Substance Abuse and Nursing in Kansas: How to Protect Your License
Substance abuse is a difficult and deeply personal struggle, and for nurses in Kansas, it can also threaten a hard-earned professional license. Whether the issue involves prescription medication misuse, alcohol dependency, or illegal drug use, nurses facing substance-related allegations are often dealing with more than just a personal battle—they’re also facing potential disciplinary action by the Kansas State Board of Nursing (KSBN).
Kansas law takes patient safety seriously, and substance abuse that impacts a nurse’s ability to safely practice can lead to license suspension, probation, or revocation. But that doesn’t mean every nurse struggling with substance use will automatically lose their license. With early intervention, legal guidance, and a commitment to recovery, it is possible to protect your career while getting help.
How Substance Abuse Issues Trigger Board Investigations in Kansas
The Kansas Nurse Practice Act grants the KSBN the authority to investigate and discipline any nurse suspected of being unable to practice safely due to physical or mental impairment—including substance use disorders. Complaints that involve substance abuse may come from:
- Coworkers or supervisors who observe impaired behavior
- Patients or families who report errors or odd conduct
- Positive drug screens at work or during pre-employment testing
- Criminal charges, such as DUI, drug possession, or theft of controlled substances
- Anonymous complaints filed with the Board
Once a complaint is received, the KSBN will open a formal investigation, which could include interviews, medical record reviews, and possibly requests for drug or alcohol testing.
The Board will evaluate whether the nurse’s behavior posed a risk to patient safety, and whether the nurse is fit to continue practicing. A nurse may be accused of unprofessional conduct, impairment, or violating the Kansas Nurse Practice Act.
Kansas Board of Nursing’s Approach to Substance Use Disorders
The KSBN takes a disciplinary but also rehabilitative approach to nurses dealing with substance abuse. The Board’s main focus is to protect the public, but it also recognizes that many nurses with substance use issues can recover and return to safe practice with proper monitoring and support.
Disciplinary outcomes can include:
- Probation with conditions, such as drug testing, work restrictions, or required treatment
- Suspension, sometimes with an opportunity for reinstatement
- Voluntary surrender, which may be negotiated while the nurse completes treatment
- Permanent revocation, in more severe or repeated cases
However, nurses who proactively seek treatment, comply with Board requirements, and work with legal counsel may avoid the most severe outcomes.
Treatment Options for Kansas Nurses with Substance Abuse Issues
Kansas nurses have access to several treatment and recovery options that can demonstrate to the Board a genuine commitment to rehabilitation. These may include:
- Substance abuse treatment programs, including inpatient or outpatient care
- Medical detox and supervised recovery under the care of addiction professionals
- Counseling or therapy, often tailored to professionals dealing with work-related stress
- 12-step programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
- Support groups for nurses, which offer specialized insight into professional stress and substance use
Voluntarily entering treatment before disciplinary action is taken can be a key step in protecting your license. It shows the Board that you’re taking responsibility and prioritizing patient safety.
How to Respond to a KSBN Complaint Involving Substance Abuse
If you receive notice that a substance-related complaint has been filed against you, your response will significantly impact the outcome. You should:
- Take the complaint seriously—any accusation involving impairment will be thoroughly investigated
- Avoid talking to investigators or employers without legal counsel—anything you say may be used against you
- Immediately consult with a Kansas nursing license defense attorney
- Consider entering a treatment program if you are struggling with substance use
- Collect evidence of recovery, such as treatment records, therapy documentation, or drug screening results
How a Kansas Nursing License Defense Attorney Can Help
At Sanger Law Office, LLC, we work with nurses across Kansas who are facing substance abuse complaints and related license issues. We understand the stress that comes with these situations—both professionally and personally. We help nurses by:
- Responding to Kansas State Board of Nursing investigations
- Negotiating terms of probation or license reinstatement
- Helping nurses enter treatment programs that meet Board approval
- Preparing evidence of rehabilitation and fitness to practice
- Representing clients at disciplinary hearings and appeals
Our goal is to help nurses protect their licenses and move forward with a path to recovery.
Voluntary Surrender and License Reinstatement in Kansas
In some cases, a nurse may choose—or be asked—to voluntarily surrender their license during treatment. While this may feel like a setback, it can actually preserve the possibility of reinstatement once recovery is established.
Reinstatement often involves:
- Demonstrating a sustained period of sobriety
- Providing documentation of completed treatment
- Submitting to ongoing drug testing
- Agreeing to practice restrictions, such as avoiding controlled substance access or working under supervision
Reinstatement is possible—but the process is detailed, and success often depends on the quality of your application and supporting evidence, as well as whether you have strong legal representation.
Call Attorney Danielle Sanger For A Free Consultation
If you’re a Kansas nurse struggling with substance use or facing a Board investigation, you don’t have to face it alone. Early action, treatment, and the right legal guidance can make the difference between losing your license and returning to safe, professional practice.
📞 Call Sanger Law Office, LLC today for a free consultation:
(785) 979-4353 for Kansas
(816) 520-8040 for Missouri
We are committed to helping nurses protect their licenses and rebuild their careers with dignity, support, and a solid legal defense.