Questions About Kansas Nursing Board Hearings Answered

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Nursing is a profession that is committed to easing the suffering of patients who have been stricken with physical illnesses and injuries. It is a noble and necessary healthcare role that also involves a steadfast commitment to education, experience, and practical training that entails significant individual and family sacrifices. Given the challenges that nurses face every day, nurses can face serious allegations that can put their professional license and livelihood at risk.

Kansas Nursing License Attorney Danielle Sanger began her legal career at the Kansas Attorney General’s Office as an Assistant Attorney General. Attorney Sanger has successfully handled numerous professional licensing and disciplinary matters. Her firm is a Professional License Defense Law Firm that serves medical professionals throughout the states of Kansas and Missouri. If you are facing disciplinary actions, do not delay seeking a legal consultation with Attorney Sanger. The following are a few important answers to frequently asked questions from nurses who are facing investigations and proceedings related to professional discipline and licensing:


How do unfounded charges become filed against nurses in Kansas?

The Kansas State Board of Nursing focuses on its mission to protect the public. Unfortunately, there is some level of overzealousness in pursuing this function, causing the legal rights of some nurses to be squashed. Therefore, if you are facing allegations, it is important that you talk with an attorney who has experience representing nurses in nursing board cases and can defend your license and legal rights before the nursing board. Ms. Sanger has comprehensive experience prosecuting these cases; therefore, she has the experience to defend against these charges.


What are the penalties that could be imposed for nursing board violations?
The Kansas nursing board does have wide discretion when they impose penalties, but the most common punishments imposed include:

  • Administrative fines
  • License revocation
  • Public reprimands
  • Monitoring
  • Restrictions on nursing activities
  • Probation of a license suspension


What are the typical grounds for discipline imposed by the Kansas nursing board?
Generally, the Kanas Nursing Board investigates two kinds of cases: (1) practice-related cases; and (2) behavioral cases. While there are several circumstances that may bring disciplinary charges, the most common cases involve:

  • Engaging in criminal activity
  • Theft
  • Drug dependency
  • Alcohol dependency
  • Falsification or lying
  • Standard of care violations
  • Other Acts intended to or likely to defraud the public
  • Mental health disorders


How do Kansas State Board of Nursing (KSBN) investigations get initiated?
Typically employers lodge disciplinary complaints against nurses under the Risk Management Act. Hospitals or other employers will report some type of standard-of-care nursing misconduct. The accusation must have a reasonable possibility of causing harm to a patient. Employers are obligated to report misconduct that constitutes a basis for discipline. Reports cannot be used to pursue a personal vendetta against a nurse or medical professional.


Who conducts an investigation?
Licensed nurses investigate complaints initiated by the KSBN. All cases are assigned to an investigator.

How long does the disciplinary process take?
The process is usually completed within approximately 6-9 months. In some cases, the process can be longer depending on the circumstances of the case. Factors that slow the investigation may include slow responses to subpoenas, uncooperative witnesses, challenges in finding witnesses, and other issues.

Kansas Professional Licensing Lawyer Danielle Sanger ready to help defend you against allegations against you. She will aggressively pursue available defenses to protect your nursing license. If you are facing allegations of misconduct or substandard care by the nursing board, Attorney Danielle Sanger represents attorneys facing disciplinary proceedings in Missouri or Kansas. We invite you to call us today for a free consultation at 785-979-4353.

Do I Need an Attorney to Defend My Medical License?

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Medical professionals invest a great deal of time, money, and energy in earning and maintaining their medical licenses. Unfortunately, there are situations where medical professionals may be faced with the risk of losing their license. This can be a terrifying and overwhelming experience, and many people wonder if they really need a lawyer to defend their medical license. The short answer is yes, having an attorney is essential when defending your medical license. In this license defense article, we will discuss the importance of having a lawyer when facing disciplinary action against your medical license.

