Indiana Professional License FAQ

Licensed professionals, whatever their area of practice, spend years obtaining the required knowledge, skills, and experience to practice in a specialized field. These occupations are regulated under Indiana law and administrative code. Whether you are just starting training in a profession that requires a license or are a long-time practitioner facing disciplinary action, you are sure to have questions about professional licensure. Here, the Indiana professional license defense attorneys of Keffer Hirschauer LLP answer common questions about professional licensure in Indiana.

Indiana Professional License Defense and General Questions

From the laws and regulatory bodies that govern professional licensing in Indiana to the basics of Indiana professional license renewal, disputes, and disciplinary action, this resource provides answers to common questions you hear as an Indianapolis professional license lawyer like those at Keffer Hirschauer LLP.

Please note that general Q&A can be helpful but cannot replace the guidance and representation of a skilled and knowledgeable Indiana professional license defense attorney. If you are facing disciplinary action or potential suspension or revocation of your license, we highly recommend that you reach out to an Indiana professional license lawyer at Keffer Hirschauer LLP to discuss the specifics of your case and get the legal guidance and representation you need.

What laws govern professional licensing in Indiana?

Title 25 of the Indiana Code governs professional licensure in the state. Articles 0.5 and 1 contain general provisions for all professions while articles 2.1 through 42 contain provisions for specific professions. As authorized by Indiana law, the boards, commissions, and committees responsible for oversight of various professional services have drafted rules for their respective fields of practice. These rules are included in various sections of the Indiana Administrative Code.

What is the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency?

The Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (PLA) works in conjunction with the Office of the Indiana Attorney General (AG) and the state professional boards, commissions, and committees to provide a standard system for licensing, regulation, and discipline within the various professional groups. The PLA provides support to the boards, commissions, and committees as well as administration, maintenance, and tracking mechanisms for licenses and continuing education.

Who administers professional licenses in Indiana?

Regulated professions in Indiana operate under the supervision of the various boards, commissions, and committees created for the purpose of maintaining professional standards and protecting consumers. In coordination with the PLA and the AG, the governing boards, commissions, and committees develop rules of conduct, administer examinations for licensure and certification, oversee licensing, hear complaints, and discipline licensed professionals as appropriate under the law.

How do I obtain a professional license in Indiana?

The requirements to obtain professional licensure in Indiana vary by field and are set by the board, commission, or committee tasked with oversight of that profession. Many professional license applications may be completed and submitted online via the Indiana Licensing Enterprise system, though some boards, commissions, or committees may require the completion and submission of hard-copy forms.

What kinds of professionals must be licensed in Indiana?

Many professions in Indiana are regulated by the government and practitioners and business owners in these fields must have various licenses, certifications, and permits. Professions that require some form of licensure or certification include, but are not limited to:

Do I need a professional corporation or business license?

In addition to the licensing requirements for practitioners, some professional businesses in Indiana must register with the state as a specific kind of business entity, obtain additional licensing or permits for the business or facility, and meet specific standards. If you own or operate a business that is regulated under Indiana law, it is critical that you understand the licensing and other requirements that are in place.

Failure to obtain all necessary licensing and permits or to meet standards set by your governing board, commission, or committee can have serious consequences. An Indiana professional license defense attorney at Keffer Hirschauer LLP can help you evaluate and meet all requirements to establish and maintain your professional company under Indiana law.

Does Indiana issue temporary professional licenses?

Depending on the field, some professionals in Indiana may obtain a temporary license to practice. To determine if you may qualify for a temporary license or permit, review the details of your specific profession or contact an Indianapolis professional license lawyer at Keffer Hirschauer LLP for assistance.

How can I check the status of my application for an Indiana professional license?

If you applied for professional licensure or certification online through the PLA, you may check your application status and view completed or pending items on the PLA website.

How do I renew my Indiana professional license?

The process for Indiana professional license renewal is often very simple as long as you have met all requirements and kept appropriate records. Most professional licenses in Indiana can be renewed online via the PLA website. Professionals can also use this portal to update their contact information as needed. Other services, such as online ordering of your license card or requesting digital certification can also be completed on the PLA’s website.

Can I renew an expired Indiana professional license?

