Questions About Kansas Nursing Board Hearings Answered

Nursing is a profession that is committed to easing the suffering of patients who have been stricken with physical illnesses and injuries. It is a noble and necessary healthcare role that also involves a steadfast commitment to education, experience, and practical training that entails significant individual and family sacrifices. Given the challenges that nurses face every day, nurses can face serious allegations that can put their professional license and livelihood at risk.

Kansas Nursing License Attorney Danielle Sanger began her legal career at the Kansas Attorney General’s Office as an Assistant Attorney General. Attorney Sanger has successfully handled numerous professional licensing and disciplinary matters. Her firm is a Professional License Defense Law Firm that serves medical professionals throughout the states of Kansas and Missouri. If you are facing disciplinary actions, do not delay seeking a legal consultation with Attorney Sanger. The following are a few important answers to frequently asked questions from nurses who are facing investigations and proceedings related to professional discipline and licensing:


How do unfounded charges become filed against nurses in Kansas?

The Kansas State Board of Nursing focuses on its mission to protect the public. Unfortunately, there is some level of overzealousness in pursuing this function, causing the legal rights of some nurses to be squashed. Therefore, if you are facing allegations, it is important that you talk with an attorney who has experience representing nurses in nursing board cases and can defend your license and legal rights before the nursing board. Ms. Sanger has comprehensive experience prosecuting these cases; therefore, she has the experience to defend against these charges.


What are the penalties that could be imposed for nursing board violations?
The Kansas nursing board does have wide discretion when they impose penalties, but the most common punishments imposed include:

  • Administrative fines
  • License revocation
  • Public reprimands
  • Monitoring
  • Restrictions on nursing activities
  • Probation of a license suspension


What are the typical grounds for discipline imposed by the Kansas nursing board?
Generally, the Kanas Nursing Board investigates two kinds of cases: (1) practice-related cases; and (2) behavioral cases. While there are several circumstances that may bring disciplinary charges, the most common cases involve:

  • Engaging in criminal activity
  • Theft
  • Drug dependency
  • Alcohol dependency
  • Falsification or lying
  • Standard of care violations
  • Other Acts intended to or likely to defraud the public
  • Mental health disorders


How do Kansas State Board of Nursing (KSBN) investigations get initiated?
Typically employers lodge disciplinary complaints against nurses under the Risk Management Act. Hospitals or other employers will report some type of standard-of-care nursing misconduct. The accusation must have a reasonable possibility of causing harm to a patient. Employers are obligated to report misconduct that constitutes a basis for discipline. Reports cannot be used to pursue a personal vendetta against a nurse or medical professional.


Who conducts an investigation?
Licensed nurses investigate complaints initiated by the KSBN. All cases are assigned to an investigator.

How long does the disciplinary process take?
The process is usually completed within approximately 6-9 months. In some cases, the process can be longer depending on the circumstances of the case. Factors that slow the investigation may include slow responses to subpoenas, uncooperative witnesses, challenges in finding witnesses, and other issues.

Kansas Professional Licensing Lawyer Danielle Sanger ready to help defend you against allegations against you. She will aggressively pursue available defenses to protect your nursing license. If you are facing allegations of misconduct or substandard care by the nursing board, Attorney Danielle Sanger represents attorneys facing disciplinary proceedings in Missouri or Kansas. We invite you to call us today for a free consultation at 785-979-4353.

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