When the Board Orders a Psychological Evaluation: What Missouri Nurses Should Expect
The Missouri State Board of Nursing (MSBN) may order a psychological or psychiatric evaluation under RSMo § 335.066(8) whenever there’s concern about a nurse’s emotional stability, judgment, or ability to practice safely. These evaluations are serious because their findings often decide whether you keep your license, face probation, or are suspended outright.
As a Missouri Nursing License Defense Lawyer, I’ve represented nurses across Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield, Columbia, and Jefferson City who were blindsided by these orders. Most are not based on a single event but a pattern—erratic attendance, workplace conflict, or substance-related allegations. In some cases, even an employer’s vague complaint of “emotional instability” can trigger mandatory testing.
Understanding the Evaluation Process
Once ordered, you’ll receive a letter specifying the evaluation requirements—who conducts it, what must be reviewed, and the submission timeline. The evaluator, typically a licensed psychologist approved by the Board, will assess your history, stress management, and any mental-health treatment. The final report goes directly to the Board and becomes official evidence in your case.
Unfortunately, nurses often walk into these evaluations unprepared. Evaluators are not your treating clinicians—they are assessing potential risk. Statements about stress, fatigue, or medication can be misinterpreted as signs of impairment. Legal preparation ensures you know what to expect and how to communicate clearly without exaggerating or minimizing concerns.
Why Legal Representation Matters
An attorney ensures the evaluator selection is neutral and that your rights are protected throughout the process. We verify the scope of the exam, confirm that questions remain relevant to professional capacity, and request copies of all reports. If the Board relies on flawed findings, we challenge their admissibility at hearing.
A fair evaluation can actually help you. If it shows you’re mentally stable and compliant with treatment, the Board may drop the matter entirely. If issues exist, we can propose supportive interventions—therapy, medication monitoring, or workload adjustments—before harsher discipline is imposed.
Call Us For a Free Consultation
If you’ve been ordered to undergo a psychological or psychiatric evaluation by the MSBN, call Sanger Law Office, LLC at (816) 520-8040. We help Missouri nurses protect their licenses and their reputations during mental-health-related investigations.