To understand why having a lawyer is essential when defending your medical license, it is important to understand the disciplinary process. When a complaint is filed against a medical professional, the licensing board will investigate the complaint and determine whether there is sufficient evidence to take disciplinary action. If disciplinary action is taken, the medical professional will have the opportunity to defend themselves in front of the board. This is where having a lawyer becomes crucial.

A lawyer who specializes in medical license defense can provide essential guidance and support throughout the disciplinary process. A lawyer can help the medical professional understand the process and what to expect. They can also review the evidence and help the medical professional prepare a defense strategy.

One of the most significant benefits of having a lawyer when defending your medical license is that they can negotiate on your behalf. The licensing board may be willing to reduce or dismiss disciplinary action if a settlement can be reached. A lawyer can negotiate on behalf of the medical professional and work to get the best possible outcome.

A lawyer can also help to protect the medical professional’s rights. When facing disciplinary action, the medical professional has certain rights, including the right to due process and the right to a fair hearing. A lawyer can ensure that these rights are protected and that the medical professional is treated fairly throughout the process.

Another benefit of having a medical license defense lawyer when defending your medical license is that they can provide emotional support. Facing disciplinary action can be an incredibly stressful and emotional experience. A lawyer can provide guidance and support, and they can help the medical professional manage their emotions and make rational decisions.

Finally, a medical license defense lawyer can help to protect the medical professional’s reputation. If disciplinary action is taken, it can have a significant impact on the medical professional’s reputation. A lawyer can help to minimize the damage and work to protect the medical professional’s reputation as much as possible.

In conclusion, defending your medical license is an incredibly complex and challenging process. The licensing board has the power to take disciplinary action that can have a significant impact on your career and your life. Having a lawyer who specializes in medical license defense is essential to ensure that your rights are well-protected and that you obtain the best possible outcome. A medical license defense attorney can provide guidance, support, and negotiation on your behalf, and they can work to protect your reputation as much as possible. If you are facing disciplinary action against your medical license, it is crucial that you contact a lawyer as soon as possible.

How an Attorney Helps Defend Your Medical License Against Allegations of Medicaid Fraud

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When an attorney is tasked with defending a medical license against allegations of Medicaid fraud, they play a critical role in protecting the rights and interests of the healthcare professional. Here’s how an attorney can assist in this situation:

  1. Legal analysis and strategy: The attorney will thoroughly review the allegations and supporting evidence to understand the case against the healthcare professional. They will analyze the applicable laws, regulations, and policies to develop a strategic defense plan tailored to the specific circumstances of the case.
  2. Gathering evidence: The attorney will work closely with the healthcare professional to collect all relevant evidence that supports their innocence or undermines the prosecution’s case. This may involve obtaining medical records, financial documents, billing records, and other pertinent information.
  3. Expert witnesses: In cases involving complex medical or billing issues, an attorney may engage expert witnesses who can provide professional opinions to challenge the allegations of fraud. These experts may include healthcare professionals, forensic accountants, or billing experts.
  4. Negotiating with authorities: Attorneys often engage in negotiations with government agencies, such as the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) or the Department of Justice (DOJ). They may seek to resolve the matter through a settlement, which could involve reduced penalties, repayment agreements, or the withdrawal of certain charges.
  5. Administrative hearings and appeals: If the case proceeds to an administrative hearing, the attorney will represent the healthcare professional before the relevant licensing board or administrative tribunal. They will present a strong defense, cross-examine witnesses, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and protect the professional’s rights throughout the process. If necessary, the attorney can handle appeals to higher courts.
  6. Compliance and remedial measures: In addition to defending against the allegations, an attorney may provide guidance on implementing compliance measures to prevent similar issues in the future. This may include reviewing billing practices, developing internal protocols, conducting staff training, and ensuring ongoing compliance with Medicaid regulations.
  7. Reputation management: Allegations of Medicaid fraud can harm a healthcare professional’s reputation. Attorneys can assist in managing the public relations aspects of the case, helping to mitigate any negative impact on the professional’s reputation and standing in the community.

