How Can a Criminal Charge Affect My Nursing License in Missouri?
A criminal charge can have serious consequences for nurses in Missouri, potentially affecting both their employment and professional license. The Missouri State Board of Nursing holds nurses to high ethical and professional standards, and criminal charges—whether related to patient care or personal conduct—can trigger disciplinary investigations. Even if the charge is unrelated to nursing practice, the Board has the authority to evaluate the case and impose sanctions, including probation, suspension, or even revocation of a nursing license.
Understanding how criminal charges impact a nursing license, what the Missouri State Board of Nursing considers when reviewing these cases, and how a Missouri nursing license defense lawyer can help are critical to protecting your career.
The Missouri Nurse Practice Act and Criminal Charges
The Missouri Nurse Practice Act grants the Missouri State Board of Nursing the authority to regulate nurses and impose disciplinary measures when necessary. Under Missouri Revised Statutes Section 335.066, the Board can take action against a nurse’s license for various reasons, including:
- Criminal convictions related to moral turpitude or offenses that suggest a lack of good character.
- Drug or alcohol-related offenses, including DUIs, that may indicate impairment or risk to patient care.
- Fraud, theft, or dishonesty that calls into question a nurse’s trustworthiness.
- Violent crimes, including assault and domestic violence, which may indicate a danger to patients.
- Sexual offenses that could violate patient safety standards.
Notably, a conviction is not always necessary for disciplinary action. The Board may begin an investigation based on an arrest, formal charge, or guilty plea, even if the case has not yet resulted in a final conviction. Because of this, it is essential to seek legal guidance as soon as a criminal charge is filed to minimize the impact on a nursing license.
How Criminal Charges Lead to Nursing License Investigations
If a nurse is arrested or charged with a crime, Missouri law may require them to self-report the charge to the Board of Nursing. Additionally, the Board may learn about an arrest or conviction through routine background checks, employer reports, or public records. Once the Board becomes aware of the criminal charge, they will determine whether an investigation is warranted.
The investigation process typically includes:
- Reviewing the facts of the criminal charge, including police reports and court records.
- Gathering additional evidence, such as witness statements or employer records.
- Requesting a response from the nurse, requiring an explanation of the circumstances.
- Evaluating whether the charge relates to professional conduct, patient safety, or nursing ethics.
- Determining appropriate disciplinary action, which can range from no action to permanent revocation of the license.
Because the Board’s decision is based on how the charge reflects on a nurse’s ability to practice safely and ethically, even misdemeanor offenses can have long-term consequences.
Consequences of a Criminal Charge on a Missouri Nursing License
The outcome of a criminal charge can lead to different levels of disciplinary action by the Board. Even if a nurse avoids jail time, the Board may still impose penalties that affect their license and career. Some of the possible disciplinary measures include:
- License probation, requiring ongoing monitoring or treatment programs.
- License suspension, temporarily preventing the nurse from practicing.
- License revocation, permanently barring the nurse from practicing in Missouri.
- Fines and formal reprimands, which may become part of the nurse’s public record.
Beyond disciplinary action, a criminal charge can also affect employment opportunities, making it difficult for nurses to secure new positions, obtain liability insurance, or transfer their licenses to other states.
Why You Need a Missouri Nursing License Defense Lawyer
Nurses facing criminal charges in Missouri need legal representation to protect both their freedom and their professional license. A Missouri nursing license defense lawyer can:
- Communicate with the Board on your behalf, ensuring that responses to investigations are carefully crafted.
- Argue for reduced disciplinary actions, helping to avoid license suspension or revocation.
- Present mitigating factors, such as a nurse’s clean disciplinary record or rehabilitative efforts.
- Challenge the Board’s evidence, demonstrating that the criminal charge does not reflect on the nurse’s ability to practice safely.
- Advise on self-reporting obligations, ensuring compliance while minimizing risks.
At Sanger Law Office, LLC, we represent Missouri nurses facing disciplinary investigations due to criminal charges, working to protect their licenses and careers. If you have been charged with a crime and are concerned about the impact on your nursing license, we are here to help.
Call Sanger Law Office, LLC Today!
If you are a nurse in Missouri facing criminal charges, do not risk your career by handling the situation alone. The Missouri State Board of Nursing takes these matters seriously, and a strategic defense is critical. Contact Sanger Law Office, LLC today for a free consultation at (816) 520-8040 for Missouri or (785) 979-4353 for Kansas. We have the experience needed to fight for your nursing license and ensure that your future remains secure.