How to Prepare for a Missouri Nursing Board Disciplinary Hearing

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A Step-by-Step Guide for Nurses Facing Formal Discipline from the Missouri State Board of Nursing

If you’re a nurse in Missouri and have been notified of a disciplinary hearing before the Missouri State Board of Nursing, it means your case is entering a critical stage. What happens during this hearing can determine whether you keep your license, face probation, or have your license suspended or revoked.

The outcome is not predetermined. You have rights, and how you prepare—and who represents you—can make all the difference.

At Sanger Law Office, LLC, we defend Missouri nurses through every stage of the disciplinary process, including Board hearings. Below, we’ll explain what a disciplinary hearing involves, how to prepare, and how legal representation helps protect your license and your career.

What Is a Missouri Nursing Board Disciplinary Hearing?

A disciplinary hearing is a formal legal proceeding where the Missouri State Board of Nursing reviews allegations of professional misconduct, violation of the Nurse Practice Act (RSMo § 335.066), or other conduct that could jeopardize patient safety or public trust.

This hearing is your opportunity to present your defense, respond to evidence, testify, and argue why your license should not be disciplined.

Common reasons for a disciplinary hearing include:

  • Medication errors
  • Drug diversion or substance abuse
  • Criminal convictions (e.g., DUI, theft, assault)
  • Documentation falsification
  • Boundary violations or unprofessional conduct
  • Failure to comply with prior Board orders

What to Expect at the Hearing

The disciplinary hearing process is formal and legal in nature. It is not simply a meeting or a conversation. You may face:

  • A panel of Board members or an Administrative Hearing Officer
  • A prosecutor or legal representative for the Board presenting evidence against you
  • Witnesses, documents, and cross-examination
  • A court reporter and official transcript
  • Legal arguments and procedural rules similar to a courtroom

After the hearing, the Board will deliberate and issue a decision. The possible outcomes may include:

  • Case dismissal (no discipline)
  • Letter of concern or public reprimand
  • Probation with conditions (drug testing, counseling, supervision)
  • License suspension or revocation

How to Prepare for the Disciplinary Hearing

1. Hire an Experienced Nursing License Defense Attorney

The Missouri Board of Nursing will have its own legal representation. So should you.

An attorney can:

  • Review the case file and identify weaknesses in the Board’s case
  • Help you prepare your testimony
  • Subpoena favorable witnesses and evidence
  • Cross-examine the Board’s witnesses
  • Argue for lesser sanctions or dismissal
  • Object to improper procedures or evidence

At Sanger Law Office, LLC, we’ve successfully represented nurses in hundreds of license defense matters, including full disciplinary hearings.

2. Understand the Allegations Against You

Carefully read the Notice of Hearing and Statement of Charges. These documents explain:

  • The conduct the Board is investigating
  • The legal basis for the potential discipline
  • The time and location of your hearing
  • Whether the hearing is in-person or virtual

Your attorney will break down the allegations and build your defense accordingly.

3. Organize and Review Your Evidence

Evidence is critical to proving your side of the story. Useful evidence may include:

  • Patient records or shift reports
  • Witness statements from coworkers, supervisors, or therapists
  • Drug test results or compliance reports (if substance-related)
  • Proof of continuing education or training
  • Employment evaluations or letters of reference
  • Counseling or rehabilitation records

We help gather and prepare these documents into a strong, organized presentation for the Board.

4. Prepare Your Testimony

You will likely be asked to testify under oath. You must be:

  • Honest and consistent
  • Prepared to explain your actions, decision-making, or mistakes
  • Able to express remorse (if appropriate)
  • Ready to show insight and demonstrate rehabilitation or improvement

We conduct practice sessions with our clients so they feel confident and prepared to answer the Board’s questions directly and respectfully.

5. Avoid Common Mistakes Before and During the Hearing

Do NOT:

  • Attempt to explain your case without legal advice
  • Contact the Board or investigators directly after the hearing notice is issued
  • Post anything on social media about the case
  • Talk to coworkers about testifying without legal guidance
  • Attempt to delay or ignore the hearing—your license could be revoked by default

After the Hearing: What Happens Next?

Once the hearing concludes, the Board may issue a decision immediately or within several weeks. The decision will be delivered in writing and becomes part of your permanent licensing record.

You may have options to:

  • Appeal the decision to a Missouri circuit court (within 30 days)
  • Negotiate settlement terms or modifications if appropriate
  • Comply with probationary terms to continue practicing
  • Reapply or petition for reinstatement after suspension or revocation

Our office will help you understand the outcome and your next steps.

How Sanger Law Office, LLC Can Help

We represent Missouri nurses facing disciplinary hearings for all types of allegations. Our defense services include:

  • Reviewing Board complaints and disciplinary history
  • Developing your legal strategy and defense
  • Preparing you for testimony and witness questions
  • Representing you during the hearing
  • Arguing for case dismissal, reduction in discipline, or conditional practice
  • Filing appeals if the outcome is unfavorable

We know how to present nurses as safe, competent professionals—even when mistakes were made.

Call Danielle Sanger For a Free Consultation

If you’ve received a Notice of Disciplinary Hearing from the Missouri State Board of Nursing, your next steps are critical. Don’t go through it alone. Protect your license with experienced legal counsel by your side.

📞 Call Sanger Law Office, LLC today for a free consultation:
(816) 520-8040 for Missouri
(785) 979-4353 for Kansas

Let us help you prepare, present your best case, and protect the career you’ve worked so hard to build.