How to Respond When the Kansas Board of Nursing Requests an Interview

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When a nurse receives notice from the Kansas State Board of Nursing (KSBN) requesting an interview, it is not something to take lightly. Whether the interview is informal or tied to a formal investigation, your words and actions during that meeting can significantly impact your nursing license—and your career.

The Board uses interviews to gather information, assess your credibility, and determine whether discipline is warranted. These interviews can involve reviewing medical records, discussing allegations of misconduct, or clarifying events tied to patient care, substance use, documentation errors, or ethical violations. No matter how cooperative you intend to be, the risks are substantial if you go into that meeting unrepresented or unprepared.

As a nurse practicing in Kansas, you do have rights during this process—but protecting those rights begins with understanding what’s at stake and why legal guidance matters.

Why the Kansas Board of Nursing May Request an Interview

The Kansas Nurse Practice Act (K.S.A. 65-1113 through 65-1165) empowers the Board to investigate any licensee suspected of violating professional standards. These violations can include unprofessional conduct, substance use, patient abuse, charting errors, failure to meet continuing education requirements, or even criminal charges outside the workplace.

If the Board believes more context is needed beyond written records, it may request an interview—sometimes called an “informal conference” or “compliance meeting.” You might be invited to meet with an investigator, a disciplinary committee member, or legal counsel for the Board.

Make no mistake—what you say in that interview can be used as evidence. Your statements may be compared to prior reports, patient records, or witness testimony. Inconsistent or poorly explained answers could be interpreted as dishonesty, negligence, or failure to take responsibility.

This is not simply a conversation—it is part of the disciplinary process.

What Happens During a KSBN Interview?

An interview with the Kansas State Board of Nursing can take several forms. It may occur in person at the Board’s office in Topeka, over the phone, or via videoconference. Some nurses receive formal notice of the date and time along with a summary of the allegations. Others may only be told that the Board would like to “ask a few questions.”

In either case, the interview serves specific purposes for the Board:

  • Clarify your role in a reported incident
  • Understand your response to an error or allegation
  • Determine whether your actions violated the Nurse Practice Act
  • Assess your demeanor and credibility
  • Explore whether you pose a continued risk to patients
  • Decide whether formal discipline, alternative programs, or dismissal is appropriate

You are not required to incriminate yourself, but anything you say can influence the Board’s decision to pursue disciplinary action—including license suspension or revocation.

Your Rights During a Board Interview

As a Kansas nurse, you have important rights during a Board interview:

  • You have the right to be represented by legal counsel
  • You have the right to review the complaint and evidence being discussed
  • You are not required to answer every question—especially if the answers could be used against you in a disciplinary or criminal matter
  • You can request to reschedule the interview if you need time to prepare

Many nurses believe that being cooperative or “telling their side” will resolve the issue. Unfortunately, that’s not always how the Board interprets things. What you believe to be a simple explanation might unintentionally confirm their concerns or trigger further scrutiny. That’s why consulting with a Kansas nursing license defense attorney before the interview is absolutely critical.

How a Kansas Nursing License Defense Attorney Can Help

If you’ve been asked to speak with the KSBN, an experienced attorney can prepare you for the questions likely to arise and advise you on what to say—and what not to say.

A skilled license defense lawyer will:

  • Review the complaint or investigative report in detail
  • Request additional evidence from the Board if needed
  • Help you craft accurate and consistent responses
  • Accompany you to the interview to ensure your rights are protected
  • Prevent self-incriminating or overly broad statements
  • Explore alternatives to formal discipline, such as remedial education or diversion programs

Your attorney may also suggest postponing the interview if the allegations are unclear or if more preparation is needed. In some cases, they may recommend a written response instead of an in-person appearance, depending on the legal risks involved.

Legal representation at this early stage can make the difference between a resolved complaint and a full disciplinary hearing.

Preparing for the Interview: What You Should Do

If you agree to participate in a KSBN interview, do not go in unprepared. Start by gathering all documentation related to the case. This may include:

  • Your own charting or notes from the shift or incident
  • Copies of relevant patient records
  • Statements from supervisors or coworkers
  • Continuing education records
  • Any previous communication with your employer about the issue

Then, work closely with your attorney to rehearse your responses and anticipate the Board’s concerns. Avoid defensiveness or emotional responses. Stick to facts. If you made a mistake, acknowledge it honestly—while also showing what steps you’ve taken to correct it, such as additional training or self-reporting.

Most importantly, do not speak to the Board alone. Even well-meaning nurses can make critical errors in how they phrase or frame their answers.

What Happens After the Interview?

After your interview, the Board may take one of several actions:

  • Close the case with no disciplinary action
  • Issue a confidential letter of concern or educational remediation
  • Refer you to a diversion program like KNAP (Kansas Nurse Assistance Program)
  • Propose a consent agreement with stipulated terms
  • Proceed with formal charges and a hearing

The Board’s next steps depend heavily on the strength of the evidence—and how you presented yourself during the interview.

If your case continues, your attorney will help you respond to formal allegations, gather supporting documentation, and present your defense before the Board or in a hearing.

Call Sanger Law Office, LLC for a Free Consultation

If you’ve been contacted by the Kansas State Board of Nursing and asked to attend an interview, don’t take chances with your career. At Sanger Law Office, LLC, we’ve helped nurses across Kansas defend their licenses, respond to investigations, and protect their ability to practice.

📞 (785) 979-4353 – Kansas
📞 (816) 520-8040 – Missouri

We offer free consultations to nurses facing Board inquiries or discipline. Let us help you prepare for your interview and fight to keep your license—and your future—intact.