Kansas nurses warn licensing board’s rules leave them vulnerable to career-ending penalties

Editor's Note

Nurses in Kansas are raising alarms that the state’s licensing system is punishing them for minor mistakes and lapses, leaving many unable to work, according to a series of reports by KWCH between August 27 and September 12. Lawmakers are now pressing the Kansas State Board of Nursing (KSBN) to overhaul its rules amid mounting stories of nurses losing their livelihoods over technical missteps.

At a September 9 legislative hearing, dozens of nurses testified that clerical errors—such as clicking the wrong box on a renewal application or missing a deadline by days—led to charges of “unprofessional conduct.” Many reported being pressured into signing consent agreements that function like guilty pleas, records that follow them throughout their careers. Lawmakers questioned board leaders about creating a license renewal grace period, though the board stopped short of promising change. Some legislators threatened to withhold funding unless reforms are made, while others proposed using special funds to reimburse nurses penalized unfairly.

One case has gotten attention: nurse practitioner Amy Siple’s license expired for 6 months while she cared for her husband with cancer. During that period, she gave dementia-focused talks at conferences and senior centers, as well as free advice to families of patients. The board ruled these activities amounted to practicing without a license and labeled her actions “unprofessional conduct,” the same designation used in cases of patient abuse. Siple contends her talks were protected free speech and has vowed to appeal, saying the punishment amounts to “public shaming” and will make her unemployable.

Siple’s fight has galvanized lawmakers, with several calling the board’s approach punitive and disproportionate. A select committee is now reviewing whether statutory changes, such as grace periods and tighter guardrails on disciplinary authority, are needed to protect nurses from career-ending sanctions over technical oversights.