Frequently Asked Questions

I had a personal appearance and the decision was to issue my license on probation. How long will it be until I get my order?

Per IC 4-21.5-3-27, Subsection (g), We have ninety (90) days after the hearing to get your order to you. We make every attempt possible to get these out as soon as possible after the board meetings, yet due to high volume in the Compliance office, it can sometimes take a few weeks. Please be patient.
 

I am a nurse licensed in another state, how do I apply for an Indiana LPN or RN license?

Information is viewable on the Nursing Board home page by selecting either Licensed Practical Nurse or Registered Nurse under Licensing Information.
 

How do I apply for an RN or LPN license as a new nurse graduate from a foreign nursing program?

Information is viewable on the Nursing Board home page by selecting either Licensed Practical Nurse or Registered Nurse under Licensing Information.
 

How long does it take for my Indiana LPN or RN license to be issued when I apply by Endorsement?

This can vary depending on what we may need for your application file. Once we receive your application and review the file we will contact you within approximately two weeks if there are additional items we need to complete your file and issue your license.
 

How can I find out the status of the application I submitted?

Due to the high volume of application materials received by our office, please allow at least 2 - 4 weeks for processing prior to contacting our office for status information. If the Board requires additional information upon reviewing your application materials, our office will contact you via e-mail with a request for additional documentation.
 

Can I obtain a temporary permit to work as a nurse in Indiana?

Yes, if you are a nurse licensed in another state you can apply for a temporary permit as part of the regular application process. Nurses who are applying for licensure by examination are not eligible for a temporary permit.
 

Can I come into your office and immediately receive a license?

We will gather your application, application fee and related documents when you visit our office. We will then review the application and contact you within no more than two weeks if further information is required. Please note that a background check must be completed before a license can be issued.
 

Can I be issued a temporary permit when I come into your office?

The processing time can vary but usually the temporary permit can be issued in no more than two weeks after we receive your application, as we have to wait on the criminal background check results to come through. If we need additional information to be able to issue your temporary permit we will contact you soon after you have applied for your temporary permit with a status update.
 

Why is it important to provide my e-mail address?

The Indiana Board of Nursing and the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency wants to keep you updated with important information. We send updates and reminders about licensing via email.
 

Does Indiana have an advanced practice nurse license?

There is a limited license required for nurse midwives. In Indiana you can work as an advanced practice nurse (clinical nurse specialist or nurse practitioner) under your active RN license as long as you meet the statutory requirements to do so. If you are going to be prescribing as an advanced practice nurse then you will need to apply for and be granted prescriptive authority.
 

What type of license(s) do you need to practice as a nurse midwife in Indiana?

Information is viewable on the Nursing Board home page by selecting Nurse Midwife under Licensing Information.<
 

How do I locate the application and instructions for applying for prescriptive authority as a nurse in Indiana?

Information is viewable on the Nursing Board home page by selecting Advanced Practice Nurse under Licensing Information.
 

What are the steps when I am an advanced practice nurse with prescriptive authority and I have:

Left a practice location?
Notify the Indiana State board of nursing in writing.

Started at a new practice location?
Mail or email a copy of your new collaborative practice agreement and a cover letter indicating this is a new practice location so that we can remove all previous collaborating physicians and practice addresses. Please allow at least two weeks for processing.

Added an additional practice location?
Mail or email your additional practice agreement and a cover letter indicating this is an additional practice location. Please allow at least two weeks for processing.
 

How do I change the address on my controlled substance registration?

Send in your new practice agreement with a cover letter indicating we need to change your controlled substance registration to reflect your new practice address. This may be done by email or mail.
 

When would I need an additional controlled substance registration?

A practitioner must hold one CSR in order to prescribe controlled substances in the State of Indiana. An additional, separate registration is required for each practice address at which a practitioner physically possesses controlled substances to administer or dispense. A separate registration is not required for each place where a practitioner merely prescribes controlled substances. One valid CSR is sufficient for a practitioner to prescribe controlled substances throughout the State.
 

How do I obtain an Indiana CRNA license?

