Common Mistakes That Trigger Investigations by the Kansas State Board of Nursing
Even the most skilled and compassionate nurses can find themselves under investigation by the Kansas State Board of Nursing (KSBN). Sometimes, it’s due to a misunderstanding. Other times, it’s the result of a momentary lapse or an honest mistake. Regardless of the cause, it’s essential for nurses in Kansas to understand what behaviors and actions can prompt an investigation—and how to avoid them.
At Sanger Law Office, LLC, we’ve represented many Kansas nurses facing Board scrutiny. Over the years, we’ve seen patterns in the kinds of issues that most often lead to disciplinary proceedings. Being aware of these common mistakes is one of the best ways to protect your license and career.
Charting Errors and Documentation Failures
Poor or incomplete documentation is one of the most frequent reasons a nurse becomes the subject of a KSBN investigation. Whether you’re charting electronically or by hand, accurate and timely records are a legal requirement under the Kansas Nurse Practice Act.
KSBN views documentation as part of patient safety. Missing entries, inconsistencies, late charting, and “copy-paste” shortcuts in electronic systems can raise serious red flags. In many cases, what may appear as falsification—such as charting before a task was completed or signing off for another nurse—can trigger automatic reporting by your employer.
Even if your intention was innocent, the Board can still pursue disciplinary action. They treat charting as a core part of professional accountability. When KSBN receives a complaint involving recordkeeping errors, they may launch a full investigation into the nurse’s competence and trustworthiness.
To avoid this, always treat your documentation with the same care you give to direct patient care. Never chart for another nurse. Never document something that didn’t happen. And if you make a mistake, follow the proper correction procedures in your facility’s policies.
Substance Use and Drug Diversion
Substance use allegations are a major concern for the Kansas Board of Nursing. Whether it’s the result of a positive drug screen, erratic behavior on the job, or missing controlled substances, accusations related to drugs or alcohol often result in immediate investigation and action.
KSBN has the authority under K.S.A. 65-1120 to investigate and discipline nurses for using any substance that impairs their ability to practice safely. Drug diversion—the act of taking medications meant for patients—is considered a serious offense and may also trigger criminal investigation.
Even a one-time lapse in judgment can put your license in jeopardy. If you are suspected of being under the influence at work, or if a discrepancy appears in the medication count tied to your shift, your facility may report you immediately. From there, the Board may open a formal case, requiring you to respond to allegations under oath or submit to evaluations.
We help Kansas nurses address these allegations by evaluating the facts, seeking medical explanations, and when appropriate, guiding clients into Kansas’ alternative-to-discipline programs. With the right legal approach, it’s sometimes possible to resolve these issues confidentially and preserve your license.
Failing to Report Incidents or Disciplinary History
One of the most preventable ways a nurse ends up in trouble with KSBN is by failing to report required information. Nurses are legally obligated to report certain incidents—such as criminal convictions, discipline from another state, or even terminations tied to misconduct.
Failure to report doesn’t just raise questions about the incident itself—it becomes a separate basis for discipline. The Board sees nondisclosure as a breach of trust and may pursue suspension or revocation of your license under that alone.
We’ve worked with nurses who mistakenly thought a misdemeanor from years ago didn’t need to be reported. Others didn’t realize that losing a job after a medication error was grounds for self-reporting. Whether intentional or not, these oversights can trigger serious consequences.
If you’re unsure whether something must be reported, or if you’ve already submitted a license renewal or job application without disclosing it, we recommend you speak with a Kansas Nursing License Defense Lawyer immediately. It’s far better to correct the error with legal guidance than to wait for the Board to uncover it.
HIPAA Violations and Breaches of Patient Privacy
Patient privacy remains one of the most protected standards in healthcare, and violations of HIPAA—even accidental ones—can have severe consequences. The Kansas Board of Nursing takes HIPAA breaches seriously, especially those involving malicious intent, repeat offenses, or social media misuse.
Examples of HIPAA-related mistakes that lead to Board investigations include:
- Accessing medical records without a clinical reason
- Discussing patient care in public places or social media
- Sharing identifying details with friends or family
- Emailing or texting confidential information without safeguards
Even if you didn’t mean to cause harm, these actions can trigger a report from your employer, a patient, or another nurse. The Board will investigate to determine whether the act was negligent, intentional, or reckless.
When accused of a HIPAA violation, your defense must show whether the breach was preventable, whether it occurred under mitigating circumstances, and what steps you’ve taken to prevent it from happening again. At Sanger Law Office, LLC, we help nurses build this defense by gathering context, demonstrating compliance training, and presenting the situation professionally to the Board.
Protecting Your Nursing License Starts With Awareness
As a nurse in Kansas, you’re held to a high standard of professionalism—often in high-pressure, fast-moving environments. Mistakes can happen, but even small errors can spiral into major issues if the Kansas State Board of Nursing becomes involved.
Being aware of the most common triggers for investigations—charting errors, substance use, failure to report, and HIPAA breaches—gives you a better chance of avoiding discipline. But if you’re already under investigation, the most important thing you can do is seek legal guidance immediately.
Contact Sanger Law Office, LLC for a Free Consultation
If you’re a Kansas nurse facing an investigation—or worried you may be reported—don’t wait. At Sanger Law Office, LLC, we are committed to helping nurses protect their licenses, careers, and reputations. With offices in Lawrence and decades of focused experience in Kansas license defense, we’ll fight for the outcome you deserve.
📞 (785) 979-4353 – Kansas
📞 (816) 520-8040 – Missouri
We defend nurses statewide and offer confidential case evaluations. Let us stand between you and unnecessary discipline.