Several professional license types are currently eligible for renewal, including Physician, Osteopathic Physician, Registered Nurse, Advance Practice Registered Nurse, Nurse Midwife, and affiliated Controlled Substance Registrations. These specific license types and registrations typically expire on October 31st of odd-numbered years. However, pursuant to Executive Order 21-27, the renewal period for these specific license types has been extended to November 30, 2021.
While the renewal process is fairly straightforward and can now be easily done online, the process can become more complicated if you have been disciplined in your scope of practice as a health care professional, been arrested or convicted of a crime (even a misdemeanor), or had a malpractice judgment or settlement against you since you last renewed. You are asked specifically about this on the Renewal Form. If you answer “Yes” to any of the disciplinary questions, you are required to send a detailed explanation regarding why you made a positive response on the Renewal Form. Also, it is very likely you will be required to appear in front of the respective board or committee for a “Personal Appearance” to explain why you answered “Yes” on your Renewal Form.
Whether you are in the process of renewing or have already submitted your Renewal Form and have received notice to appear for a Personal Appearance, it is important to keep in mind the following:
- DO read your Renewal Form carefully.
- DO be mindful of renewal deadlines and submit everything in a timely fashion.
- DO contact Indiana’s Professional Licensing Agency (IPLA) with any questions.
- DO consult with counsel if you are not certain whether you should disclose something on your Renewal Form.
- DO consult with counsel if you need assistance with your positive response explanation and supporting documentation.
- DO consult with counsel if you are required to appear in front of the board or committee.
- DO request a continuance from the IPLA if you receive short notice about your Personal Appearance and do not have time to prepare or seek advice of counsel prior to the appearance.
- DON’T fail to provide a detailed explanation and supporting documentation if you answer “Yes” on your Renewal Form.
- DON’T fail to disclose something that should be disclosed on your Renewal Form.
- DON’T ignore the notice to appear, fail to show up, or show up unprepared for a Personal Appearance.
Why these matter
Whether and what you disclose on your Renewal Form can have serious implications for your professional license. If you answer “No” to a question that should be answered “Yes,” you technically committed renewal fraud pursuant to Ind. Code § 25-1-9-4(a)(1)(A) (even if you did not knowingly do so) and can be subject to discipline including a fine up to $1,000.
A Personal Appearance in front of your profession’s board or committee, likewise, can have serious implications for your professional license. There are several potential outcomes when you are called to appear for a Personal Appearance. The board or committee can renew your license free & clear after your Personal Appearance (which is the best outcome), but the board or committee also has the ability to deny your renewal application or renew your license on probation or with other disciplinary terms.
If you need assistance with your license renewal or a Personal Appearance in front of one of Indiana’s health-related boards or committees, please contact Jennifer L. Strange at jstrange@dsvlaw.com or another member of DSV’s Health Care Services Group.
***The information contained on this website is for informational purposes and is not intended as formal legal advice and cannot be relied upon as such. No attorney client relationship is established or intended as a result of the information contained on this website.***