CERTIFIED REGISTERED NURSE ANESTHETISTS ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR PRESCRIPTIVE AUTHORITY. CRNAs may administer anesthesia without this authorization, as long as they meet the educational qualifications to do so. You must also hold an active Indiana Registered nurse license. Please visit our website to review the requirement and related information for CRNA’s which are outlined in the nursing statutes and rules: www.pla.in.gov
 

Who do I contact for information on CNA, QMA or HHA’s?

Please contact the Indiana Department of Health at: 317-233-1325.
 

How do I get a receipt for paying my renewal fee?

When you have completed your on-line renewal a receipt will be available for you to keep for your records. If you renew by mail you will want to keep a copy of your cancelled check as your proof of renewal payment.
 

How do I renew my expired RN or LPN license?

If it has been less than 18 months since your license expired please visit our website to renew your license at: mylicense.in.gov.

If your license has been expired longer than 18 months or you are having difficulty with the on-line renewal please contact our office at: pla2@pla.in.gov or 317-234-2043.
 

How do I renew my expired prescriptive authority?

If it has been less than 18 months since your prescriptive authority expired please visit our website to renew at: mylicense.in.gov.

If your prescriptive authority has been expired longer than 18 months or you are having difficulty with the on-line renewal please contact our office at: pla2@pla.in.gov or 317-234-2043.
 

I received my first Indiana nursing license this year, do I have to renew?

Any license issued 90 prior to the group expire date of 10/31 (even years for LPN’s) or 10/31 (odd years for RN’s) will need to be renewed before the license expires on 10/31 to bring the license current through the next two year cycle and to avoid incurring any late fees. Renewals are available on-line 60 days before the license expires on 10/31 (even years for LPN’s) or 10/31 (odd years for RN’s)
 

How do I log in on your website to renew, change my address/personal information or order a license card?

Please visit the PLA Online Services page for various online options.
 

Since Indiana does not provide license cards after you renew how do I determine that my renewal was successfully completed?

You can check the status of your license 24/7 using the PLA Search and Verify feature.
 

How do I provide an official verification of my Indiana RN or LPN license to another state board of nursing?

Out of State Verifications - This is the verification of an Indiana license to another state. It is an official statement of the basis of licensure and includes the licensee's name, profession, license number, licensure status, professional examination results and any other conditions or restrictions on the license. The verifications for LPN and RN licenses will be issued only through the www.nursys.com verification process, provided by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.

Verifications of Advanced Practice Nurse Prescriptive Authority are not currently available through NURSYS; these licenses must be verified using the Professional Licensing Agency's Online Digital Certification process.
 

When will I receive my license card?

The Indiana State Board of Nursing no longer issues any pocket licenses or wall certificates as part of the initial licensure or renewal process. The current status of your license should always be verified in real-time with our online status verification service.

A pocket card or wall certificate is not considered proof of active licensure. If you would like a pocket license or wall certificate as physical documentation of your license, they are available for purchase through the Professional Licensing Agency's web site.

You can purchase a license card using PLA Online Services.
 

I lost my license or my license was stolen. How do I get another?

You can purchase a license card using mylicense.in.gov.
 

How do I change my name on my nursing license?

You may have the name changed on your licensure records by submitting a copy of an official name change document such as a marriage certificate or a divorce decree. A copy of a social security card will NOT be accepted. Please send the information to the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency – Board of Nursing at 402 West Washington Street, Room W072, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204. Your letter should include your name as it is listed now, your new name, your license number, professions, social security number, and date of birth. 

If you would like a replacement pocket card reflecting your name change, you can purchase a license card using PLA Online Services.
 

I am not going to practice nursing for a while. Can I make my license inactive?

Indiana does not have an inactive status. You may either continue to renew the license or allow it to lapse to expired status. If your license expires and you choose to renew it after it has been expired more than 3 years the board may require additional measures to renew your license at that time.
 

Is Indiana a part of the nurse licensure compact state agreement?

Yes, Indiana became a member of the compact on July 1, 2020.
 

