What Is the Most Common Disciplinary Action Taken by Licensure Boards?

 Posted on December 05, 2025 in Medical license defense

Professional licensing boards in Indiana have the authority to discipline healthcare providers, pharmacists, nurses, therapists, and other licensed professionals who violate state and federal regulations. The discipline imposed depends on the severity of the violation and whether it is a first offense or part of a pattern.

If you receive notice in 2026 that your professional license is under investigation, understanding what disciplinary actions licensing boards typically take will help you know what to expect. Our Indiana professional license defense attorneys are here to help. Contact us today. 

What Types of Discipline Can Licensing Boards Impose on Indiana Professionals?

Indiana licensing boards under IC 25-1-9-9 have broad authority to discipline licensees. Actions range from mild written reprimands to permanent license revocation. Understanding this spectrum helps you assess the seriousness of your situation.

Reprimands and Censures

Reprimands and censures are formal statements that you violated rules, but they pose minimal ongoing risk. These remain on your public record, but do not restrict your ability to practice. Boards issue reprimands for minor violations like late continuing education or documentation errors.

Probation

Probation allows you to continue practicing under supervision and conditions. You might have to complete additional training, submit to monitoring, or report regularly to the board. Probation terms can be months, years, or even indefinitely – it depends on the allegations and your cooperation with the board. Violating probation terms can trigger harsher discipline.

License Suspension

Suspension temporarily removes your right to practice. Suspensions last from 30 days to several years, depending on violation severity. During suspension, you cannot work in your profession. This creates obvious financial hardship and can damage your reputation permanently.

Revocation

License revocation permanently ends your right to practice in Indiana. This is the harshest penalty and is typically reserved for serious violations like criminal convictions, patient harm, or repeated disciplinary violations. Some revocations allow you to reapply after a period of years, but many are permanent.

What Is the Most Common Disciplinary Action on Professional Licenses?

Probation, suspension, and revocation are the outcomes licensed professionals tend to be the most worried about. Some studies show that across healthcare licensing boards nationally, approximately 25 percent of disciplinary actions result in revocation or license suspension.

However, probation is perhaps the most frequently imposed disciplinary action by licensing boards. Boards prefer probation because it protects the public while allowing professionals to continue working and supporting their families. Probation with conditions addresses the underlying problem through education, monitoring, or treatment without destroying careers.

Common probation conditions include completing ethics courses, submitting to random drug testing, working under supervision, attending counseling or substance abuse treatment, and providing quarterly reports to the board. These conditions target specific issues that led to the violation.

How Can You Minimize Disciplinary Action?

Responding promptly and professionally to board inquiries is crucial. Ignoring notices or missing deadlines makes situations worse. Cooperating with investigations shows respect for the process and may result in lighter discipline.

Hiring an attorney who understands the licensing system provides a significant advantage. An attorney can negotiate with board staff, present mitigating evidence, and argue for minimal discipline. Representation makes a measurable difference in outcomes.

Demonstrating rehabilitation before the hearing helps. For example, if your violation involved substance abuse, entering treatment voluntarily shows responsibility. Completing continuing education, getting positive employer evaluations, or obtaining letters from colleagues demonstrate your fitness to practice. Your attorney can help you find ways to prove you are taking the problem seriously and working to fix it. 

Call a South Bend, IN Professional License Defense Attorney Today

Contact The Law Offices of Joseph J. Bogdan, Inc. at 463-219-2612 for a free consultation about your licensing board case. One of our Indiana professional license defense lawyers is an experienced attorney who is also a licensed pharmacist. This unique combination means we truly understand the professional disciplinary system from both sides. Whether you face investigation for substance issues, scope of practice violations, or other concerns, we can help you navigate the process and fight for the best possible outcome.