Judge throws out disciplinary action against Kansas nurse over dementia speeches

WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) - A Kansas nurse has her license intact after a judge threw out a disciplinary action against her by the Kansas State Board of Nursing.

Amy Siple’s nursing license lapsed in 2024 while she was caring for her husband with cancer. She was not working as a nurse but gave speeches on dementia.

The Kansas State Board of Nursing said those speeches count as practicing nursing. Labeling her conduct unprofessional, the state board placed her on the same national database used for nurses guilty of sexual assault.

Siple filed a lawsuit against the board, claiming they violated her right to free speech and effectively ruined her career.

“What was really moving was nurses who hadn’t been affected coming out to help us. They’re putting themselves at risk by taking a stand,” said Siple, a nurse practitioner and author.

Siple says she is writing a book about her experience and hopes it can help others fight similar injustices.