Can You Keep Your Missouri Nursing License After a Criminal Conviction?

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A Clear Breakdown of What Happens to Your License After a Criminal Charge—and How to Defend It

If you’re a nurse in Missouri and you’ve been arrested, charged, or convicted of a crime, one of your biggest concerns is whether you’ll be able to keep your license. The short answer is: it depends on the charge, your response, and how you handle the Board’s investigation.

At Sanger Law Office, LLC, we’ve helped Missouri nurses protect their licenses after criminal offenses such as DUI, drug possession, assault, and theft. Here’s what you need to know about how criminal convictions affect your nursing license in Missouri—and what defense strategies can help you stay in practice.

Do Criminal Convictions Automatically Result in License Revocation?

No. A criminal conviction does not automatically mean you’ll lose your license. However, the Missouri State Board of Nursing is required to investigate any conduct that may violate RSMo § 335.066, the section of the Missouri Nurse Practice Act that outlines reasons for license discipline.

The Board can take disciplinary action for:

  • Felony convictions
  • Crimes of moral turpitude (acts involving dishonesty, fraud, or violence)
  • Any criminal offense that affects your ability to safely or ethically practice

This means even misdemeanor convictions—especially those involving theft, substance abuse, or violence—can trigger a formal investigation.

Criminal Charges That Commonly Trigger Board Action

The Missouri Board of Nursing reviews the facts of each case, but some criminal offenses are more likely than others to lead to disciplinary action:

🚨 Theft and Fraud

  • Shoplifting, Medicaid fraud, embezzlement, and financial crimes
  • Viewed by the Board as a question of trustworthiness and integrity in the workplace

🚨 Substance-Related Offenses

  • DUI/DWI, drug possession, or illegal use of prescription medications
  • Often lead to concerns about impairment and potential risk to patients

🚨 Violence or Assault

  • Domestic assault, battery, resisting arrest
  • Suggest impulsivity, poor judgment, or lack of self-control

🚨 Sexual Misconduct

  • Convictions for sexual offenses—regardless of whether they involve patients—can lead to immediate suspension and possible revocation

Reporting Requirements for Missouri Nurses

Missouri nurses are legally required to report certain criminal matters to the Board. You must report:

  • Felony convictions
  • Misdemeanor convictions involving drugs, alcohol, violence, or dishonesty
  • Plea agreements, even if adjudication is withheld
  • Any criminal offense that could reflect on your ability to safely practice

Failing to report a conviction can itself be considered unprofessional conduct and may worsen your disciplinary outcome—even more than the underlying offense.

What the Missouri State Board of Nursing Considers in Disciplinary Cases

When reviewing your case, the Board looks at:

  • The nature of the crime
  • Whether it was a first-time offense or part of a pattern
  • Whether it occurred on or off the job
  • Whether patients or coworkers were affected
  • Your explanation, accountability, and response
  • Whether you’ve completed probation, rehab, or counseling

The Board has broad discretion to close the case, issue a reprimand, impose probation, suspend your license, or revoke it—depending on how serious the situation is and whether they believe you’re still safe to practice.

Can You Still Renew Your License After a Conviction?

If your license is up for renewal and you’ve had a recent conviction, you must disclose it on the renewal application. If you don’t, the Board may treat your omission as dishonesty and take disciplinary action for failure to disclose, even if they would not have disciplined you for the underlying conviction.

Before renewing, consult a nursing license defense attorney to prepare your disclosure statement correctly.

Defense Strategies That Can Help Protect Your Missouri Nursing License

At Sanger Law Office, LLC, we use proven legal strategies to help nurses respond to criminal-related license threats. These include:

✅ Early Intervention

If you’ve been arrested but not yet convicted, we help you communicate with the Board before charges result in license action, and we work closely with your criminal defense attorney to protect your licensure interests.

✅ Mitigation and Rehabilitation Evidence

We present documentation showing:

  • Substance abuse treatment
  • Mental health counseling
  • Completion of criminal probation or diversion
  • Employment stability
  • Clean record since the offense
  • Support letters from supervisors or therapists

✅ Negotiation of Alternative Outcomes

In many cases, we can negotiate with the Board to:

  • Avoid formal discipline
  • Accept probationary terms instead of suspension
  • Enter a non-public alternative to discipline program for nurses in recovery
  • Create a re-entry plan that satisfies public safety concerns

✅ Representation at Hearings

If your case proceeds to a formal disciplinary hearing, we represent you, present your evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and argue for your right to continue practicing.

