Do You Have to Report a Criminal Charge to the Missouri Board of Nursing?
If you’re a licensed nurse in Missouri and you’ve been arrested or charged with a crime, one of the most pressing questions on your mind is probably: “Do I have to report this to the Missouri State Board of Nursing?” The answer is yes — in most cases, you are required to report criminal charges, even if the case is pending or ultimately dismissed. Failing to do so can create bigger problems than the charge itself, including potential suspension or revocation of your nursing license.
Let’s break down Missouri’s mandatory reporting rules, your legal obligations as a nurse, and how to report in a way that protects your career.
Mandatory Reporting Requirements in Missouri
The Missouri Board of Nursing enforces the Missouri Nurse Practice Act, which outlines the professional conduct standards for all licensed nurses. Under 19 CSR 20-20.025 and related provisions, nurses must report certain legal issues that could affect their fitness to practice.
You are required to report:
- Any felony charges or convictions
- Any misdemeanor charges involving moral turpitude, drugs, fraud, theft, or violence
- Any pleas of guilty, no contest (nolo contendere), or Alford pleas
- DUI/DWI arrests or convictions
- Any disciplinary actions in other jurisdictions
- Any finding of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a patient or vulnerable person
Even if the court dismisses the charge or you enter a deferred judgment program, the Board still expects you to disclose the incident.
When Should You Report?
The Missouri Board does not wait for criminal convictions. The duty to report often begins when you are formally charged or arrested, not when your case concludes. Waiting to see how the case plays out before informing the Board may be viewed as a failure to report in a timely manner — and that, in itself, can lead to disciplinary action.
If you’re unsure whether your particular charge requires reporting, it’s best to consult a nursing license defense attorneybefore making any disclosures.
How to Report a Criminal Charge to the Missouri Board of Nursing
Missouri nurses can report criminal charges through the online Nurse Licensure Renewal and Update System, or by submitting written notice to the Board. Here’s what to include in your report:
- The nature of the charge
- The date of the arrest or citation
- The court handling the matter
- Any pending or final outcomes, if available
It’s important not to minimize, omit, or misrepresent the situation. The Board can — and often does — conduct background checks and will cross-reference what you report with official court and law enforcement records.
What Happens After You Report?
Once reported, the Board may:
- Open a formal investigation
- Request your written explanation or supporting documents
- Delay your license renewal
- Issue an Administrative Complaint seeking probation, suspension, or revocation
If the underlying charge relates to drugs, violence, dishonesty, or patient harm, the risk of disciplinary action is especially high. However, voluntary, early reporting — paired with legal advocacy — may help reduce sanctions or lead to non-disciplinary alternatives such as a consent agreement or diversion program.
How an Attorney Can Help You
Self-reporting is not just a formality. What you say (and how you say it) can seriously impact the outcome of your Board case. An experienced Missouri nursing license defense attorney can:
- Help you determine whether your charge is reportable
- Prepare your disclosure in a legally safe and accurate way
- Submit supporting documents or character evidence
- Defend your license if the Board initiates disciplinary proceedings
Proactive legal representation ensures that one misstep doesn’t end your career.
Don’t Wait — Protect Your License Now
Facing a criminal charge is overwhelming enough. Don’t make it worse by mishandling your reporting duties. Whether you’ve been charged with DUI, shoplifting, drug possession, or another offense, the Missouri State Board of Nursing takes notice — and so should you.
Sanger Law Office, LLC represents nurses across Missouri in license defense matters, including cases involving criminal charges, investigations, complaints, and Board hearings. We know how to protect your rights, your license, and your livelihood.
Contact Sanger Law Office, LLC Today
📍 Serving Nurses Statewide in Missouri
📞 Call (785) 979-4353 for a confidential consultation
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Let us help you defend your license — because your career is worth protecting.