1. (a) The bureau shall issue a permanent parking placard to an individual:

   1. (1) who is certified by a health care provider listed in subsection

2. (b) as having:

   1. (A) a permanent physical disability that requires the use of a wheelchair, a walker, braces, or crutches;
   2. (B) permanently lost the use of one (1) or both legs; or
   3. (C) a permanent and severe restriction in mobility due to a pulmonary or cardiovascular disability, an arthritic condition, or an orthopedic or neurological impairment;

   4. (2) who is certified to be permanently:

      1. (A) blind (as defined in IC 12-7-2.1-38 (2)); or

      2. (B) visually impaired (as defined in IC 12-7-2.1-349 );

         by an optometrist or ophthalmologist who has a valid unrestricted license to practice optometry or ophthalmology in Indiana; or

   5. (3) who:

      1. (A) has been issued; or

      2. (B) is otherwise eligible to receive;

         a disabled Hoosier veteran license plate under IC 9-18.5-5 and requests a permanent parking placard.

         The certification must be provided in a manner and form prescribed by the bureau.

      3. (b) A certification required under subsection (a)(1) may be provided by the following:

         1. (1) A physician having a valid and unrestricted license to practice medicine.

         2. (2) A physician who is a commissioned medical officer of:

            1. (A) the armed forces of the United States; or
            2. (B) the United States Public Health Service.
         3. (3) A physician who is a medical officer of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.
         4. (4) A chiropractor with a valid and unrestricted license under IC 25-10-1 .
         5. (5) A podiatrist with a valid and unrestricted license under IC 25-29-1 .
         6. (6) An advanced practice registered nurse with a valid and unrestricted license under IC 25-23 .
         7. (7) A physician assistant with a valid and unrestricted license under IC 25-27.5 .

      4. (c) A permanent placard issued under this section remains in effect until:

         1. (1) a health care provider listed in subsection (b); or

         2. (2) an optometrist or ophthalmologist that has a valid unrestricted license to practice optometry or ophthalmology in Indiana;

            certifies that the recipient's disability is no longer considered to be permanent.

            [Pre-2016 Revision Citations: 9-14-5-1; subsection (a) formerly 9-14-5-1(1); 9-14-5-2; subsection (c) formerly 9-14-5-4(a).]

As added by P.L.198-2016, SEC.327. Amended by P.L.256-2017, SEC.135; P.L.96-2018, SEC.1; P.L.129-2018, SEC.1; P.L.145-2026, SEC.43.