How Social Media Use is Monitored by the Missouri State Board of Nursing
Understanding the Online Risks That Could Threaten Your Nursing License
In today’s digital age, social media is a central part of daily life. Whether it’s Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or Twitter, nurses across Missouri use these platforms to connect with friends, follow news, and participate in professional communities. But what many nurses don’t realize is that the Missouri State Board of Nursing actively investigates and disciplines licensees based on their online activity. Even seemingly harmless posts, comments, or private messages can lead to serious consequences—including license suspension or revocation.
At Sanger Law Office, LLC, we’ve represented nurses who found themselves facing unexpected complaints tied to their digital footprint. These cases are increasingly common, and the Board has made it clear that online behavior is subject to the same professional standards that apply in the workplace.
If you’re a nurse in Missouri, it’s critical to understand how your social media presence can put your license at risk—and what to do if you’re under investigation for something you said or shared online.
Why the Missouri Board Monitors Social Media
The Missouri Nurse Practice Act (RSMo Chapter 335) authorizes the Board of Nursing to investigate complaints related to unprofessional conduct, misconduct, and violations of patient privacy. Under RSMo § 335.066, the Board can impose discipline for behavior that reflects poorly on a nurse’s fitness to practice—even if the conduct occurs off the clock or outside of the workplace.
Social media content can fall into that category. Posts, comments, videos, and direct messages may become part of a licensing complaint if they involve:
- Breach of patient confidentiality
- Inappropriate language or threats
- Unprofessional behavior while in uniform or on duty
- Spreading misinformation about medical practices
- Sexualized content associated with nursing credentials
- Alcohol or drug use in a healthcare setting
- Harassment or bullying of coworkers or patients
The Board considers whether a nurse’s conduct, whether online or in person, undermines public trust in the profession or jeopardizes patient safety.
Real Examples of Disciplinary Action for Social Media Use
Several nurses in Missouri and around the country have faced formal discipline for what they posted online. Here are just a few types of cases we’ve encountered:
A nurse posted a selfie from inside a patient’s room
Even though the patient’s face wasn’t visible, the background included identifying information from the patient’s chart. The Board investigated the post as a HIPAA violation and issued a suspension.
A nurse made derogatory comments about patients on Twitter
The tweets were made anonymously but were traced back through screenshots sent to the employer. The comments referred to patients in demeaning terms, prompting a complaint for unprofessional conduct.
A nurse livestreamed while working in the ER
During a break, the nurse filmed a light-hearted video in a hospital hallway. However, patient names were visible on a whiteboard behind her. The video went viral, and a licensing complaint followed.
A nurse posted political content using her professional title
The Board received a complaint alleging the nurse used her RN designation to promote controversial opinions in a way that could be seen as representing the profession unethically.
Each of these cases resulted in formal discipline—including letters of concern, probation, or suspension. In some cases, the nurse lost their job, and employers reported the incident directly to the Board.
How the Board Receives Social Media Complaints
Contrary to popular belief, the Board doesn’t have teams constantly scouring social media—but they don’t need to. Most social media-related complaints come from:
- Coworkers who report posts that reflect poorly on the workplace
- Patients or families who feel disrespected or violated by something shared
- Employers who are legally obligated to report potential violations
- Anonymous tips sent to the Board’s complaint portal
- Law enforcement involved in overlapping investigations
Once the Board receives a complaint, they will review the post, comment, or image and determine whether an investigation is necessary. If it involves patient privacy, harassment, or ethical concerns, the nurse will receive formal notice of investigation and be asked to respond.
What to Do if You’re Under Investigation for a Social Media Post
If you receive a letter from the Missouri Board of Nursing regarding social media conduct, do not respond without speaking to a license defense attorney. Anything you say in your reply can be used against you, even if you believe you were joking or didn’t mean harm.
At Sanger Law Office, we can help by:
- Reviewing the content in question
- Preparing a legally sound written response
- Collecting mitigating evidence (such as context, policy inconsistencies, or personal statements)
- Representing you in Board hearings
- Negotiating probationary terms or alternative outcomes if necessary
Nurses often think they can handle these issues alone—but what begins as a minor complaint can spiral into permanent career damage without legal guidance.
Tips for Safe Social Media Use as a Nurse
- Avoid posting anything from a healthcare facility, even if no patients are shown
- Never reference specific cases, even indirectly
- Refrain from using your title (“RN,” “LPN”) in controversial or political posts
- Assume that everything you post—even in private groups or messages—can be screenshotted and shared
- Think twice before venting about your workplace online
- Review your employer’s social media policies regularly
If in doubt, don’t post. And if you think a post may have triggered a complaint, preserve the content and consult a Missouri nursing license defense lawyer right away.
Call Danielle Sanger for a Free Consultation
Are you under investigation by the Missouri State Board of Nursing for something you posted online? Don’t wait to defend your license—your career could be at stake.
📞 Call Sanger Law Office, LLC today for a free, confidential consultation at (816) 520-8040.
We have decades of experience helping Missouri nurses protect their licenses from complaints involving social media, misconduct allegations, and complex investigations. We’re here to protect your future and your right to practice.