(a) A person who applies to the board for a license to practice as a licensed practical nurse must:

1. (1) not have been convicted of:

   1. (A) an act which would constitute a ground for disciplinary sanction under IC 25-1-9 ; or
   2. (B) a crime that has a direct bearing on the person's ability to practice competently;

2. (2) have completed:

   1. (A) the prescribed curriculum and:

      1. (i) met the graduation requirements of a state accredited program of practical nursing; and

      2. (ii) provided proof of having earned a high school diploma or its equivalent to the state accredited program;

         as determined by the board; or

   2. (B) the prescribed curriculum and graduation requirements of a nursing education program in a foreign country that is substantially equivalent to a board approved program as determined by the board. The board may by rule adopted under IC 4-22-2 require an applicant under this subsection to successfully complete an examination approved by the board to measure the applicant's qualifications and background in the practice of nursing and proficiency in the English language; and

3. (3) be physically and mentally capable of, and professionally competent to, safely engage in the practice of practical nursing as determined by the board.

   An applicant meets the English proficiency requirement under subdivision (2) if the applicant passes an English course as certified in the transcript from the board's approved nursing education program or submits proof of passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) that was taken in only the English language.

(f) The board shall issue by endorsement or examination a license to practice as a licensed practical nurse to an applicant who:

1. (1) is a graduate of a foreign nursing school;
2. (2) has successfully passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX);

3. (3) provides:

   1. (A) documentation that the applicant has:

      1. (i) taken an examination prepared by the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools International, Inc. (CGFNS); and
      2. (ii) achieved the passing score required on the examination at the time the examination was taken;
   2. (B) a satisfactory Credentials Evaluation Service Professional Report issued by CGFNS;
   3. (C) a VisaScreen Certificate verification letter issued by CGFNS; or
   4. (D) a satisfactory credential verification assessment from an organization that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services or any other organization approved by the board; and
4. (4) meets the other requirements of this section.

(g) Each applicant for examination and registration to practice as a practical nurse shall pay:

1. (1) a fee set by the board; and

2. (2) if the applicant is applying for a multistate license (as defined in IC 25-42-1-11 ) under IC 25-42 (Nurse Licensure Compact), a fee of twenty-five dollars ($25) in addition to the fee under subdivision (1);

   a part of which must be used for the rehabilitation of impaired registered nurses and impaired licensed practical nurses. Payment of the fees shall be made by the applicant before the date of examination.

(h) The lesser of the following amounts from fees collected under subsection (g) shall be deposited in the impaired nurses account of the state general fund established by section 34 of this chapter:

1. (1) Twenty-five percent (25%) of the license application fee per license applied for under this section.
2. (2) The cost per license to operate the impaired nurses program, as determined by the Indiana professional licensing agency.

(i) Any person who holds a license to practice as a licensed practical nurse in Indiana or under IC 25-42 may use the title "Licensed Practical Nurse" and the abbreviation "L.P.N.". No other person shall practice or advertise as or assume the title of licensed practical nurse or use the abbreviation of "L.P.N." or any other words, letters, signs, or figures to indicate that the person using them is a licensed practical nurse.

Formerly: Acts 1949, c.159, s.12; Acts 1951, c.34, s.1; Acts 1971, P.L.376, SEC.11. As amended by Acts 1981, P.L.222, SEC.164; Acts 1982, P.L.113, SEC.59; P.L.169-1985, SEC.73; P.L.149-1987, SEC.61; P.L.152-1988, SEC.18; P.L.33-1993, SEC.31; P.L.181-2002, SEC.7; P.L.1-2007, SEC.174; P.L.134-2008, SEC.30; P.L.135-2019, SEC.3; P.L.156-2020, SEC.104; P.L.69-2022, SEC.6; P.L.148-2023, SEC.15; P.L.9-2024, SEC.469; P.L.17-2024, SEC.18; P.L.45-2025, SEC.3.