How Sanger Law Office, LLC Can Help

Our firm represents Missouri nurses in all stages of criminal and disciplinary issues, including:

  • Drafting responses to criminal-related Board inquiries
  • Preparing disclosure forms for license renewal
  • Attending Board hearings or settlement conferences
  • Advocating for reinstatement if your license was suspended or revoked
  • Preventing avoidable reporting errors that lead to discipline

We understand what’s at stake—your livelihood, reputation, and future—and we fight to protect it.

Call Sanger Law Office, LLC For Help

If you’ve been charged with or convicted of a crime, don’t wait until the Board takes action. The steps you take today can determine whether you’re able to keep your Missouri nursing license and continue your career.

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

Let us help you respond strategically and protect your license with experienced legal guidance every step of the way.

The Impact of Mental Health Evaluations on Your Missouri Nursing License

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What Nurses Should Know When the Board Requires a Psychological Assessment

If you are a nurse in Missouri and receive notice that the Missouri State Board of Nursing is requiring you to undergo a mental health or psychological evaluation, the situation can feel intimidating and deeply personal. You may wonder whether your license is in jeopardy—or if the evaluation is a signal that the Board has already assumed you’re unfit to practice.

The truth is, a mental health evaluation does not automatically lead to discipline, but how you approach the process can significantly influence the outcome of your case. At Sanger Law Office, LLC, we represent Missouri nurses in licensing matters, including when mental health concerns become part of an investigation or disciplinary process. This guide explains why evaluations are ordered, how they affect your license, and how legal guidance can protect your career.

Why the Missouri State Board of Nursing Orders Mental Health Evaluations

The Board is authorized under RSMo § 335.066 to investigate and discipline nurses who exhibit behavior that may affect their ability to practice safely. A mental health evaluation is typically ordered when the Board receives a complaint, report, or evidence suggesting that a nurse may be suffering from a psychiatric or psychological condition that could impair professional performance.

Common Triggers for a Board-Ordered Evaluation:

  • Erratic, inappropriate, or aggressive behavior at work
  • Repeated emotional outbursts or difficulty managing stress
  • A suicide attempt or recent psychiatric hospitalization
  • Arrests involving unusual or concerning conduct
  • Allegations of unsafe patient care linked to emotional instability
  • Previous disciplinary history combined with new concerns

These evaluations are not meant to punish—they are meant to help the Board determine whether you are safe to continue working as a nurse. However, what you say, how you comply, and the evaluator’s conclusions can have lasting consequences on your license.

What the Evaluation Process Involves

When the Board orders a mental health evaluation, they typically require it to be performed by a Board-approved or Board-selected provider—a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist. The evaluation may include:

  • A clinical interview
  • Standardized mental health or personality assessments (e.g., MMPI-2)
  • Review of your medical, psychological, and disciplinary history
  • Interviews with references, supervisors, or treating professionals (in some cases)
  • A written report submitted directly to the Board

The evaluator will assess whether you have a mental or emotional condition that affects your ability to safely and effectively practice nursing. The findings will be used by the Board to decide whether to dismiss the case, impose discipline, or impose conditions on your license.

How Mental Health Evaluations Can Affect Your License

The outcome of a psychological evaluation can influence your nursing license in several ways:

✅ Clearance with No Restrictions

If the evaluation concludes that you are mentally fit to practice, the Board may close the case without discipline or take no further action.

⚠️ Conditional Probation or Monitoring

If there are concerns about your mental health but no current impairment, the Board may place you on probation with conditions such as therapy, supervision, or periodic reevaluation.

❌ Suspension or Denial of Reinstatement

If the evaluation indicates that your mental health poses a current threat to patient safety, the Board may suspend your license or deny a request to return to practice.

