Do You Have to Report a Criminal Charge to the Missouri Board of Nursing?
What Every Missouri Nurse Should Know About Criminal Charges and License Risk
For nurses in Missouri, getting charged with a crime can feel overwhelming. Beyond the legal consequences, you also face a critical question that could impact your career: Do you have to report your criminal charge to the Missouri State Board of Nursing?
The answer is yes—in many cases, you are legally required to report it. Failing to do so can trigger additional disciplinary action, even if the underlying charge is later dismissed or reduced. Knowing when and how to report a criminal charge properly—and what to do next—can help protect your license, your livelihood, and your future in nursing.
Missouri’s Mandatory Reporting Rule for Nurses
Missouri nurses are licensed and regulated by the Missouri State Board of Nursing under Chapter 335 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri (RSMo).
Under § 335.066(2), the Board has the authority to discipline any nurse who is found guilty of or pleads guilty to a felony or certain misdemeanors, particularly those involving:
- Controlled substances
- Fraud
- Moral turpitude
- Assault or abuse
- Sexual misconduct
More importantly, Title 20 CSR 2200-4.020 of the Missouri Code of State Regulations requires nurses to report any criminal conviction, guilty plea, or nolo contendere plea within 30 days of that legal outcome.
This includes misdemeanor charges, not just felonies—and it applies even if the conviction is later expunged or sealed.
Do You Have to Report an Arrest or Just a Conviction?
Technically, you are not required to report an arrest—only a conviction, plea of guilty, or nolo contendere. However, if the arrest leads to a charge and that charge results in a plea or conviction, you are then legally required to report it within the 30-day window.
That said, early reporting and legal guidance can sometimes help mitigate damage, especially if the Board finds out through background checks or external reporting channels.
What Happens If You Don’t Report?
Failing to report a qualifying criminal charge or conviction is a violation of your ethical and regulatory obligations as a licensed nurse in Missouri. Even if the crime is relatively minor, non-reporting can lead to:
- A formal Board complaint
- An independent disciplinary investigation
- License suspension, probation, or revocation
- Public listing of Board action on your license profile
- Mandatory reporting to the National Practitioner Data Bank
In many cases, the cover-up causes more damage than the original charge.
How to Report a Criminal Charge to the Missouri Board of Nursing
Reporting is typically done in writing. You may use the Board’s self-reporting form, or you may submit a signed letter that includes:
- Your full legal name and license number
- The date and type of charge or conviction
- The name of the court and jurisdiction
- A summary of the incident (factual and neutral)
- A copy of the judgment or plea agreement, if available
If you’re unsure what to say—or how to avoid self-incrimination—do not submit anything until you speak with a professional license defense attorney.
Should You Report If the Case Is Still Pending?
No. You are not required to report pending charges. The obligation kicks in only after a plea or conviction. However, if you are convicted, enter a plea deal, or complete diversion, then you may be required to report the final disposition, even if you avoid jail time.
Deferred adjudication or diversion programs may still count as a guilty plea for the purposes of nursing regulation, depending on how the court treats the outcome.
What Charges Put Your License at Greatest Risk?
Not all criminal charges carry the same consequences. Some offenses raise immediate red flags for the Board, including:
- DUI / DWI (especially with aggravating factors)
- Drug possession or diversion
- Assault or domestic violence
- Theft or fraud-related crimes
- Sexual misconduct or exploitation
- Child endangerment or abuse
Even if a conviction is for a first-time offense, it may still result in license probation, monitoring agreements, or mandatory treatment. And in serious cases, the Board may initiate revocation proceedings.
Legal Defense and Proactive Strategies
The most effective way to protect your nursing license after a criminal charge is to:
- Retain a criminal defense attorney and a license defense attorney early
- Avoid making incriminating statements in your report to the Board
- Provide mitigating evidence (rehabilitation, character references, compliance with court orders)
- Demonstrate your fitness to practice through evaluations or proof of continued education
Often, a skilled lawyer can help negotiate an agreement with the Board—such as probation, participation in the Alternative Program, or conditional monitoring—without a permanent disciplinary mark on your license.
When to Call an Attorney
Many nurses wait too long to seek legal help, hoping a minor charge won’t impact their license. Unfortunately, even a misdemeanor can follow you for years if handled improperly.
If you’ve been charged with a crime—or if you’ve already entered a plea—consult with a professional license defense attorney immediately. Your legal rights and your ability to keep practicing nursing depend on taking fast, informed action.
Contact Sanger Law Office, LLC for a Free Consultation
At Sanger Law Office, LLC, we represent Missouri nurses facing license discipline due to criminal charges. Whether you’re preparing to self-report or you’ve already received a notice from the Board, we can help you take the right steps to protect your future.
📞 Call (816) 520-8040 for your free consultation today. Let us help you defend your license—and your livelihood—with experience and compassion.