Indiana · Physician Assistant

    Indiana Physician Assistant CE Audit Guide

    Receiving a notice for a continuing education audit can feel stressful, but it doesn't have to be. These reviews are a standard part of professional licensure, designed to ensure PAs maintain high standards of practice. This guide provides a straightforward overview of the process to help you feel prepared and confident.

    The Medical Licensing Board of Indiana requires physician assistants to verify completion of continuing education requirements as a condition of renewal. PAs must complete either 50 hours of Category 1 CME or maintain NCCPA certification, plus a separate 2-hour opioid course if they hold a CSR. This guide outlines the requirements for avoiding issues during a CE audit.

    This information is intended as a helpful guide and not as legal advice. The official rules governing continuing education for physician assistants in Indiana are found at 844 IAC 2.2-2-3 (PA License Renewal); IC 25-27.5. Always refer to the official regulations and the Medical Licensing Board of Indiana for the most current and complete requirements.

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    Quick facts

    Board Name
    Medical Licensing Board of Indiana
    Renewal Cycle
    Biennial (every 2 years)
    CE Period
    24-month period preceding the October 31 renewal date in odd-numbered years.
    Rule Citation
    844 IAC 2.2-2-3 (PA License Renewal); IC 25-27.5
    Hour Requirement
    50 hours of Category 1 CME every two years. As an alternative, a PA may provide proof of maintaining current NCCPA certification.
    State-Mandated Topics
    2 hours in opioid prescribing and abuse for PAs who hold a Controlled Substance Registration (CSR).
    Records Retention
    3 years

    Governing authority and what the rule requires

    Physician assistants in Indiana are licensed and regulated by the Medical Licensing Board of Indiana, with oversight from the Physician Assistant Committee. The Board's authority is established by the Indiana Medical Practice Act (Indiana Code 25-22.5). The specific statutes governing PA practice are found in the Physician Assistant Act (IC 25-27.5), while administrative rules, including those for continuing education, are located in the Indiana Administrative Code, Title 844, Article 2.1.

    How Indiana PA CE audits typically work

    After a renewal cycle the board reviews a sample of attestations. If selected, you will receive a notice through the email or address on file with a defined response window. Most audits close quietly when records match what was attested. Continuing education requirements for Indiana physician assistants are established by rule 844 IAC 2.1-5-1.

    • The Medical Licensing Board of Indiana randomly selects a percentage of licensees for a CE audit each cycle.
    • If selected, you will receive a notification letter from the board, typically by mail or secure email.
    • The notice will specify the compliance period being audited.
    • You are generally given 30 days from the date of the notice to submit copies of your CE documentation.
    • Board staff reviews your submitted certificates to ensure they match the hour requirement and include all mandated topics.
    • You will receive a final letter from the board indicating whether you successfully met the audit requirements or if further action is needed.

    Documentation commonly requested

    Audit notices are usually specific about what they want. Read the notice slowly and make a checklist directly from it. The most common items requested for PAs include:

    • Copies of certificates of completion for each CME course taken.
    • NCCPA certification maintenance transcript or CME log when applicable.
    • Each certificate should clearly show the course provider, title, date(s) of attendance, number of credit hours awarded, AAFP/AMA PRA Category, and your name.
    • Proof of completion for any state-mandated topics (opioid prescribing, suicide prevention, implicit bias, etc.) as required by Indiana.
    • A personal CME log or spreadsheet tracking course dates, titles, providers, hours, and category designations.

    Indiana-specific mandated topics

    Beyond a total hour count, Indiana requires specific subject-matter CE within the cycle. Make sure each mandated topic is covered by a certificate that names the topic explicitly.

    • General Requirement: Complete 50 approved Category 1 CME hours each biennium, OR provide proof of current, active certification by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).
    • Opioid Prescribing: All PAs who hold an Indiana Controlled Substance Registration (CSR) must complete 2 hours of CME in opioid prescribing and abuse from a Board-approved provider during each renewal period. This is a separate requirement and is not waived by NCCPA certification.
    • Topics for the opioid course must include information on the risks of abuse, misuse, and addiction of controlled substances.

