Missouri Mandatory Reporting Laws for Nurses

Missouri nurses are held to high standards of ethical and legal responsibility—and that includes mandatory reporting. If you’re a licensed nurse in Missouri, failing to report certain incidents can result in serious consequences, including disciplinary action by the Missouri State Board of Nursing and potential criminal charges.

This guide outlines your reporting obligations under Missouri law, explains what must be reported, who to report it to, and how to protect your license and career when you’re placed in a difficult position.

What Are Missouri Nurses Legally Required to Report?

Under Missouri law (RSMo § 210.115 and § 620.010), nurses are required to report the following:

Suspected child abuse or neglect
Abuse, neglect, or exploitation of the elderly or disabled adults
Sexual misconduct by another licensed health professional
Impairment or unprofessional conduct by another nurse or healthcare provider
Any disciplinary action taken against your license in another state
Certain criminal convictions, especially those involving violence, fraud, or controlled substances
Your own condition, if you are physically or mentally impaired in a way that affects safe nursing practice

These reporting requirements are non-negotiable. Even if you’re unsure whether the conduct rises to the level of reportable behavior, failing to act can still result in penalties.

Who Do You Report To?

Depending on the situation, nurses must report to different state agencies:

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS)
For cases involving abuse or neglect of the elderly or disabled individuals.
Missouri Department of Social Services (Children’s Division)
For any suspected child abuse or neglect.
Missouri State Board of Nursing
For any conduct involving another licensee, your own impairment, criminal convictions, or actions taken by another licensing body.
Law enforcement
For suspected criminal behavior where there is immediate harm or risk.

Employer guidelines are not a substitute for the law. You must make reports even if your supervisor discourages it.

What Happens If a Nurse Fails to Report?

Missouri takes violations of mandatory reporting laws seriously. The consequences may include:

Disciplinary Action by the State Board of Nursing
Including public reprimand, probation, license suspension, or revocation under RSMo § 335.066.
Criminal Charges
Failing to report child abuse is a Class A misdemeanor, and knowingly failing to report elder abuse can result in felony charges depending on the circumstances.
Civil Lawsuits
If a patient or vulnerable person is harmed and you failed to report a known issue, you may be named in a civil claim.
Loss of Employment
Many employers have zero-tolerance policies and will terminate nurses who violate mandatory reporting obligations.

What If You Make a Mistake When Reporting?

Fortunately, Missouri provides immunity to nurses who report in good faith—even if their concerns are later unsubstantiated. However, false or malicious reporting can result in Board discipline and civil or criminal penalties.

When in doubt, consult an attorney experienced in nursing license defense to determine the best course of action. Making the wrong decision—reporting too late or not at all—can trigger years of fallout.

Tips for Complying with Missouri Mandatory Reporting Laws

Document what you observed and what you reported.
Make the report promptly—delays can be viewed as negligence.
Avoid discussing details with co-workers unless necessary.
Maintain patient and colleague confidentiality at all times.
If you are reporting yourself, speak to an attorney before making a disclosure.

Protect Your Missouri Nursing License with Legal Help

If you’ve been accused of failing to report—or are unsure about whether to report a concerning situation—legal guidance is essential. Your license and future are on the line.

At Sanger Law Office, LLC, we represent Missouri nurses facing Board complaints, mandatory reporting dilemmas, or disciplinary proceedings. We understand how stressful and confusing this process can be, and we’re here to defend your rights every step of the way.

📞 Call Sanger Law Office, LLC today at (785) 979-4353 to schedule a confidential consultation.