It’s important to note that each case is unique, and the defense strategy will depend on the specific circumstances. If you are facing allegations of Medicaid fraud, it is crucial to consult with an experienced attorney specializing in healthcare law and Medicaid regulations to guide you through the process and protect your interests.

How an Attorney Helps You Defend a Medical License Against Allegations of Medicare Fraud

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When an attorney is tasked with defending a medical license against allegations of Medicare fraud, they play a crucial role in navigating the legal process and protecting the rights of the healthcare professional. Here are some ways in which an attorney can assist in this situation:

  1. Legal analysis and strategy: The attorney will thoroughly review the allegations and supporting evidence to assess the strength of the case against the healthcare professional. Based on their analysis, they will develop a strategic defense plan.
  2. Gathering evidence: The attorney will work closely with the healthcare professional to gather all relevant evidence that supports their innocence or weakens the prosecution’s case. This may involve obtaining medical records, financial documents, and expert opinions.
  3. Expert witnesses: In cases involving complex medical or billing issues, an attorney may engage expert witnesses who can provide professional opinions to challenge the allegations of fraud. These experts may include healthcare professionals, billing specialists, or forensic accountants.
  4. Negotiating with authorities: Attorneys often engage in negotiations with government agencies, such as the Office of Inspector General (OIG) or the Department of Justice (DOJ). They may seek to resolve the matter through a settlement, which could involve reduced penalties or the withdrawal of certain charges.
  5. Administrative hearings and appeals: If the case proceeds to an administrative hearing, the attorney will represent the healthcare professional before the relevant licensing board or administrative tribunal. They will present a compelling defense, cross-examine witnesses, and challenge the prosecution’s evidence. If necessary, they can also handle appeals to higher courts.
  6. Compliance and remedial measures: In addition to defending against the allegations, an attorney may advise the healthcare professional on implementing compliance measures to avoid similar issues in the future. This may include reviewing billing practices, developing internal protocols, and providing education on Medicare regulations.
  7. Reputation management: Allegations of Medicare fraud can have a significant impact on a healthcare professional’s reputation. Attorneys may assist in managing the public relations aspects of the case, working to protect the individual’s professional standing and public image.

It’s important to note that the specifics of the defense strategy will vary depending on the circumstances of the case. If you find yourself facing allegations of Medicare fraud, it is crucial to consult with an experienced attorney specializing in healthcare law to guide you through the process.

Addiction Amongst Medical Professionals Resulting in Licensing Discipline

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People working in the medical profession deal with a lot of stress, pain, and anguish. Although these feelings aren’t limited to the medical professionals endure experiences that are unique and stressful. Medical professionals, and doctors endure adverse patient outcomes and deal with the strain of running a medical practice. Often times, these medical professionals turn to drugs and/or alcohol to handle the stress, anxiety, and depression.

Medical professionals experience fatigue and exhaustion because their jobs are unrelenting. Doctors and nurses do not have healthy sleep schedules leading to depression. A doctor’s or nurse’s duty of care owed to their patients cannot acquiesce to how the caregiver feels on a given day.

Doctors suffering from the effects of alcohol or drug misuse can face professional discipline jeopardizing their career, and their future. When facing these issues, you need an advocate to help you get through this difficult time. Missouri and Kansas professional licensing attorney Danielle Sanger helps medical professionals keep their license when they are facing professional discipline due to an addiction to drugs or alcohol. With Attorney Sanger by your side, you have an attorney devoted to her practice and defending the rights of professional licensees.

How Do Medical Professionals Become Addicted?

Paradoxically, doctors become addicted to medications, drugs, and/or alcohol with great regularity although they know the health consequences. Notwithstanding the health risks, doctors often turn to prescription drugs due to the ease of access to medication. Fortunately, doctors have the education and training to understand when they need help. Addicted doctors are often amenable to treatment after they admit that they have a problem.

Seeking Treatment before Facing Disciplinary Hearings Can Minimize Adverse Outcomes

Obtaining medical treatment for addiction and committing yourself to sobriety prior to facing professional discipline will help ease the severity of professional punishment.

