Written by: Jordan Ellis
Professional engineers in Indiana are held to high ethical, technical, and legal standards. To protect public safety and ensure professional integrity, the Indiana State Board for Registration for Professional Engineers has the authority to investigate complaints and issue disciplinary actions when engineers violate these standards.
This article provides a detailed look at the types of violations that have resulted in disciplinary action, real case summaries from recent years, and an explanation of how the disciplinary process works in Indiana. Whether you’re a licensed PE or an engineering firm, understanding these rules is essential to protecting your license and your reputation.
Check out my article What are the Most Common Ethics Violations for Professional Engineers.
Ethics Course for Indiana Engineers
This one-hour online course helps Indiana Professional Engineers earn guaranteed PDH credit while enhancing their understanding of ethical responsibilities and state board requirements. Through real disciplinary case studies, participants will learn to identify common violations, understand the Indiana Board’s disciplinary process, and apply practical strategies to maintain compliance and protect their professional license. Ideal for engineers dedicated to upholding public safety and professional integrity in Indiana.
What Is Considered a Disciplinary Violation in Indiana?
In Indiana, professional engineers must comply with both the state’s engineering laws and the ethical standards outlined by the Indiana State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers. Disciplinary violations occur when an engineer’s conduct breaches these legal or ethical obligations, whether through negligence, misconduct, or criminal activity.
Under Indiana Code § 25-1-9-9, common grounds for disciplinary action include:
- Violating Indiana laws or Board rules governing engineering practice
- Committing acts of fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation in obtaining or renewing a license
- Engaging in gross negligence or incompetence in professional practice
- Being disciplined in another state for conduct that would be a violation in Indiana
- Failing to report a disciplinary action taken in another jurisdiction
- Committing certain criminal offenses that impair an engineer’s ability to practice safely
Failing to report a criminal conviction is a serious matter, and the general failure to disclose information on applications is a recurring theme that has led to numerous fines and reprimands in West Virginia’s PE enforcement actions.
The disciplinary process begins when a complaint is filed, often through the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency’s (PLA) online system. After an investigation and formal hearing, the Board may issue penalties ranging from reprimands to full license revocation.
Types of Disciplinary Actions for Indiana PEs
From fines to license revocation; what penalties exist?
The Indiana Professional Licensing Agency, through the State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers, has the authority to impose a range of disciplinary actions on licensed engineers. These penalties vary based on the nature and severity of the violation, as well as any prior offenses.
Here are the most common types of disciplinary actions issued:
- Reprimand: A formal warning placed in the licensee’s record. This typically occurs for first-time or minor offenses and serves as an official mark of misconduct.
- Censure: Similar to a reprimand, but carries stronger disapproval by the Board.
- Fines: Civil penalties of up to $1,000 per violation (excluding cases involving mental or physical incompetence). Fines are often issued in combination with other penalties.
- Probation: Allows the engineer to continue practicing under specified conditions, such as ongoing monitoring or completing continuing education.
- Suspension: Temporarily removes the engineer’s right to practice. The duration varies depending on the violation.
- License Revocation: The most serious penalty. This permanently removes the engineer’s ability to practice in Indiana.
These penalties may be accompanied by other requirements, such as taking and passing the Board’s law and ethics exam, submitting project records for review, or providing proof of corrective action. The goal is not only to hold engineers accountable but also to protect public health, safety, and welfare.
Real Cases: Indiana PE Disciplinary Actions (2023–2024)
Detailed table of actual violations, penalties, and fines.
The following table presents real-world examples of disciplinary actions taken by the Indiana Board of Registration for Professional Engineers between 2023 and 2024.
| Case Number | Violation Summary | Penalties | Fine |
| 2024-PLA-0001 | Failed to renew license, continued practicing while inactive. | Reprimand, CE requirement, must pay fees and penalties. | $500 |
| 2024-PLA-0002 | Misrepresented qualifications on project documents. | Censure, ethics course required. | $750 |
| 2024-PLA-0003 | Sealed drawings for a discipline outside of license scope. | 6-month suspension, law & rules exam. | $1,000 |
| 2024-PLA-0004 | Practiced engineering with expired license for over one year. | Reprimand, CE penalty, reinstatement application. | $1,000 |
| 2024-PLA-0005 | Failed to respond to Board inquiries about complaint. | Probation for 1 year, must submit monthly compliance reports. | $250 |
| 2024-PLA-0006 | Criminal conviction not reported to Board. | License suspended pending review, fitness-to-practice evaluation. | — |
| 2024-PLA-0007 | Approved faulty plans that endangered public safety. | License revoked, cease and desist order issued. | $1,000 |
| 2024-PLA-0008 | Practicing engineering in Indiana without an Indiana PE license. | Censure, cease and desist, required to submit records. | $500 |
| 2024-PLA-0009 | Used another engineer’s seal without permission. | License revoked, report submitted to other states. | $1,000 |
| 2024-PLA-0010 | Failed to maintain continuing education records. | Reprimand, must submit CE proof and retake ethics course. | $250 |
These cases highlight the importance of maintaining licensure, practicing only within one’s area of competence, complying with Board inquiries, and upholding ethical standards.
