Kansas Nursing License Investigation Process: What to Expect

If the board determines that a violation of the Kansas Nurse Practice Act has occurred, serious disciplinary actionscan follow—including probation, fines, suspension, or revocation of your nursing license. Understanding each stage of the investigation process is crucial to protecting your career and preparing a strong legal defense.

Stage 1: Initial Notification of the Investigation

The investigation process begins when the KSBN receives a complaint. Once the board reviews the complaint and determines that it falls within its jurisdiction, it will send a formal notification to the nurse under investigation.

What You Need to Know:

• The KSBN does not assume guilt but must investigate all allegations thoroughly.
• You will receive an official letter from the board outlining the nature of the complaint.
• The letter may request a written response and additional documentation.
• The worst mistake nurses make is ignoring this notice or responding without legal guidance.

What to Do After Receiving a Notice of Investigation:

• Do NOT panic or ignore the complaint. Even if you believe the claim is false, it must be addressed professionally.
• Immediately contact a Kansas nursing license defense attorney. Your response to the board can make or break your case.
• Do not discuss the case with colleagues or employers. Anything you say could be used against you in the investigation.

Stage 2: The Board’s Investigation and Evidence Collection

Once the KSBN opens an investigation, its assigned investigators will begin gathering evidence. This may include:

• Interviewing witnesses, such as patients, coworkers, supervisors, or other healthcare professionals.
• Reviewing medical records, patient charts, and documentation related to the alleged incident.
• Examining workplace policies to determine if the nurse followed proper protocols.
• Requesting additional statements or clarifications from the nurse under investigation.

What You Need to Know:

• The board may request that you participate in an interview or provide further written responses.
• Some investigations involve formal subpoenas for medical records or employment files.
• If the complaint involves substance abuse allegations, the board may require a drug test or psychological evaluation.

How to Protect Yourself During the Investigation:

• Gather and organize your own evidence—including patient records, shift logs, training certifications, and witness statements that support your case.
• Do NOT volunteer extra information to the investigators. A nursing license defense attorney should review all statements before you submit them.
• Remain professional and cooperative, but do not answer questions without legal representation.

Stage 3: Board Review and Possible Outcomes

After gathering evidence, the KSBN will review the findings and determine whether disciplinary action is necessary. The possible outcomes include:

1. Case Dismissal (No Violation Found)

• If the board finds no evidence of wrongdoing, the complaint will be dismissed, and the case will be closed without disciplinary action.

2. Issuance of a Formal Warning or Reprimand

• The board may issue a formal warning that becomes part of your record but does not result in major penalties.

3. Disciplinary Action Taken

• If the KSBN determines that a violation of the Kansas Nurse Practice Act occurred, they can impose penalties such as:
  • License probation (with conditions such as supervision or retraining).
  • Fines or mandatory continuing education courses.
  • Temporary license suspension (prohibiting you from working for a set period).
  • Permanent license revocation (loss of the ability to practice nursing in Kansas).

4. Referral for a Formal Hearing

• In serious cases, the board may require a formal disciplinary hearing, where the nurse must appear before the KSBN to defend their license.

What You Need to Know:

• Even minor disciplinary actions can impact your employment and ability to practice in other states.
• A strong defense can reduce penalties or lead to case dismissal.
• If the board recommends severe penalties, you have the right to appeal or negotiate lesser sanctions.

Stage 4: Nursing Board Hearings and Appeals

If your case proceeds to a formal disciplinary hearing, you will be required to present evidence and defend your license before the board.

What Happens at a Nursing Board Hearing?

• A board panel reviews the evidence and listens to witness testimony.
• The nurse (or their attorney) presents a defense to challenge the complaint.
• The board makes a final decision on disciplinary action.

Appealing the Nursing Board’s Decision

• If a license suspension or revocation is issued, nurses have the right to appeal the decision.
• A Kansas nursing license defense attorney can help file an appeal and argue for case reconsideration or reduced penalties.

Common Complaints That Lead to KSBN Investigations

Kansas nurses can be investigated for many reasons, including:

• Medication errors resulting in patient harm
• Failure to document patient care properly
• HIPAA violations and patient privacy breaches
• Practicing outside the scope of nursing authority
• Patient abuse, neglect, or unprofessional conduct
• Substance abuse or working under the influence
• Failure to report criminal charges or arrests
• Not completing continuing education (CE) requirements

Even a single mistake or misunderstanding can result in a board investigation. The best way to protect your license is to seek legal representation as early as possible.

How a Kansas Nursing License Defense Attorney Can Help

At Sanger Law Office, LLC, we represent Kansas nurses who are under investigation or facing disciplinary action by the KSBN. Our firm provides legal assistance with:

• Responding to board complaints and investigations
• Gathering evidence to support your defense
• Communicating with the KSBN on your behalf
• Representing you at disciplinary hearings
• Negotiating lesser penalties or case dismissals
• Appealing license suspensions or revocations

A nursing board investigation is a serious matter, and your response to the complaint can determine the outcome of your case.

Call Danielle Sanger For A Free Consultation

If you are under investigation by the Kansas State Board of Nursing, do not handle it alone. Your nursing license—and your career—are on the line.

📞 Call Sanger Law Office, LLC today for a free consultation:
(785) 979-4353 for Kansas
(816) 520-8040 for Missouri

We have decades of experience helping nurses protect their licenses, defend against board complaints, and avoid career-ending disciplinary actions. Don’t wait—take action now to protect your future.