Oregon Nursing Board (OSBN)

Do you need to consult with an attorney regarding your nursing license or other professional licensing matter? Call (503) 232-9280 to schedule a free consultation with a nurses attorney.

The mission of the Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN) is to “safeguard the public’s health and well-being.” The nursing board does this by issuing licenses to nurses, providing continuing education for nurses, and responding to complaints about nurses.

Anyone can file a complaint with the Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN) – a patient, a caregiver, a family member or friend, an employer, a state agency, a co-worker – and complaints are anonymous.

Also known as an allegation or accusation, once a complaint has been filed with the OSBN, the nursing board then automatically begins their investigation.

That investigation, which might seem innocuous at first, has the potential to turn a nurse’s life completely upside down, potentially impacting employment, career, and their livelihood.

Investigations are conducted by OSBN staff investigators. The role of the investigator is to determine if there is valid concern about the nurse’s practice or conduct. In the course of the investigation, the OSBN will generally conduct interviews and review documents (such as patient records, personnel records, court records, and/or police reports).

Complaints against nurses can be filed for many reasons, including: negligence, incompetence, nursing license fraud, alcohol or drug abuse, sexual misconduct, mental illness, and unprofessional conduct.

The state board of nursing can take disciplinary action against a nurse, ranging from a reprimand to license suspension or license revocation. The details of an investigation leading up to disciplinary action or sanctions are not public information, but the disciplinary actions or sanctions taken against a nurse are public.

If you’ve been notified by the Oregon State Board of Nursing that a complaint has been filed against you, please call our office immediately.

Kevin Keaney is not only an attorney, but he was also a practicing nurse for more than four years. Kevin has experience in nursing license defense, is a member of TAANA (American Association of Nurses Attorneys).

For information on your legal rights and the OSBN, call us at (503) 232-9280, or e-mail .

Please make note: Kevin Keaney, P.C. Provides legal representation for nurses in both Oregon and Washington. If you live outside of Oregon or Washington but have concerns from your previous work in those states, we can help too.  We also represent nurses in Texas.

Kevin Keaney is an attorney who helps nurses defend their license in Texas, as well as Oregon and Washington.

For license reactivation information in Oregon click here