Hundreds of Indiana Nurses to Receive Audit Non-Compliance Orders

According to regulations issued by the Indiana State Board of Nursing, all Advanced Practice Nurses (APN) are required to obtain continuing education in order to keep their nursing license in good standing with the state. Failure to meet this obligation could result in the Board taking action against an APN’s nursing license. Recently, The Law Offices of Joseph J. Bogdan, Inc. has learned that more than 400 APNs will be served with orders to show cause for noncompliance with these audits. If you receive one of those orders, call our office right away.

APN Requirements and Audits

In Indiana, all APNs are required to obtain a minimum of 30 hours of continuing education. At least eight of those hours must be in pharmacology. All programs must be approved by a sponsor of continuing education for APNs who has obtained national approval. Advanced Practice Nurses are also required to retain all continuing education completion certificates to prove these requirements have been met should the Board audit the nurse.

Periodically, the Board will conduct random audits of APNs. The nurse will receive a written request from the board to provide it with documentation proving the thirty contact hours of continuing education have been completed, as well as a sworn statement between the APN and the licensed practitioner they work with that both parties are in compliance with collaborative practice agreement terms.

Failure to Comply

When the Board has notified an APN of a random audit, there will be a deadline for submission of the required documents. Failure to provide the required documentation can result in serious consequences and could put your nursing license in jeopardy, as well as the potential for criminal charges.

If the Board does not receive proof of continuing education and/or collaborative agreement compliance, it will take action against your nursing license. You could be facing significant fines and disciplinary actions.

The Board will also file a complaint against your license with the Office of the Attorney General of Indiana. The AG’s office will decide whether or not to file criminal charges against you.

Call an Indianapolis, IN Professional License Defense Attorney

As mentioned above, the Board is currently in the process of legally serving more than 400 Advanced Practice Nurses who are not in compliance with the law. If you receive one of these orders, do not delay in contacting The Law Offices of Joseph J. Bogdan, Inc. at 463-219-2612 to schedule a free and confidential consultation with a seasoned Indiana nursing license defense attorney. Your professional future could be at risk.

Sources:

http://iga.in.gov/legislative/laws/2019/ic/titles/025

https://www.in.gov/pla/professions/indiana-state-board-of-nursing/continuing-education-requirements/

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/INSTATE/bulletins/308e8d