Getting contacted by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN) can feel like your whole world just flipped upside down. Whether it’s a formal complaint, an investigation notice, or even a phone call from an investigator—you need to take it seriously.
But don’t panic. Thousands of nurses have been through this—and many have come out stronger.
Here’s what to do next to protect your license and your career.
1. ❗ Don’t Ignore It or Delay Your Response
Even if the complaint seems minor or false, you must respond. The ASBN assigns deadlines, and if you miss one, you could lose your license without even having a hearing.
✅ Tip: Keep the envelope, log the date you received it, and write down your response deadline.
2. 🚫 Don’t Call the Board Without a Lawyer
It’s tempting to explain the situation or clear your name. But the Board isn’t there to help you—they’re there to investigate potential violations.
What you say may be:
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Misunderstood
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Documented
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Used against you later
🎯 The best move? Talk to a nurse license defense attorney before responding. Learn how the timeline works here.
3. 📵 Don’t Discuss It at Work or Online
Anything you say—even in private messages—can come back to haunt you. Avoid:
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Posting on nursing forums or social media
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Talking to coworkers
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Texting details to friends
Even seemingly harmless comments can be misinterpreted or reported.
4. 📁 Start Gathering Documents for Your Attorney
While waiting for your legal consult, start collecting:
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The complaint or letter you received
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Your timeline of events (include dates, shifts, names)
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Relevant texts, emails, or notes
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Evaluations or HR records (if you have legal access)
🚫 Do NOT send anything to the Board until your lawyer approves it.
5. ⚖️ Hire a Nurse License Defense Attorney
This is not the time to go it alone. A skilled attorney will:
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Draft your written response
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Communicate directly with the Board
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Guide you through interviews, hearings, and negotiations
🎓 Bonus: An experienced lawyer doesn’t just handle hearings—they also help with background issues, NCLEX delays, and criminal matters that impact licensure.
📞 Contact our office now for a confidential consultation.
6. 🔄 Understand What Comes Next
The Board’s investigation may take months—or longer. You might not hear anything for a while after your response.
Next steps may include:
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Requests for more documents
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Interviews with others
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Review at the next quarterly Board meeting
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Dismissal, Consent Agreement, or Hearing
📖 Read more: How Long Does a Nursing License Investigation Take in Arkansas
🔒 You’re Not Alone—And You’re Not Powerless
Most nurses don’t know what to do when they get that first Board letter. But acting quickly, staying silent, and getting the right attorney can make all the difference.
Don’t try to navigate it on your own. Protect your license—and your future.