In celebration of Nurse Practitioner Week, we are providing the Arkansas State Board of Nursing Anonymous Q/A to all Arkansas nurse practitioners this week. We hope you enjoy this member only benefit. If you are not a member of ANPA, now is a great time join using discount code “NPWeek24” through the end of Novembe  

Why are people allowed to submit anonymous complaints on nurses and nurse practitioners? Anyone can submit a complaint... it isn't right that nurses can be reported falsely but still have to endure the stress of going through an investigation. If someone has a legit complaint then they will not care to submit their name .

Being under Board investigation is a stressful time whether the complaint is from an anonymous or a known source. I understand it is frustrating when the complaint is anonymous and, yes, many times the anonymous complaints turn out to be unsubstantiated. However, many very serious cases have started from anonymous complaints which is why we take all complaints seriously. Complainants can have many reasons why they do not want their name to be known when submitting complaints on nurses. Fear of retaliation and working/living in small communities are a couple of the reasons people may choose to file anonymous complaints. Not reporting known violations of the Nurse Practice Act is also a violation of the Nurse Practice Act, so keep that in mind. 

Shannon McKinney, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, RNC-OB

Assistant Director for Advanced Practice

Arkansas State Board of Nursing