Kansas Professional Licensing Attorney Danielle Sanger is available to help you get your career back on track. Your professional is too valuable to allow the clutch of substance abuse to ruin your career and your personal life. Call Attorney Sanger today at 785-979-4353 to learn more about your legal options if you are under investigation for or are facing discipline for substance abuse as a medical professional.

How Do Disciplinary Actions Affect Multi-State Licensing

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All State Boards of Nursing issue nursing licenses for their state and they handle the disciplinary actions against nursing home professionals who violate their license requirements. If a nurse moves to another state, they will need to possess that state’s nursing license to practice. It is essential to know how holding multiple licenses can impact them should they be involved in a disciplinary action.

Nurses are permitted to hold a variety of nursing licenses. Nurses are permitted to move across state lines and posses nursing licenses in several states. When a nurse changes their license, or leaves their state, or is licensed in a new state, their old nursing license does not go away. The state agency that grants the original nursing license continues to hold jurisdiction over that nurse, even if the license has lapsed or cannot practice in that state or capacity, the state’s Board of Nursing can still discipline that individual at any time. This is true even when the nurse dropped their license.

Nurses with licenses in another state are subject to that state’s laws and rules. Those rules and disciplinary actions follow the nurse from state to state. For example, should a nurse have their license suspended in one state, and move to a different states, the new state they reside in can penalize the nurser incidents in the previous jurisdiction.

Many states also consider the failure to notify a licensing agency concerning disciplinary actions in other jurisdiction as “unprofessional conduct.” Nurses are usually required to contact multiple agencies to report any previous or ongoing disciplinary actions even if the violation did not violate the new state’s rules.

Defending Against Disciplinary Actions

There are a several ways for nurses to lose their nursing licenses or face disciplinary actions. When the violations are professionally-related, such as a nurse failing to maintain charts or is has acted negligently in their treatment of patients. Sometimes these actions can also result in criminal charges. Moreover, nurses may receive disciplinary actions or lose their license after being convicted for a crime such as drug charges. Unfortunately, addiction is a significant issue with nurses. All states address these criminal charges or accusations based on the laws in that jurisdiction. Failing to address the criminal charges, or not defending against them, a nurse could complicate their future licensing in other jurisdictions.

If you are licensed in multiple states, or have prior licenses, and have faced disciplinary actions in any of those locations, you should speak to a licensing attorney. Contact the seasoned Kansas Professional Licensing Defense Attorney Sanger Law today at (785)-979-4353 to discuss your case.

How a Kansas Medical License Defense Lawyer Can Assist You During a Complaint

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If you or a family member holds a medical license and there have been complaints brought against you or your family member, do not risk handling the situation alone. Whether you are a chiropractor, dentist, doctor, lawyer, pharmacist, nurse, massage therapist, or other type of medical professional, you have invested a lot of time, money, and energy into your career.  Attorney Sanger is a legal and medical license defense lawyer who has successfully help professionals defend and protect their medical licenses. If you or a loved one is being investigated or is facing a disciplinary hearing, do not delay in contacting the Sanger Law Office to learn about the process and how we can help you fight to protect your future.

As any experienced medical license defense attorney in Kansas already knows, there are two sides to every story. A lot of people lodge complaints to licensing boards out of irrational anger. For example, medical professionals, such as nurses and doctors, often receive complaints from patients claiming they were victims of neglect, however these complaints often stem from those individuals’ unfair and irrational demands. As an attorney, we understand that some attorneys receive bar complaints simply because their clients were disgruntled because the judge did not rule in their favor or the client doesn’t want to pay their legal bills.

Whatever the circumstances, you must have an attorney on your side who has the experience to fight for your livelihood.  At the Sanger Law Office, our legal professions take the time to analyze the the case that has been brought against you. We have represented medical professionals in all stages of licensing board proceedings, from the initial application to investigations to formal adjudicatory hearings before state administrative tribunals.