    Common pitfalls PAs run into

    • Assuming NCCPA certification alone fulfills all state requirements, without being aware of the separate 2-hour opioid prescribing mandate for CSR holders.
    • Failing to complete the specific 2-hour opioid course from a provider approved by the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency.
    • Not keeping adequate records of all CE certificates for the required 3-year retention period.
    • Forgetting that the license renewal and CE period occurs in odd-numbered years.

    How to assemble a clean response

    Gather your records in one place. A folder on your desktop, a printed binder, or a shared drive all work. You don't need a complicated system. You just need to be able to find things.

    Name each PDF clearly with the date, course title, hours, and Category 1 or 2 designation. Group certificates by category that maps to the board's request: mandated topics, Category 1 CME, Category 2 CME. Add a one-page cover sheet that summarizes total hours and points the reviewer to the matching documents.

    If your hours fall short

    First-time shortfalls are usually handled administratively. Boards generally allow a defined window to complete makeup hours and submit updated documentation. Honest, prompt communication is far better than silence.

    If the shortfall is significant or repeated, the board may move toward formal action. At that point, calm documentation of how you are coming into compliance, plus a written plan to prevent recurrence, makes a meaningful difference.

    Possible outcomes

    • A renewal application may be denied or delayed until all CE requirements, including any penalties, have been met.
    • The Board may initiate disciplinary proceedings for failure to comply with CE rules, which could result in sanctions such as fines, a letter of reprimand, or other actions as authorized under Indiana Code 25-1-9.
    • A PA may be subject to a random audit and required to submit complete documentation for all CE hours claimed for the renewal period.
    • Following an audit, the Board may impose a penalty of up to $1,000 for non-compliance.

    A simple audit-response checklist

    1. 1Read the audit notice slowly. Note the deadline and exact list of documents requested.
    2. 2Make a simple folder labeled with the cycle dates being audited.
    3. 3Pull certificates of completion for every CE activity in that cycle.
    4. 4Match each certificate to the topic area or category your board requires.
    5. 5Save proof of license renewal and any required attestations.
    6. 6If a certificate is missing, contact the provider for a duplicate before the deadline.
    7. 7Scan everything as clean PDFs, named with date and course title.
    8. 8Submit through the channel the board requests. Keep a copy and a confirmation.
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    Frequently asked questions

    Real Outcomes Reported by BoardWise Users

    BoardWise users have reported outcomes including:

    • Complaint dismissals
    • Successful responses to board inquiries
    • Passing continuing education audits
    • Early probation termination
    • Improved understanding of licensing board procedures

    Individual outcomes vary and depend on the facts of each case.

    Optional Attorney Document Review

    Before you send anything to the board, BoardWise can match physician assistant in Indiana with an independent, state-licensed attorney for an optional limited-scope review of the document you prepared:

    • We match you with an independent attorney licensed in your state
    • They review and suggest revisions to your document before you submit it to the board
    • Focused, limited-scope review at a fixed fee rather than a full retainer
    • A second set of eyes on wording, tone, and anything that may need a closer look

    What does the attorney review cost? Pricing depends on the complexity of your matter and the scope of review, but most BoardWise lawyer reviews are approximately $250–$500. You’ll see the specific fee before deciding whether to proceed.

    Optional limited-scope attorney review may be available for an additional fixed fee. Attorney availability, conflicts review, eligibility requirements, and additional terms apply. If an attorney accepts the matter, the client will contract with and pay the independent attorney directly.

    Print & FedEx Overnight Delivery

    Finishing the document is only part of the job. BoardWise Document Delivery lets physician assistant in Indiana send the finished packet straight to the board without a trip to the post office:

    • FedEx Overnight delivery for street addresses when your deadline is close
    • USPS Priority Express and USPS Certified Mail for P.O. Box board addresses
    • Printing, packaging, and postage handled for you, with tracking on every order
    • Confirmation and tracking details emailed to you as your package moves

    What does it cost? $150 for FedEx Overnight and $99 for USPS Priority Express or Certified Mail. You see the exact price and the full address details before you authorize the order.

    Printing and mailing are fulfilled by Mailform. You are responsible for meeting your own deadline, so keep an electronic copy and watch the tracking information.

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    BoardWise is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice or representation. This guide is educational only and reflects general practice in the United States. Your state licensing board is the official source for current requirements. If your situation involves formal discipline or a hearing, consider consulting a licensed attorney in your state.

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