly or utilizing a list service company to obtain this information. Contact BondExchange for additional marketing resources. Agents can also leverage our print-mail relationships for discounted mailing services.