Do not take the chance of having your medical license revoked or suspended simply because you thought you did not need a lawyer to defend you. Complaints against your medical license and the licensing hearings that accompany those complaints are a serious legal matters.  Without an experienced medical license defense attorney to help you to understandyour legal options, and help you make informed decisions concerning your case, you are needlessly putting your livelihood at risk.

The Sanger Law Office is located in Lawrence, Kansas, and our firm represents medical and legal professionals before state licensing boards and in administrative hearings throughout Kansas and Missouri.  We can fully investigate the evidence and charges filed against you or your loved one to devise an effective strategy to protect your reputation, license, and professional livelihood.  If you are facing disciplinary proceedings or even if you are only subject to an initial investigation, contact Danielle Sanger now for a free and completely confidential consultation at 785-979-4353.  The Sanger Law Office looks forward to providing you with excellent legal representation.

How Sanger Law Office Can Negotiate Your Medical License-Renewal

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The strongest license defense strategy starts by hiring an attorney who focuses their practice on professional license defense. License defense will often involve protecting your business and your medical license. Defending a professional license might also help protect your other legal rights and privileges, such as your driver’s license. Moreover, you will have a better chance of defending your professional business license and healthcare license by hiring an experienced attorney from the Sanger Law Office.

Kansas and Missouri medical licensing is crucial in your ability to make a living. When doctors, nurses, dentists, and other medical professionals are seeking license renewal, they must seek expert guidance.

States in which our firm practices – Kansas and Missouri have licensing and regulatory boards that govern medical occupations. These regulatory boards have their own rules and operating standards. This is one of the primary reasons why it is crucial that you speak with a knowledgeable medical license renewal and defense attorney.

Licensing and regulatory boards are committed to safeguarding public health and safety, so these agencies handle their licensing mandates seriously. When complaints are investigated by insurance companies, law enforcement, and state and federal agencies, the professional medical must begin their defense as quickly as possible and defend against the complaints. A complaint will trigger an investigation, and you must discuss your case with an attorney to develop an effective defense plan to neutralize the complaint. Moreover, your attorney will help you respond to the complaint and take corrective actions.

To have your license reinstated, you must expect that the process will be challenging and full of obstacles. However, an experienced medical license defense lawyer can assist tremendously. Since every case is unique, the defense strategy must be developed in accordance with the case’s specific facts and circumstances.

Rely On Experience If You Face Allegations of Unprofessional Conduct In Kansas Or Missouri

If you have received a complaint or if you are being investigated by the state board in Kansas or Missouri, speak with Medical License Defense Attorney Danielle Sanger immediately. Attorney Sanger possesses vast experience in representing healthcare professionals.

Call Attorney Sanger today at 785-979-4353 (Kansas) or 816-520-8040 (Missouri) for your free and confidential consultation and learn your rights and responsibilities if you are a facing professional licensing issues.

Sanger Law Office

5040 Bob Billings Parkway, Suite C-1
Lawrence, KS 66049
785-979-4353 (Kansas)
816-520-8040 (Missouri)

How to Avoid or Defend Against Accusations of Fraud by a Fiduciary

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Have you been accused of misusing a client’s money? 

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) reports that approximately 7% of elder financial exploitation (EFE) cases involve a fiduciary such as a lawyer, trustee, or financial professional who manage older adults’ financial accounts. In 2020, senior citizens lost about $6.3 billion in financial abuse cases referred to state and federal authorities. The cost is presumed to grow while people ages 65 and over are expected to double by 2060. The issue of elder financial exploitation is a real and growing issue.  

However, how does an attorney, trustee, or financial planner defend themself against accusations of elder financial exploitation? 

First, the vast majority of legal and financial professionals do not take money from their clients, and they work very hard for their client’s best interests. They are also an important line of defense against elder financial exploitation.

The Bank Secrecy Act commits financial institutions to report suspicious activity reports (SAR) with the Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network when they identify suspicious activity in a customer’s account. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau also requires institutions to report suspicious activity to local, state, or federal law enforcement authorities. Moreover, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), a Congress authorized industry group, has regulations that detect elder financial exploitation. By way of example, FINRA rules oblige member institutions to identify a “trusted contact” for individuals opening new accounts. This helps the financial institutions spot if an account holder has cognitive skills or if suspicious activity is on the account. The financial institution will have “permission to contact the trusted contact.” 

