What Happens After a Patient Files a Complaint Against You in Missouri?
Understanding the Nursing Board’s Process and Protecting Your License from the Start
As a licensed nurse in Missouri, receiving notice that a patient has filed a complaint against you can feel like your entire career is in jeopardy. Even if the claim is unfounded or exaggerated, the Missouri State Board of Nursing is obligated to investigate, and how you respond in those early stages can make all the difference.
At Sanger Law Office, LLC, we help Missouri nurses defend their licenses and reputations. This guide explains what to expect when a complaint is filed, how the Board processes it, and what you should (and should not) do once you’re notified.
Step 1: A Complaint Is Filed with the Missouri State Board of Nursing
Anyone—a patient, family member, coworker, employer, or even a member of the public—can submit a complaint to the Missouri State Board of Nursing (BON). Complaints often involve allegations such as:
- Medication errors
- Unprofessional conduct
- Negligent or substandard care
- Patient abandonment
- Breach of confidentiality or HIPAA
- Impairment or substance use
- Boundary violations
The complaint doesn’t need to be proven before triggering a Board review. If the BON determines the issue falls within its authority, it opens a formal investigation.
Step 2: You’re Notified of the Complaint
You will receive written notice that a complaint has been filed against you. This notice will typically include:
- A summary of the allegations
- A request for your written response
- A deadline for responding—usually within 30 days
At this point, do not panic—but do not ignore the letter. You are legally required to respond, and failure to do so can result in disciplinary action, even if the complaint itself is dismissed later.
Step 3: The Investigation Begins
Once your response is submitted, the Board will begin gathering facts. This includes:
- Reviewing patient records and charting
- Interviewing the complainant and witnesses
- Consulting your employer, supervisor, or facility HR
- Reviewing your employment file, prior discipline, and Board history
- Evaluating your written response and supporting documents
This investigation is not public, but it is formal and serious. Anything you submit or say can be used against you.
What You Should Do Immediately
1. Contact a Nursing License Defense Attorney
An experienced Missouri nursing license defense attorney can help you:
- Draft your written response
- Review the complaint and identify risks
- Collect supporting documents and witness statements
- Protect you from self-incrimination or missteps during the process
2. Avoid Contacting the Complainant or Witnesses
Do not try to “clear the air” or confront the person who filed the complaint. This can be misinterpreted as retaliation or intimidation.
3. Gather Your Records and Documentation
Pull together your patient notes, shift reports, evaluations, and any communication related to the incident. Your lawyer will review these materials to build your defense.
4. Remain Professional at Work
Even if you’re under investigation, you may still be able to work. Avoid discussing the complaint with coworkers and continue to perform your duties with care.
Possible Outcomes of the Investigation
Once the investigation concludes, the Board may:
- Close the case with no action
- Issue a letter of concern or warning
- Offer a settlement (e.g., probation or CE requirements)
- File formal charges and schedule a disciplinary hearing
- Refer the case for criminal prosecution, in extreme situations
If the matter proceeds to a hearing, you have the right to present evidence, call witnesses, and be represented by counsel. The hearing could result in:
- Reprimand or censure
- Probation with supervision
- License suspension or revocation
- Dismissal of the case
Your attorney will help prepare you and represent you at all stages.
What You Should Never Do
- Don’t submit a rushed or emotional response. Everything you say will be evaluated carefully. Always write under the guidance of your attorney.
- Don’t assume the Board will “see your side.” Their role is to protect the public—not to advocate for you.
- Don’t assume your employer’s legal team is protecting you. Their interests may differ from yours.
- Don’t ignore deadlines or correspondence. Inaction can lead to license restrictions or suspension.
- Don’t delete emails, texts, or documentation. This can be seen as evidence tampering.
How Sanger Law Office, LLC Can Help
At Sanger Law Office, LLC, we represent Missouri nurses from the moment a complaint is filed through the conclusion of the case. Our legal team can:
- Analyze the complaint and identify weak points
- Prepare a detailed, legally sound written response
- Collect evidence and contact favorable witnesses
- Represent you in all communications with the Board
- Negotiate settlements or alternative resolutions
- Appear with you at hearings or license reinstatement proceedings
With decades of experience defending nurses across Missouri, we understand how the Board thinks—and how to protect your career at every step.
Call to Action
If you’ve been notified of a patient complaint filed with the Missouri State Board of Nursing, don’t wait until it escalates. Your license—and your future—are worth defending from the start.
📞 Call Sanger Law Office, LLC today for a free consultation:
(816) 520-8040 for Missouri
(785) 979-4353 for Kansas
We’re here to help you respond strategically, protect your license, and move forward with your career.