How the Kansas Nurse Practice Act Defines Unprofessional Conduct
Understanding Behaviors That Put Your License at Risk—and How to Avoid Them
As a licensed nurse in Kansas, your actions both on and off the job are subject to close scrutiny by the Kansas State Board of Nursing. The Kansas Nurse Practice Act (NPA) defines a wide range of behaviors that can be classified as unprofessional conduct. These include acts that may not seem serious at first—like a charting error or a boundary violation—but can lead to license suspension, revocation, or formal discipline if reported or discovered.
At Sanger Law Office, LLC, we defend Kansas nurses in licensure investigations, disciplinary proceedings, and reinstatement matters. If you’ve been accused of unprofessional conduct, you should understand your rights, obligations, and how legal representation can protect your future.
What Is Considered Unprofessional Conduct Under Kansas Law?
The Kansas Nurse Practice Act gives the Board of Nursing the authority to investigate and discipline licensees who violate standards of care or professional behavior. Under K.S.A. 65-1120(a)(6) and K.A.R. 60-3-13, unprofessional conduct includes:
- Failing to properly document care or medication administration
- Practicing outside the scope of your nursing license
- Breaching patient confidentiality or HIPAA regulations
- Engaging in sexual misconduct or improper relationships with patients
- Diverting or misappropriating medications
- Falsifying medical records or patient information
- Criminal behavior that reflects on your ability to practice safely
- Working under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Repeated failure to follow professional boundaries or employer protocols
Even isolated mistakes or first-time incidents can lead to a formal investigation if they raise concerns about patient safety or ethical practice.
Common Scenarios That Lead to Discipline
Many nurses who find themselves under investigation did not intend to commit unprofessional conduct. In our Kansas cases, we frequently see complaints that arise from:
- A one-time documentation error that triggers an internal audit
- A misunderstanding with a patient or coworker escalated by employer reporting policies
- Social media posts that inadvertently identify patients or suggest unprofessional behavior
- Disagreements about medication administration or patient care that are interpreted as negligence
- Failing to report a criminal conviction on time
Because Kansas law allows the Board to take disciplinary action for “conduct likely to deceive, defraud, or harm the public,” seemingly small actions can carry major consequences when reported.
How to Avoid Violating the Kansas Nurse Practice Act
Avoiding disciplinary action starts with a strong understanding of your obligations under the law. That includes maintaining:
- Accurate and complete documentation
- Proper patient consent and privacy protocols
- Clear professional boundaries
- Adherence to employer policies and Kansas nursing regulations
If you are ever unsure whether something could be interpreted as unprofessional conduct, consult your supervisor—or better yet, speak with a Kansas Nursing License Defense Lawyer. Making an informed decision can mean the difference between a thriving career and a license investigation.
What to Do If You’ve Been Accused of Unprofessional Conduct
If you receive a letter from the Kansas State Board of Nursing about an investigation, it’s essential to act quickly and carefully. Do not admit fault or submit a written response until you’ve spoken with legal counsel. Everything you say may be used to build a disciplinary case against you.
At Sanger Law Office, LLC, we’ve helped Kansas nurses respond effectively to allegations of unprofessional conduct and avoid unnecessary license suspension or revocation. Our law firm will review the facts, help you prepare a strong written response, and represent you at all stages of the disciplinary process.
Call Danielle Sanger for a Free Consultation
Are You Facing a Complaint or Investigation for Unprofessional Conduct?
Don’t risk your license or your career by going it alone. At Sanger Law Office, LLC, we defend Kansas nurses in disciplinary matters and licensing board investigations. If you are facing allegations of unprofessional conduct or any threat to your nursing license, we are ready to help.
Contact Sanger Law Office, LLC today for a free consultation at (785) 979-4353 (Kansas) or (816) 520-8040 (Missouri).
We’re located at 5040 Bob Billings Parkway, Suite C-1, Lawrence, KS 66049. You’ve worked hard to earn your license—let us help you protect it.