➡️ Referral to the Missouri Alternative Program

If the evaluation reveals substance abuse or a co-occurring mental health issue, the Board may offer you the chance to participate in the Alternative Program, a non-public recovery and monitoring program for nurses.

What You Should Do if the Board Orders an Evaluation

✅ Contact a Nursing License Defense Attorney Immediately

Mental health issues are nuanced. An experienced attorney can help you:

  • Understand why the evaluation is being requested
  • Ensure you are evaluated by a qualified and unbiased provider
  • Prepare you for what to expect during the evaluation
  • Review the evaluator’s findings
  • Communicate with the Board to advocate for your continued practice
  • Submit supporting documentation to show compliance, stability, and rehabilitation

✅ Comply Promptly and Professionally

Refusing to attend or delaying an evaluation can be seen as a lack of cooperation and may lead to disciplinary action—even if no impairment exists.

❌ Do Not Assume the Outcome Is Out of Your Hands

Many nurses mistakenly believe that once an evaluation is ordered, the process is out of their control. But with proper legal preparation, the right medical evidence, and guidance, you can influence how the Board views your case.

How Sanger Law Office, LLC Can Help

Our firm has represented Missouri nurses across a wide range of mental health-related licensing issues. We help clients:

  • Respond to complaints that raise questions about emotional or psychological fitness
  • Coordinate with licensed mental health professionals who can provide accurate, fair evaluations
  • Prepare detailed submissions to the Board that demonstrate stability, treatment, and readiness to practice
  • Negotiate terms such as probation instead of suspension
  • Represent nurses at Board hearings or when applying for reinstatement after mental health-related discipline

We understand that mental health struggles do not define your career—and we fight to ensure that your dedication to nursing is respected.

Call Sanger Law Office Today!

If you’ve been ordered to undergo a mental health evaluation by the Missouri State Board of Nursing, don’t go through the process alone. Your license and future are worth protecting—with the right legal support.

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

Let us help you protect your license, demonstrate your fitness to practice, and move forward with your career.

Protecting Your Nursing License in Kansas: Understanding the Kansas Nurse Practice Act

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For nurses in Kansas, a nursing license is more than just a certification—it is the foundation of their career. The Kansas Nurse Practice Act (KNPA) governs all aspects of nursing practice in the state, setting standards for patient care, professional conduct, and disciplinary actions. Nurses who fail to comply with these regulations risk facing complaints, investigations, or even losing their license.

Understanding how the Kansas Nurse Practice Act works, what common pitfalls nurses encounter, and how to protect your license is essential for ensuring a long and successful nursing career.

What Is the Kansas Nurse Practice Act?

The Kansas Nurse Practice Act (KNPA) is the primary set of laws and regulations that define the scope of nursing practice in the state. It is enforced by the Kansas State Board of Nursing (KSBN) and establishes the legal framework for:

  • Nursing licensure requirements for RNs, LPNs, and APRNs
  • Scope of practice limitations for different nursing roles
  • Professional conduct and ethical standards
  • Continuing education (CE) and renewal requirements
  • The disciplinary process for nurses accused of violating regulations

By law, all nurses in Kansas must comply with the KNPA and adhere to the professional standards it sets.

How the Kansas Nurse Practice Act Governs Nursing Practice

1. Nursing Licensure and Scope of Practice

The KNPA outlines the qualifications for licensure, ensuring that nurses meet education, training, and competency requirements before practicing. Kansas has different scope of practice regulations for each type of nurse:

  • Registered Nurses (RNs) – Provide direct patient care, perform assessments, administer medications, and coordinate treatment plans.
  • Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) – Work under the supervision of RNs and physicians, performing tasks such as basic patient care, administering some medications, and monitoring vital signs.
  • Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) – Have additional responsibilities such as prescribing medications and diagnosing patients, but must comply with collaborative practice agreements if required by law.

Kansas nurses must always practice within their legal scope of practice to avoid disciplinary actions.

2. Professional Conduct and Ethical Standards

The KNPA establishes strict professional standards to ensure patient safety and ethical nursing care. Violations of these standards—including negligence, unprofessional behavior, or failure to follow physician orders—can lead to investigations by the Kansas State Board of Nursing.