When will I receive my authorization to test so that I can schedule my NCLEX examination?

First, you will need to submit your application for licensure by examination for review to the board of nursing. Please allow at least two to four weeks for the review of your application to occur before contacting the board for the status of your application. Processing time will vary for each applicant due to many internal factors which occur during the review of your file. Please be patient and the board will contact you within a few weeks of receipt of your application if additional items are required. This is especially important during the months of May, June, September, October, November and December as we are processing high volumes of applications as well as license renewals in a short period of time.  Excessive inquiries about the status of your application only hinders our staff's ability to process them as quickly as possible.
 

How long after I take my NCLEX examination before I find out if I passed and will be issued a license?

The processing of examination results for each applicant will vary and can take at least three (3) weeks to complete from the date the candidate was administered the examination. Successful candidates who have met all the other application requirements for licensure will receive an e-mail from the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency with a license number. Unsuccessful candidates will receive a notification letter and an application to retake the examination. EXAMINATION RESULTS ARE NOT GIVEN OUT VIA TELEPHONE OR E-MAIL. Excessive inquiries about results only hinders our staff's ability to process them as quickly as possible. New licenses can be verified on the internet via Search and Verify.
 

What happens if I do not pass my NCLEX examination?

Unsuccessful candidates will receive a notification letter and a repeat exam application. Please note that after three (3) exam failures, you will have to appear before the Board in order to obtain authorization to test again. You will receive notification from our Compliance office if you must make this appearance.
 

I forgot my nursing license number, how can I look it up on your website?

You may look up your license number using the Search and Verify feature.
 

What is the scope of practice for nurses in Indiana?

The Indiana State Board of Nursing does not issue advisory opinions, and the only guidance it formally offers regarding scope of practice questions is to refer questions to Indiana's statutes and administrative rules regarding the practice of nursing. These rules and statutes can be accessed from the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency website at: www.in.gov/pla/3868.htm.

Indiana's Nurse Practice Act was written to be intentionally broad and general so that as new skills and procedures become part of standard nursing practice, the laws maintain their relevance and applicability. Basically, each nurse licensed in Indiana is responsible for ensuring that he or she is adequately prepared, competent, and qualified to perform any particular skill or procedure that is utilized.  In a sense, the nursing profession itself actually determines the scope of practice. For a particular skill or procedure, some relevant points to consider would be what other nurses and other facilities are doing with regards to that skill or procedure. Another point to consider is whether there is a well-developed system for ensuring that those performing a given skill or procedure have the adequate training and support to ensure consistent, safe and competent delivery of that skill or procedure.

For additional information, you may want to discuss particular procedures with peers in the nursing profession as represented by the Indiana State Nurses Association or other professional nursing organizations specific to your practice specialty.
 

Where do I locate the Indiana nursing Statutes and Rules?

You may view statutes and rules on the Nursing Board home page under Resources.
 

How do I find out if a school has an accredited nursing program?

All of the nursing programs approved for the NCLEX RN or NCLEX LPN examination are listed in the NCLEX bulletin.
The NCLEX bulletin may only be accessed at www.ncsbn.org.
 

How do I pay my NCLEX examination fee?

The NCLEX bulletin may be accessed at www.ncsbn.org.
The bulletin explains the different options for paying your NCLEX examination fee.
 

What is the procedure if I have a “yes” response on my renewal?

IF YOU ANSWERED “YES” to any of the renewal questions, you must provide a statement that explains all the related details, including the violation, location, date, and disposition.  Letters from Attorneys, insurance companies and/or court documents are not acceptable in lieu of your statement but they may be included with your statement.  Be sure to write your name and license number on all documents submitted with your renewal.  Failure to truthfully answer the required questions or to provide a written statement regarding “yes” responses may subject your license to disciplinary action imposed by the Nursing Board, including probation, suspension, denial of renewal application, and fines of up to $1000 per violation.
 

How do I contact the Indiana Professionals Recovery Program?

Indiana Professionals Recovery Program
Toll Free: 844-687-7399 or Local: 219-707-8081
http://inprp.org/