How to Request a KSBN Hearing After a Summary Suspension

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Responding to Emergency Nursing License Suspensions in Kansas

When the Kansas State Board of Nursing (KSBN) issues a summary suspension, it means your nursing license has been suspended immediately—without a full hearing—because the Board believes your continued practice poses an imminent risk to the public. This type of action is rare but serious, and it can jeopardize your career if not handled strategically and swiftly.

If you’ve received a notice of summary suspension, you still have rights. One of the most important is the right to request a prompt hearing to challenge the suspension. Understanding how to initiate that process—and the legal defenses available—can be the difference between protecting your license and losing it permanently.

What Is a Summary Suspension?

A summary suspension is an emergency action authorized under Kansas Administrative Procedure Act and K.S.A. 77-536. It allows the KSBN to immediately suspend a nurse’s license without a prior hearing if they believe there’s an immediate danger to public health or safety. It typically occurs when allegations involve:

  • Patient abuse or neglect
  • Theft or diversion of controlled substances
  • Practicing under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Gross negligence in patient care
  • Severe mental health concerns that affect patient safety

Once a summary suspension is issued, you’re legally barred from practicing nursing in Kansas until the matter is resolved.

Your Right to a Hearing

Although the suspension takes effect immediately, you have the right to a post-suspension hearing, also known as an emergency hearing. Under Kansas law, you may request this hearing to present your side, challenge the evidence, and argue why your license should be reinstated pending a full investigation.

This hearing is your first opportunity to fight back, so it must be handled with urgency and precision.

How to Request a KSBN Hearing

The Notice of Summary Suspension you receive will contain instructions and deadlines. Typically, you must:

  • Submit a written request for hearing within 15 days of receiving the notice
  • Indicate whether you want an expedited hearing (usually within 5 to 7 business days)
  • Provide your current contact information for further communication
  • Decide whether you will appear with or without legal representation

Time is critical. Failing to request the hearing on time means the summary suspension may stay in place until a full disciplinary hearing is scheduled, which could take weeks or months.

What Happens During the Hearing?

This type of hearing is typically held before an administrative law judge (ALJ), often via video conference. During the hearing:

  • The KSBN presents the allegations and supporting evidence
  • You or your attorney may cross-examine witnesses
  • You can submit evidence showing you are not a risk to the public
  • Arguments may focus on treatment progress, work history, support systems, or employer testimony

This is not a full trial, but it’s a formal legal proceeding that can influence how the rest of your case is handled. A strong showing at this stage can lead to reinstatement of your license while the underlying investigation continues.

Why Legal Representation Matters

Too often, nurses facing a summary suspension panic and try to handle the matter themselves. But this process is technical and time-sensitive. KSBN has legal counsel—so should you. An experienced nursing license defense attorney can:

  • File your hearing request immediately
  • Prepare compelling evidence and testimony
  • Help you understand your rights and options
  • Argue for reinstatement or modification of the suspension
  • Protect you from making damaging statements on the record

Even if the summary suspension is upheld, an attorney can position you for a better outcome during the full disciplinary process.

Sanger Law Office, LLC Can Help You Respond to a Summary Suspension

If your Kansas nursing license has been suspended on an emergency basis, do not wait. Every day your license is inactive is a day your career is on hold. At Sanger Law Office, LLC, we represent nurses throughout Kansas in emergency and disciplinary proceedings before the Board.

We understand how high the stakes are—and we move fast to protect your ability to practice. Call us immediately at (785) 979-4353 for a confidential consultation and take the first step toward defending your future.