How Audiologist Licensing Board Complaints Work in Indiana (and How to Defend Your License)
A clear, supportive guide to understanding the complaint process with the Indiana Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board and protecting your professional license
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If you've received notice of a complaint filed with the Indiana Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board, you're likely feeling anxious, confused, or even scared. That's completely understandable. A licensing board complaint can feel like a threat to everything you've worked for.
Here's what's important to know: receiving a complaint doesn't mean you've done anything wrong. Many complaints are administrative in nature, stem from misunderstandings, or are resolved without any disciplinary action.
This guide will walk you through what to expect, help you understand the process, and give you the clarity you need to respond thoughtfully. It also explains early, practical steps professionals use to begin defending themselves and protecting their license. You're not alone in this.
If you received a written notice from a board investigator, you may also want to review our guide on responding to licensing board investigation letters. Understanding how the investigation process works can also help you prepare.
What Triggers Complaints Against Audiologists in Indiana
Administrative Issues
These are often paperwork or compliance matters that can typically be resolved without formal discipline.
- Failure to renew license on time
- Incomplete continuing education requirements
- Address or name change not reported
- Practicing with an expired or lapsed license
Conduct-Related Concerns
These involve clinical practice or professional behavior and require careful, thoughtful responses.
- Providing audiological services outside scope of practice
- Improper fitting or dispensing of hearing aids
- Failure to make appropriate medical referrals
- Inadequate documentation of patient evaluations
- Unprofessional conduct or ethical violations
- Misleading advertising or billing irregularities
What Happens After a Complaint Is Filed with the Indiana Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board
Understanding the process can help reduce anxiety and prepare you for each step.
Complaint Receipt and Intake
The Board receives and logs the complaint, assigning it a case number for tracking.
Initial Review
Staff reviews the complaint to determine if it falls within the Board's jurisdiction and warrants further investigation.
Investigation
If warranted, an investigator may gather documents, interview witnesses, and request your response.
Response Request
You may receive a letter asking for your written response to the allegations.
Committee Review
The case may be reviewed by enforcement staff and legal counsel to determine next steps.
Resolution
The case concludes with dismissal, informal resolution, or formal proceedings.
Note: This process overview is based on typical procedures under Indiana Code Title 25, Article 35.6. Your specific case may vary.
Begin protecting your license and organizing your response.
Responding to the Indiana Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board
Response Deadline
The Indiana Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board often specifies a response deadline (commonly around 30 days), but the exact timeframe varies by case. Check your specific notice for the deadline.
Possible Outcomes
Outcomes vary significantly based on the nature of the complaint, the evidence, and how you respond. Here are typical possibilities:
Dismissal
The complaint is closed with no action if the investigation finds insufficient evidence or no violation.
Letter of Concern
An informal advisory that does not affect your license but is noted in your file.
Continuing Education
You may be asked to complete additional training or coursework.
Probation
Your license remains active with conditions and monitoring requirements.
License Suspension or Revocation
In serious cases, the Board may suspend or revoke your license, though this is less common.
Every case is unique. These outcomes are general possibilities, not predictions about your specific situation.
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The Indiana Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board Process
The Indiana Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board regulates audiologists under Indiana Code Title 25, Article 35.6 and 880 IAC Article 1. The Board operates within the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (PLA) and follows the Administrative Orders and Procedures Act (AOPA, IC 4-21.5). Complaints are investigated by the Office of the Indiana Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division (Licensing Enforcement Section), which prosecutes formal cases before Administrative Law Judges. Indiana audiologists must hold a doctoral degree (AuD or PhD) for initial licensure under IC 25-35.6-3, and the Board administers the state's participation in the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact (ASLP-IC).
What Makes This Process Unique
Indiana complaint investigations are conducted by the Indiana Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division, which works with the Board on enforcement and signs the Notice and Complaint that initiates a formal disciplinary case.
Formal hearings follow Indiana's AOPA framework (IC 4-21.5), with Administrative Law Judges presiding and the Board issuing the final order.
Indiana requires audiologists to hold a doctoral degree (IC 25-35.6-3) and complete 36 hours of continuing education per 2-year renewal cycle under 880 IAC 1-3, including content related to ethics.
Audiologists who dispense hearing aids must follow Indiana's hearing aid dealer rules (IC 25-20) including written contract, 30-day trial period, and required disclosures, these are frequent complaint triggers.
Indiana participates in the ASLP Interstate Compact. Disciplinary action by Indiana, or any compact member state, can affect compact privilege in every other member state via the data system.
Mandatory reporting: licensees must report criminal convictions and out-of-state disciplinary actions to the Board, typically within 30 days. Failure to self-report is an independent ground for discipline under IC 25-1-9.
The Board may accept an Agreed Order (consent decree) at any point before a final order is issued; these are public and reported to the National Practitioner Data Bank where applicable.
Tips for Responding
- Submit your written response within the deadline specified in the Board's letter, commonly around 30 days from the date of the AG's investigative request.
- Because the Attorney General's Office handles investigations and prosecutions, responses should be carefully prepared and legally reviewed, admissions made in early correspondence can appear in a later Notice and Complaint. Many professionals view this stage as a key part of their overall license defense strategy.
- If the complaint involves hearing aid dispensing, compile fitting verification data (REM/probe-mic measurements), patient counseling notes, the signed contract, and any 30-day trial period return/exchange records.
- Maintain documentation of equipment calibration (ANSI S3.6 audiometers, otoacoustic emission and immittance equipment), calibration lapses are commonly cited in standard-of-care complaints.
- If a criminal charge or out-of-state action is part of the complaint, confirm whether you met your self-report obligation under IC 25-1-9; voluntary disclosure tends to mitigate sanctions.
- The Board may offer an Agreed Order as an alternative to formal hearing. Have an attorney review proposed terms, they are public and may be reported through the ASLP Compact data system. Many professionals view this stage as a key part of their overall license defense strategy.
- Consult an attorney experienced in Indiana professional licensing defense before responding, especially once the Attorney General is involved. Many professionals view this stage as a key part of their overall license defense strategy.
Helpful Resources
Indiana Code Title 25, Article 35.6
The statutory framework governing licensure, scope of practice, and discipline for audiologists and speech-language pathologists.
880 IAC Article 1
Board administrative rules covering CE, supervision, hearing aid dispensing requirements, and standards of practice.
IC 4-21.5 (Administrative Orders and Procedures Act)
Governs investigations, contested case hearings, and judicial review of Board decisions.
IC 25-1-9 (Health Professions Standards of Practice)
Cross-cutting Indiana statute defining grounds for discipline and self-reporting obligations for health professions.
Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact (ASLP-IC)
Multi-state compact governing privilege to practice; Indiana disciplinary actions are reported through the compact data system.
Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (PLA)
The administrative agency that supports the Board and manages license verification, renewals, and complaint intake.
