FAQs About the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency

Indiana Professional License Defense Lawyer Answers Frequently Asked Questions About PLA Discipline Cases

The Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (PLA) consists of multiple licensing boards that regulate different professions. Licensed professionals who have received consumer complaints or who have been accused of other violations of the law or the standards of care for their profession may be subject to disciplinary action. At the Law Offices of Joseph J. Bogdan, LLC, our Indiana professional license defense attorney can help these license holders understand their options, and we can answer any questions that you may have about cases involving the PLA, including:

Why Will the PLA Investigate a Professional License Holder?

In many cases, PLA investigations are based on complaints from consumers. These complaints may be filed with the Indiana Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division, and they may be based on claims that a licensed professional has provided substandard services or acted in an unprofessional or unethical manner. Complaints may also be filed by other professionals or organizations that believe a person has violated the standards of care that apply to them. Criminal convictions may also lead the PLA to pursue disciplinary action, especially if they involve fraud committed against clients or other issues directly related to a person's profession or if a person has been accused of endangering public safety, such as by driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

What Forms of Disciplinary Action Can the PLA Take?

Depending on the specific violations a person is accused of committing, the PLA may take action to suspend or revoke their professional license. A suspension will temporarily prohibit a person from practicing until they meet certain requirements that will allow them to have their license reinstated. A revocation will prohibit a person from practicing on a more permanent basis, and they will be barred from reapplying for a license for seven years. A license holder may also be placed on probation, which will allow them to continue practicing while following certain terms and conditions. The PLA may choose to reprimand or censure a person, which will create a public record of discipline but will not prevent them from practicing. A professional license holder may also be required to pay a fine of up to $1,000 for each violation.

What Should I Do if I Am Notified About a PLA Investigation?

Professional license holders are generally advised to speak to an attorney as soon as possible after learning that they are being investigated by the PLA. An experienced lawyer can help them understand the specific laws or rules they are accused of violating and the types of disciplinary action that the PLA may pursue. An attorney can also help a person respond to requests by investigators and provide representation in disciplinary hearings or other proceedings. While a person may be concerned that they will appear to be guilty if they have legal representation, a lawyer can advocate on their behalf throughout the disciplinary process to protect their rights and help them achieve a positive outcome that will minimize the negative effects on their career.

Will a Formal Disciplinary Hearing Be Required After a PLA Investigation?

After receiving a complaint and investigating alleged violations, the Indiana Attorney General may choose to pursue disciplinary action, and a formal disciplinary hearing may be scheduled. However, before this hearing, a pre-hearing settlement conference will usually be held. This conference allows the parties to review the complaint, the supporting evidence, and the recommendations for disciplinary action, and a licensee may also present defenses, detail mitigating circumstances, and provide their own supporting evidence. A member of the applicable licensing board will be present at the conference, and they may offer their own recommendations on appropriate disciplinary action. The parties may be able to reach a settlement, and the board member may approve the decisions made by the parties. A pre-hearing settlement conference can help a licensee fully understand the forms of discipline they may face, any restrictions that may apply to them, and when they will be able to return to full practice. If a settlement cannot be reached, the matter may be resolved in a formal hearing held before the full licensing board.

Contact Our Indiana PLA Defense Attorney

If you have questions about how your disciplinary matters will be handled by the PLA, or if you want to know more about how we can help you defend your professional license, contact the Law Offices of Joseph J. Bogdan, LLC at 463-219-2612. We offer free consultations, and we are prepared to advocate on your behalf to address issues related to your professional license.