Can a Criminal Charge Jeopardize Your Indiana Nursing License?

Written By Nathan Vining

Introduction: How Criminal Charges Affect Your Nursing Career

If you're a nurse in Indiana, a criminal charge—whether it results in a conviction or not—can put your license at risk. The Indiana State Board of Nursing has strict regulations for moral character and professional conduct, and even a minor offense can lead to disciplinary action.

If you're facing arrest, criminal charges, or an investigation, it's critical to understand:
✔ How arrests and convictions impact your nursing license
✔ What types of offenses trigger disciplinary action
✔ Whether you must report charges to the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (IPLA)
✔ What to do if you're facing a complaint or investigation
✔ How an attorney can help protect your license and career

📞 Charged with a crime? Protect your nursing license—call Vining Legal LLC at (317) 759-3225 or schedule a consultation today.

How Criminal Charges Impact a Nursing License in Indiana

🚨 A criminal charge can result in:
✔ License suspension or revocation
✔ Denial of license renewal
✔ Disciplinary action, including fines and probation
✔ Loss of job opportunities in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings

📌 TIP: Even if your charges are dismissed or reduced, the Indiana Board of Nursing can still take disciplinary action.

➡ Related Read: Learn what happens if you're charged with a crime you didn’t commit.

What Offenses Can Trigger Disciplinary Action?

The Indiana State Board of Nursing investigates nurses for offenses that question their moral character or ability to provide safe patient care.

Criminal Offenses That Could Impact Your License:

Drug & Alcohol Offenses:

  • DUI/OWI (Operating While Intoxicated)

  • Prescription fraud

  • Drug possession or distribution

Violent Crimes:

  • Domestic battery

  • Assault

  • Child abuse or neglect

Fraud & Theft:

  • Medicaid/Medicare fraud

  • Identity theft

  • Shoplifting or financial crimes

📌 TIP: Even a plea deal that reduces a felony to a misdemeanor can still be grounds for disciplinary action.

Do You Have to Report Criminal Charges to the Indiana Board of Nursing?

🚨 Yes, in most cases.

Nurses in Indiana must report:
✔ Any felony charges or convictions
✔ Misdemeanor charges related to patient care, substance abuse, or moral character
✔ Any arrests that lead to professional discipline

📌 TIP: Failure to self-report may result in automatic suspension or denial of renewal.

What Happens If You Face a Complaint or Investigation?

🚨 If a complaint is filed against you, the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (IPLA) may:
✔ Conduct an investigation into your charges
✔ Suspend or restrict your license while the case is pending
✔ Require a hearing before the Indiana State Board of Nursing

How to Protect Your License During an Investigation:

✔ Do NOT ignore board letters or hearing notices.
✔ Hire an attorney immediately.
✔ Prepare a strong defense and present mitigating evidence.
✔ Comply with all licensing requirements and treatment programs, if applicable.

📌 TIP: If you fail to respond to the Board, they may automatically revoke your license.

How an Attorney Can Help Protect Your Nursing License

An attorney can:
✔ Defend you against criminal charges to reduce or dismiss penalties
✔ Guide you through the licensing board investigation process
✔ Negotiate alternative discipline options (rehabilitation programs, probation instead of suspension)
✔ Represent you at Board hearings to fight for your license

📌 TIP: Hiring an attorney as soon as possible can prevent mistakes that could cost you your nursing career.

📞 Worried about your nursing license? Contact Vining Legal LLC at (317) 759-3225 or schedule a consultation today.

Conclusion: Protecting Your Indiana Nursing License

🚨 A criminal charge can put your nursing career at risk, even if you’re not convicted.

✔ Understand what offenses require reporting.
✔ Take immediate action if facing a licensing investigation.
✔ Work with an attorney to defend your rights.

📞 Need legal help? Contact Vining Legal LLC at (317) 759-3225 or schedule a consultation today.

 

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