Some of the most common professional conduct violations include:
🚫 Medication errors that result in patient harm
🚫 Failing to properly document patient care
🚫 Patient abuse or neglect allegations
🚫 Substance abuse or working under the influence
🚫 Boundary violations or inappropriate patient relationships

Nurses must follow all hospital policies, state laws, and ethical guidelines to avoid complaints or disciplinary action.

3. Continuing Education (CE) and License Renewal

To maintain a nursing license in Kansas, nurses must meet continuing education (CE) requirements set by the KNPA:

✔ RNs and LPNs – Must complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years
✔ APRNs – Must meet additional specialty certification and CE requirements based on their advanced practice role

Failing to meet CE requirements can lead to license renewal delays or denials, placing a nurse’s ability to practice at risk.

Common Pitfalls That Lead to Nursing Board Investigations

Nurses in Kansas face several common challenges that can trigger investigations under the Kansas Nurse Practice Act. Some of the biggest risks include:

1. Practicing Outside of Scope

One of the most serious violations of the KNPA is exceeding the legal scope of practice. For example:

  • An LPN administering medications that are only approved for RNs
  • An RN performing procedures outside of their training
  • An APRN prescribing medications without proper authorization

Violating scope of practice laws can lead to immediate disciplinary action by the Kansas State Board of Nursing.

2. Improper Documentation or Charting Errors

Accurate documentation is critical in nursing. The KNPA requires nurses to thoroughly and correctly document all patient care activities. Common mistakes that can lead to disciplinary action include:

  • Failing to document medication administration
  • Recording inaccurate patient information
  • Altering or falsifying patient records

Even unintentional charting errors can be seen as negligence and may result in a board investigation or license suspension.

3. Patient Abuse or Neglect Allegations

Any accusation of patient mistreatment, neglect, or abuse is taken seriously by the KSBN. Even false or exaggerated claims can trigger a full investigation. Examples include:

  • Failing to respond to patient needs in a timely manner
  • Rough handling of patients
  • Ignoring complaints of pain or discomfort

If a patient or coworker files a formal complaint, nurses must act quickly to protect their license.

4. Criminal Charges or Substance Abuse Issues

The KNPA requires nurses to report any criminal convictions, arrests, or substance abuse issues. A DUI, drug-related offense, or theft charge could lead to disciplinary action, including license suspension or mandatory rehabilitation programs.

Failing to self-report criminal charges may result in more severe penalties, including permanent revocation.

5. HIPAA Violations and Patient Privacy Breaches

Nurses must comply with HIPAA regulations to protect patient privacy. Common HIPAA violations include:

  • Discussing patient details on social media
  • Accessing patient records without authorization
  • Sharing patient information with unauthorized individuals

Even an accidental HIPAA violation can lead to a board investigation and potential disciplinary action.

How to Protect Your Nursing License in Kansas

Nurses can take proactive steps to avoid disciplinary action and protect their licenses:

✔ Know your scope of practice – Ensure you are only performing tasks permitted under Kansas nursing regulations.
✔ Complete all CE requirements on time – Keep track of renewal deadlines to prevent compliance issues.
✔ Be cautious with social media and patient privacy – Avoid sharing any patient information online, even in private forums.
✔ Document everything properly – Always follow charting guidelines to avoid medical record errors.
✔ Seek legal representation if facing an investigation – If you receive a Kansas State Board of Nursing complaint, contact a nursing license defense attorney immediately.

How a Nursing License Defense Attorney Can Help

If you receive a complaint or are under investigation by the Kansas State Board of Nursing, an experienced nursing license defense attorney can protect your rights. At Sanger Law Office, LLC, we help Kansas nurses by:

✔ Responding to board investigations and complaints
✔ Gathering evidence to support your case
✔ Defending against allegations of misconduct or negligence
✔ Representing you in nursing board hearings
✔ Negotiating to prevent or reduce penalties

Our firm has decades of experience defending nurses against disciplinary action in Kansas. We understand the Kansas Nurse Practice Act and know how to fight for your license and career.

Call to Action

If you are facing a complaint, nursing board investigation, or disciplinary hearing, you need skilled legal representation to protect your license.

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

Your nursing license is too important to leave to chance. Let us help you protect your career and future.