How to Avoid Accusations of Fraud by a Fiduciary

The following are a few tips to help defend against future accusations of Fraud by a Fiduciary:

  1. Be proactive in explaining changes in your client’s accounts.
  2. Explain, in writing, all changes in your client’s accounts.
  3. Require your client to retain a third party audit the “books” or retain outside auditors. 
  4. Notify “approved” family members of changes and updates.
  5. Keep in touch with all service providers.
  6. Ensure fees and billing processes are clear and part of your client services agreement. 

How to Defend Against Accusations of Fraud by a Fiduciary

The best approach to defend against accusations and charges of Fraud by a Fiduciary is to speak to an experienced Professional License Defense Attorney as soon as possible. The investigative process is swift. That is why it is important that you understand the legal process, you have an advocate protect you from making damaging statements, and your attorney ensures that your legal rights are protected. 

If Your License is Denied or Challenged, You Need Help

A challenge to a professional license or the denial of a license is a stressful event. Those who face such scenarios need to take them seriously and should reach out to Sanger Law today at (785) 979-4353 to discuss your case.

Can Unpaid School Loans Cost You Your Kansas Professional License?

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School Loan debt in the United States has reached $1.6 trillion. The massive amount is a record high, and making student loan debt second only to mortgage debt when it comes to consumer loan debts. About 45 million people are facing varying amounts of debt from obtaining their degrees, and many are making large monthly payments to creditors. There have been debates as to what penalties should apply in these cases.

More than one out of every ten borrowers have a loan in default. In total, five and a half million borrowers have defaulted on school loans, meaning $119.8 billion in loans have defaulted. It is important to note that most people cannot discharge their student loan debt in bankruptcy. What this means is that the massive debt for their school loans will stay with them for life, or until they find some way to pay them back.

Since you are unlikely to get rid of your student loan debt, what will happen to your professional license in the event that you end up in the more than ten percent of borrowers who have defaulted on their loans? In some cases, one form of penalty is a loss of a professional license.

Of course, losing a professional license will make it impossible for a person to work in the career that they studied and worked hard to obtain. It will also make it more difficult for that person to pay off their debt.

License Suspension States

By 2010, close to half of all states had laws that could cause the loss of a license for professionals who default on school loans. Most states with such laws allowed for the suspension of any professional license based on the default of any kind of education loan. The boards were often able to make the final decision, though.

States Begin to Backtrack

While loan debt has created a crisis across the country, many states began to realize that these laws were not productive. Several states made moves to repeal the laws and prevent a failure to pay school loans from causing a loss of a professional license. In most states, the licensing boards lost the ability to suspend or revoke a license based on the individual’s loan repayment status.

Some States Still Allow Loan Debt to Impact Initial License Applications

Only a few states have stated that student loan debt cannot be considered when a person is applying for a new professional license. This means that loan debt can be a factor weighed by licensing boards in many states.

Of course, aside from your license, there are many consequences related to failing to pay your student loans. In Kansas, you could have your tax returns or wages garnished to cover the loan payment costs. Your credit score will suffer significantly for failure to pay. In severe cases, it is possible that you could end up facing a lawsuit.

Any Denial of a License or Challenge to a Professional License Should be Taken Seriously

Kansas does not allow for professional license suspensions for individuals who failed to pay their student loans. Licensing boards may deny applications for other reasons, including something such as lying on the application. Additionally, a disciplinary action taken against a professional in another state could impact the ability of the professional to transfer his or her license to Kansas.

If Your License is Denied or Challenged, You Need Help

A challenge to a professional license or the denial of a license is a stressful event. Those who face such scenarios need to take them seriously and should reach out to a Kansas professional licensing attorney to discuss the claim made against them.

Contact the Missouri Professional Licensing Defense Attorney at Sanger Law today at (785) 979-4353 to discuss your case.