Protecting Your Professional License in Indiana: The Complaint Process Explained

As a licensed professional in Indiana, your career, reputation, and livelihood depend on maintaining a valid and untarnished license. Whether you’re a doctor, nurse, attorney, therapist, accountant, or any other licensed professional, a complaint filed against your license can be a stressful and overwhelming experience.

Even if a complaint is baseless or filed in bad faith, it can still trigger an investigation by the Indiana Attorney General’s Office and your licensing board. Understanding how the complaint process works—and knowing how to protect yourself—can make all the difference in safeguarding your professional future.

Understanding Professional Licensing in Indiana

Indiana requires strict adherence to professional standards for those holding a state-issued license. Licensing boards oversee various professions, ensuring compliance with industry regulations and ethical standards.

Common licensing boards in Indiana include:

✔ Indiana Medical Licensing Board (physicians, PAs)
✔ Indiana State Board of Nursing (RNs, LPNs, APRNs)
✔ Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (IPLA) (various professions)
✔ Indiana Board of Pharmacy
✔ Indiana Real Estate Commission
✔ Indiana State Board of Accountancy

Each board enforces its own rules, ethical standards, and disciplinary actions, often governed by Indiana Code 25-1-7 and 25-1-9.

💡 Key Takeaway: A complaint can be filed against any licensed professional, potentially leading to investigations, disciplinary actions, and even license suspension or revocation.

The Complaint Process in Indiana: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Filing a Complaint

A complaint can be filed by anyone, including:
✅ Clients or patients
✅ Employers or coworkers
✅ Competitors
✅ Law enforcement or regulatory agencies

How is a complaint filed?
🔹 Written submission to the Indiana Attorney General’s Office
🔹 Online complaint portals for many licensing boards

Who is NOT subject to complaints through this process?
🚫 Indiana physicians must go through the Medical Licensing Board first.
🚫 Complaints against cosmetologists or barbers follow a different process.

2. Initial Review by the Attorney General’s Office

The Attorney General’s Office reviews the complaint to determine:

✔ If the complaint falls under the jurisdiction of a licensing board
✔ Whether it alleges a violation of professional standards
✔ If there is enough information to proceed with an investigation

At this stage, you may be notified, but not always.

💡 Key Takeaway: Some complaints are dismissed early if they lack merit, but many proceed to the investigation phase.

3. Negotiation and Settlement Period (30 Days)

Once the Attorney General files a formal complaint, the licensing board has 30 days to attempt to resolve the issue.

✅ Possible Resolutions:
🔹 Dismissal of the complaint
🔹 Voluntary remediation (correcting an issue)
🔹 Consent agreement (minor disciplinary action without full hearing)

If no resolution is reached, the case moves to formal investigation.

4. Investigation Phase

If the complaint is not dismissed or settled, a full investigation begins. The Attorney General’s Office:

🔎 Interviews witnesses
📂 Subpoenas records
📞 Requests statements from the licensee

💡 Key Takeaway: Do NOT provide statements without legal representation. Anything you say can be used against you later.

5. Disciplinary Action by the Licensing Board

If the investigation finds sufficient evidence, the licensing board can impose disciplinary actions, including:

🚨 License Revocation (permanent loss)
⏳ License Suspension (temporary loss)
👀 Probation (monitored practice)
📜 Formal Reprimand (public record of violation)
💰 Fines and Penalties (varies by profession)
📚 Mandatory Continuing Education or Training

💡 Key Takeaway: Even a minor penalty can damage your professional reputation and career opportunities.

6. Summary Suspension (Emergency License Suspension)

In urgent cases, the board may immediately suspend your license if you pose a "clear and immediate danger" to public health and safety.

✅ Examples of situations leading to summary suspension:
🚔 Criminal charges (e.g., drug-related offenses, fraud)
⚕️ Gross malpractice (e.g., medical negligence)
🔎 Fraudulent billing, insurance fraud

A summary suspension is effective immediately and can be challenged at a hearing.

Protecting Your Rights During a Complaint Investigation

A license complaint is serious—even if you believe it is unfounded. Here’s how you can protect yourself:

🛑 Do NOT respond without legal guidance – A wrong statement could hurt your case.
📂 Gather all relevant records – Maintain emails, contracts, patient/client notes.
📞 Contact an attorney immediately – A skilled license defense lawyer can protect your interests.
✅ Cooperate professionally – But do not admit fault or engage in self-incrimination.

💡 Key Takeaway: Early legal representation can often lead to dismissals, settlements, or reduced penalties.

Why You Need an Experienced License Defense Attorney

Losing your professional license means losing your career, financial stability, and reputation. Even a minor disciplinary record can negatively impact future job opportunities.

At Vining Legal, we provide:
✔️ Aggressive defense against professional license complaints
✔️ Strategic negotiation to minimize penalties
✔️ Guidance throughout the investigation to avoid self-incrimination
✔️ Representation at hearings before the licensing board

🔹 Don’t wait until it’s too late! Protect your career by calling Vining Legal today at (317) 759-3225 or scheduling a consultation.