Nursing License Renewal in Indiana: What You Must Know Before You Click “Submit”
It’s that time again—nursing license renewal season in Indiana. Even if you’re licensed in another state, this article is for you, too. Most state boards ask similar questions during renewal, and your answers matter more than you might think.
In Indiana, the Board of Nursing asks six specific questions to assess whether you are safe to continue practicing. If you answer “yes” to any of these, you are required to submit a detailed explanation. In some cases, this may result in a call for a Personal Appearance before the Board.
These questions cover the time period since your last license renewal—not your entire career. But don’t be fooled into thinking they’re just formalities. Failing to answer truthfully, or omitting information, can lead to serious consequences—including allegations of fraud or misrepresentation in renewing your license.
This process is covered by Indiana Code 25-1-9-4 which states “A practitioner shall conduct the practitioner’s practice in accordance with the standards established by the board regulating the profession in question and is subject to the exercise of the disciplinary sanctions… if, after a hearing, the board finds the practitioner has engaged in or knowingly cooperated in fraud or material deception in order to obtain a license to practice… “
Let’s walk through these six questions together so you can feel confident and prepared:
- Disciplinary Action Against a License
“Since you last renewed, has any professional license, certificate, registration, or permit you hold or have held, been disciplined or are formal charges pending in any state?”
If you’ve had formal charges or disciplinary action in any state (not just Indiana), you must answer “yes.” Pending investigations don’t count unless they have resulted in formal charges. Still, it’s wise to err on the side of caution—chances are, the Board already knows, and failure to disclose is far worse than disclosure.
- Denial of a License or Credential
“Since you last renewed, have you been denied a license, certificate, registration, or permit in any state?”
This is straightforward. If you were denied any of the above—whether as a nurse or any other healthcare professional—you must disclose it and explain.
- Criminal History or Legal Issues
“Since you last renewed, and except for minor traffic violations resulting in fines or expunged arrests/convictions, have you been arrested, entered into a diversion agreement, been convicted of, pled guilty to, or pled nolo contendere to any offense, misdemeanor, or felony in any state?”
This one trips up a lot of nurses.
Here’s the key: Expunged means it’s legally erased and does not have to be disclosed. However, dismissed charges are not the same. If you were arrested and the case was dismissed or you entered a diversion program, you still must answer “yes.” Even if you were charged but not arrested, you must disclose it even if the records are sealed.
The Board will see what you don’t report—and not disclosing is considered fraud. Again, honesty is your best defense.
- Malpractice Judgments or Settlements
“Since you last renewed, have you had a malpractice judgment against you or settled any malpractice action?”
Nurses are rarely named individually in malpractice suits—but if you were, and there was a settlement or judgment against you (especially if are reported to the National Practitioner Databank), you must answer “yes.” Even if your employer covered it, it’s still your responsibility to report it.
- Employment Discipline or Termination
“Since you last renewed, have you ever been terminated, reprimanded, disciplined, or demoted in the scope of your practice as a Nurse or as another health care professional?”
This includes any form of discipline—attendance issues, write-ups, suspensions, even reprimands. Yes, even for attendance. Why? The Board could interpret it as patient abandonment.
If the action is in your personnel file, you are expected to know about it and report it. “I wasn’t told” is not an acceptable excuse.
- Medicare/Medicaid Exclusion
“Since you last renewed, have you been excluded from being a Medicare or Medicaid provider?”
This refers to being listed on the Office of Inspector General (OIG) Exclusion List. If you’ve received a letter or know that you are excluded from treating Medicare/Medicaid patients, you must disclose this.
You can check your status here: OIG Exclusions List
Final Thoughts: When in Doubt—Disclose
If you’re uncertain how to answer any of these questions, get help. “I misunderstood the question” is not a valid excuse in the eyes of the Board. Working with an attorney can help you present the facts accurately and in the best possible light.
Honesty isn’t just the best policy—it’s the only policy when it comes to renewing your license. Your nursing career depends on it.
About the Author: Lorie A. Brown, R.N., M.N., J.D., is a Registered Nurse as well as an Attorney. She represents Nurses and other healthcare providers with license protection and license defense before Indiana State Board of Nursing.
The views expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of IPLA or the Indiana State Board of Nursing.
