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Investigation and Disciplinary Process

​​​​​This page contains information on the following:

  • Information about filing a complaint regarding the conduct of a nurse, dialysis technician, or licensed certified professional midwife
  • Information about violations of law regarding nurses, dialysis technicians, and licensed certified professional midwives
  • Information regarding the investigation and disciplinary process
  • Information regarding the mandatory reporting of convictions
  • Available public reports related to investigations and discipline

Information About Filing a Complaint

Information About Violations

Violat​ions of law that fall within the purview of the KBN discipline process are listed in KRS 314, 201 KAR 20, and other applicable sections of federal and state law. Some of the more commonly investigated violations are located at

Investigation and Disciplinary Process

Visit the KBN Document Library to locate the following brochures using the below key words:

Mandatory Reporting of Convictions

KRS 314.109 requires any person under the jurisdiction of the board to

  • Report within ninety (90) days of entry of an order or judgment in writing the following
    • Any misdemeanor or felony criminal conviction
    • Traffic related misdemeanors should not be reported unless they involve operating a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Convictions for operating a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol must be reported.
    • This applies to convictions obtained in Kentucky or in any other jurisdiction.
  • The person shall submit a certified or attested copy of the order and a letter of explanation.
  • Per KRS 314.011(21) conviction includes conditional discharge, a guilty plea pursuant to pretrial diversion, pleading no contest, nolo contender, or entered an Alford plea.
  • For more information about reporting convictions visit the KBN Document Library or Download the Mandatory Reporting of Criminal Convictions file​.

Available Public Reports Related to Investigations and Discipline

The following reports are available to the public:

Consumer Protection Frequently Asked Questions



The following reports list individuals against whom an Immediate Temporary Suspension has been ordered:

Immediate Temporary Suspensions may be issued for the following reasons:

  • For public protection (KRS 314.089)
  • For failure to pay a license fee (KRS 314.075)
  • For failure to pay court ordered child support (KRS 205.712)
  • For failure to comply with a request for a Board ordered evaluation (KRS 314.085)

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​The letter of response is an opportunity for the applicant/licensee to explain what occurred.  It should be typed or legibly handwritten.  The letter must be notarized and returned to the Board within 30 days of receiving a copy of the complaint and letter requesting the letter of response.  (201 KAR 20:161)

We recommend that an APRN begin the process of recertification at least ninety days prior to the expiration date. APRNs can submit their renewal applications to their certifying organization as early as one year prior to the certification expiration date. Allow sufficient time for the recertification to be processed by the certifying organization. The recertification must be issued and provided to the KBN prior to the expiration of the certification date on file with the KBN.

An APRN can determine the expiration da​te that is on file with the KBN by reviewing their information at the online validation License Verification Portal​ ​​​on the KBN webpage.​​​​​​

​201 KAR 20:056, Section 7(2)(b)(1) states “[a]n APRN who does not provide evidence of current certification or recertification prior to its expiration date shall have the APRN license voided.”  Proof of recertification must be provided to the Kentucky Board of Nursing prior to the expiration date of the certification that is on file.

  • a wall certificate
  • wallet card
  • certification letter
  • email or certifying body online validation
  • The membership card is NOT accepted as proof of recertification.

​Proof of recertification should be uploaded to the Kentucky Board of Nursing Nurse portal​​

It is illegal for any person in the Commonwealth of Kentucky to represent or hold herself or himself out to the public to be a nurse, licensed certified professional midwife, or dialysis technician without having obtained the proper license or credential.  

The following report lists individuals that have either applied for a nursing position, have been employed as a nurse in Kentucky, or used the title of nurse.  KBN records indicate that these individuals have never been licensed in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.  Records concerning LCPMs or DTs are available by contacting the KBN.
If you have any information about an individual who may be holding themselves out as a nurse, licensed certified professional midwife, or dialysis technician who is not licensed or credentialed, a KBN complaint form should be submitted with relevant information.

Some examples of imposters include

  • An unlicensed person who poses as a nurse and who may subsequently practice nursing.
  • A person who gains licensure based on fraudulent credentials.  
  • A person who steals the identity of another licensed nurse and practices. 
  • A person who is licensed in one capacity and alters their credentials to practice in another capacity (i.e. LPN represents himself/herself as RN).


Information regarding the status of a nurse, licensed certified professional midwife, state registered nurse aide, or dialysis technician can be located at the KBN online validation License Verification Portal​.

Information regarding the status of a nurse, including an LPN or RN multi-state license can be located on the NCSBN website Nursys.

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​Yes, the KBN can subpoena records to assist them in evaluating a complaint received.

KRS 314.091(3) allows the KBN to "issue subpoenas to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of documents in the conduct of an investigation. The subpoenas may be enforced by the Circuit Court as for contempt. Any order or subpoena of the court requiring the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of documentary evidence may be enforced and shall be valid anywhere in this state."

Subpoenaed information where a copy of the record and not an original record is provided in response should contain a Certification of Records Form to be completed by the business or facility complying with the subpoena.  See the KBN Document Library and use the search term ((Certification of Records)) to obtain the certification of records form.

Pursuant to 45 CFR 164.512 the Kentucky Board of Nursing is a Health Oversight Agency engaged in oversight activities authorized by law.  Consequently, the patient authorization requirements of HIPAA do not apply to KBN.


​Kentucky is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact, which grants the privilege to practice in compact states to LPNs and RNs who hold a multi-state/compact license in their primary state of residence. 

If a nurse is working in Kentucky with their multi-state/compact license and a complaint is received against them, the KBN will contact the nurse's home state (compact state of licensure).   The nurse's "privilege to practice" in Kentucky is disciplined the same as if the nurse held licensure in Kentucky.  All disciplinary actions will continue to be public record and will be reported on the KBN website, in the KBN Connection, and reported to Nursys (NCSBN's disciplinary databank system).

Some Important Facts

  • Factual findings in disciplinary cases will be shared among compact states.
  • A licensee who is under a disciplinary order or agreement that limits practice, requires monitoring, or has an agreement with an alternative program may not work in a remote state without prior written approval of both states.
  • KBN will provide investigative and disciplinary information to Nursys, which is the National Council of State Boards of Nursing comprehensive national database of nurse licensure information.  The public may access Nursys.

Document Library

All KBN documents and forms can now be found in our Document Library.

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