Renewing or reinstating a professional license that has expired can be more complex than a simple license renewal prior to expiration. The boards, commissions, and committees governing various professions set rules for license renewal and timeframes for renewing an expired license with or without additional examinations. If your professional license or certification has expired and you are having difficulty reestablishing it, contact the Indiana professional license defense attorneys at Keffer Hirschauer LLP to see how we can help

Who can file a complaint against a licensed professional in Indiana?

Any consumer may file a complaint against a licensed professional in Indiana. Colleagues or professional associates or the regulatory board, commission, or committee (a single member or the entire group) may also file complaints. Complaints against licensed professionals in Indiana may be filed with the PLA or the Indiana AG.

On what grounds can a complaint be filed against a licensed professional in Indiana?

Any allegation of breach of professional standards or unethical activity can be grounds for filing a complaint against a licensed professional. Common causes of complaints against licensed professionals in Indiana include allegations regarding professional and personal conduct, including:

• Claims that an individual is not qualified or obtained licensure under fraudulent terms
• Allegations of violations of professional standards set forth by the governing board or Indiana law
• Alleged violations or convictions for violations of state laws or regulations unrelated to the profession
• Failure to pay property taxes or child support

What happens when a complaint is filed against a licensed professional in Indiana?

When a claim is filed against a licensed professional in Indiana, the professional receives notice of the allegations and has the opportunity to file a written response. The Consumer Protection Division of the Office of the Indiana Attorney General reviews the claim and the response and determines whether the claim should proceed to the responsible board, commission, or committee for prosecution or settlement of the claim. If a settlement does not occur, the Consumer Protection Division completes its investigation. If the Division determines that prosecution is appropriate, it refers the complaint and that recommendation to the AG. The AG has discretion whether to prosecute unless the governing body has voted unanimously for prosecution.

Prosecuted complaints are scheduled for a public hearing before the governing board, commission, or committee or its designee, usually an administrative law judge (ALJ). Based on the evidence submitted at the hearing, the governing body or ALJ determines whether or not professional or ethical standards were breached and if so, dictates the consequences for the violation.

From the initial response to possible appeal of findings, the counsel and representation of an experienced Indiana professional license defense attorney can make a significant difference in the results of a claim filed against a licensed professional in Indiana.

What disciplinary actions can be implemented against professional licensees in Indiana?

Disciplinary actions against a licensed professional determined to be in violation of ethical or professional standards can range from inconvenient to life-altering. The possibilities include:

• Reprimands
• Censure
• Fines up to $1,000 per violation
• Probation
• License suspension
• License revocation

Some causes of claims against licensed professionals in Indiana can also be grounds for professional liability or malpractice cases or even criminal charges. When you work with an Indianapolis professional license lawyer at Keffer Hirschauer LLP, you also get an attorney who is knowledgeable about liability matters and skilled in criminal defense.

What can I do if my Indiana professional license is suspended or revoked?

A licensed professional who disagrees with a decision resulting in license suspension or revocation has the right to appeal the decision. At this stage, it is vital that professionals enlist the services of an Indiana professional license defense attorney to ensure the process is handled properly and the appeal is not squandered.

What does a professional license defense attorney do?

An experienced Indiana professional license defense attorney can provide assistance at various stages of the complaint process though it is ideal to seek counsel as soon as possible. A professional license defense lawyer in Indiana can:

• Review the complaint against you
• Investigate and gather evidence
• Draft and file a response to a complaint
• Craft a strategy for your defense
• Negotiate a settlement
• Review and respond to documentation and correspondence from the board, commission, or committee; the PLA; or the AG
• Appear on your behalf and defend you in hearings and proceedings
• File and administer appeals on your behalf

How do I find a good professional license defense lawyer in Indiana?

When your professional license is at risk, you need a skilled litigator with deep knowledge of professional license defense and all related areas of the law. You worked many years to achieve your goals. Likewise, you can trust that your Indiana professional license defense attorney at Keffer Hirschauer LLP has applied the same determination and hard work to his or her practice of the law in general and professional license defense in particular. When you need help with professional license defense, contact an Indianapolis professional license lawyer at Keffer Hirschauer LLP for a free consultation by calling (317) 857-0160 or completing the firm’s online contact form.