Ten Ways to Lose your Nursing License in Kansas & Missouri

There are many different ways that your nursing license may be in jeopardy in Kansas or Missouri, some of which are fairly transparent and others that may take practitioners by surprise.  Although there are specific issues that arise under the Kansas State Board of Licensing or the Missouri State Board of Nursing, these are some behaviors that may lead to a disciplinary action:

  1. A nurse who is addicted to a prescription pain medication or other drug may be permitted to attend therapy and recovery programs while the licensing board suspends his or her license.  However, if the selected program does not have the proper accreditation, the Board may not reinstate the license, even after completion of treatment.
  2. Stealing drugs, regardless of the reason, will put your license in jeopardy and may lead to criminal charges.
  3. Assuming the identity of another licensed nurse.  Using someone else’s credentials to obtain a license will result in a permanent mark on your record.
  4. Conducting mail fraud of any type, regardless of whether it had to do with your nursing career, may provide the basis for the suspension of your license.
  5. Providing a fake license for any reason may lead to revocation of your license or the inability to ever obtain a license going forward.
  6. Demonstrating unprofessional conduct in the workplace.  This may range from using profane language in front of patients and colleagues to engaging in a sexual relationship with a supervisor in violation of the policies of the healthcare facility.  The severity of the transgression will determine whether the punishment is merely a warning up to the revocation of the license.
  7. Falsification of patients’ records.  A nurse’s license may be revoked if he or she alters or fails to record information in a patient’s record.  This type of behavior can lead to severe harm to the patient, which is the reason why the consequences are so dire.
  8. Neglecting or abusing a patient. Unfortunately, this behavior happens more than people would like to believe, harming the patient as well as his friends and family.  Therefore, it is severely punished.
  9. Violating probation from a previous offense and disciplinary action.  Failing to meet the terms of probation from a prior violation may result in the revocation of a nurse’s license.  This is done because probation is viewed as a second chance and the failure to take advantage of this opportunity may cause the relevant board to exercise its full authority in handing down punishment.
  10. Engaging in inappropriate behavior in a public or highly visible forum. Although this may be grouped with unprofessional conduct in some instances, any action on the part of a nurse that is seen to be in conflict with standards of behavior in the workplace may lead to disciplinary action.  This may include posing for naked photographs that are then published or participating in pornographic activities online.

There are many actions that may trigger a disciplinary action and have long-term consequences for a nurse’s license.  It is important to contact an experienced professional license defense attorney as soon as you learn about a possible investigation into your behavior.

The Sanger Law Office Offers a Free and Confidential Initial Consultation

Having worked so hard for your professional nursing license, it is imperative that you do everything possible to protect it if you are accused of a licensing violation or if you suspect that you may face a disciplinary action.  The experienced legal advice of Danielle Sanger at the Sanger Law Office can make the difference in your professional future.  With extensive experience as both a nursing license defense attorney as well as a prosecutor, Ms. Sanger has the skills to evaluate your case and arrive at the best possible legal solution for you.  To schedule a free and confidential initial consultation, please contact attorney Danielle Sanger now at (785) 979-4353.

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