How to Respond to a Missouri State Board of Nursing Investigation
When a Missouri nurse receives a letter from the Missouri State Board of Nursing (MSBN), everything can feel like it’s unraveling overnight. Under RSMo § 335.066, the Board has broad power to investigate and discipline nurses for violations that may endanger public safety or reflect on professional integrity. In my experience defending nurses across Kansas City, St. Louis, Columbia, Springfield, and Jefferson City, what you do within the first few days of receiving notice can make or break your case.
The process begins when a complaint—often from an employer, patient, or coworker—is filed. Once the Board reviews the allegation and deems it credible, it assigns an investigator. You’ll receive a written notice summarizing the complaint and requesting a response. Many nurses panic and either ignore it or write a defensive reply. Both mistakes can harm your defense. Your written response becomes evidence; anything you say may later be used in a disciplinary hearing.
As your Missouri Nursing License Defense Attorney, my first step is ensuring that your response is factual, non-admitting, and properly documented. We focus on clarifying the events, identifying any procedural errors, and demanding that the Board adhere strictly to statutory due-process requirements. Investigations often involve subpoenas for employment files, patient charts, and internal reports. We monitor every communication to prevent overreach.
If the evidence suggests a violation, the Board may propose an informal settlement or escalate to a contested hearingunder RSMo § 335.071. These hearings are formal proceedings where the state is represented by counsel. Without an attorney, you’ll be held to the same evidentiary standards as a prosecutor. We prepare exhibits, witnesses, and mitigating documentation—such as continuing-education records or performance reviews—to show you remain safe to practice.
Even when discipline seems likely, strong advocacy can protect your career. Probation, remedial education, or the Alternative Program for Nurses may replace harsher penalties. My role is to minimize the long-term damage to your record while preserving your right to work.
Call Us For a Free Consultation
If you’ve received a notice of investigation from the Missouri State Board of Nursing, call Sanger Law Office, LLC at (816) 520-8040. I defend nurses statewide and can help you protect your license, reputation, and livelihood before the Board makes its decision.