Effective 28 Aug 2007

335.068. Complaints to be sealed records, when. — 1. If the board determines that a complaint does not constitute a violation of the nursing practice act or that the complaint is unsubstantiated, then that complaint, and all documentation related to it, shall be deemed a sealed record. If the administrative hearing commission or a court of competent jurisdiction makes a finding that an action brought by the board does not constitute sufficient grounds to discipline the license of a licensee, that complaint, and all documentation related to it, shall be deemed a sealed record.

2. For purposes of this section, a "sealed record" shall mean that the complaint to which it refers shall be deemed to never have occurred. The licensee may properly reply that no record exists with respect to such complaint upon any inquiry in the matter. A sealed record shall not be disclosed or reported to any other state agency, other board of nursing, or any other organization without express, written permission of the licensee.

3. Upon determination by the board that a complaint is not a violation of the nursing practice act or that the complaint is unsubstantiated, or upon the conclusion of litigation resulting in a finding of insufficient grounds to impose discipline upon a licensee's license, the board and the division of professional registration shall, in a timely fashion:

(1) Notify any other licensing board in another state or any national registry regarding the board's action if they have been previously notified of the complaint; and

(2) Send a letter to the licensee that clearly states that the board found the complaint to be unsubstantiated or that litigation resulted in a finding that there are insufficient grounds to discipline the licensee's license, that the board has sealed all records concerning the complaint, and notify the licensee of the provisions of subsection 4 of this section.

4. Any person who has been the subject of an unsubstantiated complaint as provided in subsection 1 of this section shall not be required to disclose the existence of such complaint in subsequent applications or representations relating to their nursing professions.

5. Nothing contained in this section shall prevent the board of nursing from maintaining such records as to ensure that all complaints received by the board are properly investigated and reviewed by the board and the results of that investigation are reported to the appropriate parties.

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(L. 1999 H.B. 343, A.L. 2007 H.B. 780 merged with S.B. 308)