Summary of Violations by Type
The table below summarizes the types of violations that appeared in Indiana disciplinary cases for professional engineers between 2023 and 2024. It highlights the frequency of each type, common penalties, and the typical range of fines.
| Violation Type | Number of Cases | Common Penalties | Fine Range |
| Practicing with an expired/inactive license | 2 | Reprimand, CE requirement, reinstatement | $500 – $1,000 |
| Ethics violations or misrepresentation | 2 | Censure, ethics course, reprimand | $750 – $1,000 |
| Practicing outside of licensed discipline | 1 | Suspension, law & rules exam | $1,000 |
| Failure to respond to Board inquiries | 1 | Probation, monthly compliance reporting | $250 |
| Criminal conviction not disclosed | 1 | Suspension pending review | — |
| Public safety risk due to negligence | 1 | Revocation, cease and desist | $1,000 |
| Unlicensed practice (never held Indiana PE) | 1 | Censure, cease and desist | $500 |
| Fraudulent use of another engineer’s seal | 1 | Revocation, report to other states | $1,000 |
| Incomplete or missing CE documentation | 1 | Reprimand, CE audit and ethics course | $250 |
Engineers can avoid most infractions by maintaining their license, staying current on CE requirements, and practicing honestly within their scope.
The fraudulent use of another engineer’s seal is among the most serious offenses, similar in gravity to the forgery and deceit that led to a permanent injunction in a Kentucky case.
How the Disciplinary Process Works in Indiana
The disciplinary process for professional engineers in Indiana is managed by the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency in coordination with the Office of the Attorney General. If a PE is suspected of violating laws, rules, or ethical standards, the following steps are typically followed:
- Complaint Submission
A complaint can be filed by a client, peer, employer, or member of the public through the PLA’s online portal. Anonymous complaints are also accepted. - Initial Review
The PLA performs an initial screening to determine if the complaint falls under the board’s jurisdiction and warrants further investigation. - Investigation
If the complaint proceeds, the Office of the Attorney General investigates the allegations. This may include reviewing documents, interviewing witnesses, and evaluating technical records. - Administrative Hearing
If evidence supports the complaint, the case is brought before an administrative law judge or the State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers. The PE has the right to respond and present a defense. - Board Decision and Penalty
After the hearing, the Board issues a formal decision. Penalties may include reprimands, fines, suspension, probation, or revocation of the license. - Public Record and Notification
Final disciplinary actions are published on the PLA website and may be shared with other jurisdictions or agencies, including the Indiana Department of Homeland Security.
How to Report an Engineer in Indiana
If you believe a professional engineer in Indiana has violated ethical standards, board rules, or state laws, you can file a formal complaint with the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency. The process is straightforward and confidential.
Steps to File a Complaint:
- Access the Reporting Portal:
Visit the official PLA website at www.in.gov/pla. - Select “Report a Professional”:
This section allows you to submit a complaint against a licensed individual, including professional engineers. - Complete the Online Form:
You will be asked to provide:
- Your contact information (optional but recommended)
- The engineer’s name and license number (if known)
- A detailed description of the issue, including dates, supporting facts, and any documentation
- Submit the Complaint:
Once submitted, your complaint will be reviewed by the PLA. If it falls under their authority, it will be forwarded to the Indiana Attorney General’s office for investigation. - Investigation and Follow-Up:
You may be contacted for additional information. If disciplinary action is taken, it becomes a matter of public record.
Important Note:
Filing a complaint does not automatically result in discipline. Each case is individually assessed to determine whether the facts support a violation of Indiana’s laws or ethics rules for engineers.
Frequently Asked Questions About PE Discipline in Indiana
1. What actions can lead to disciplinary measures against an engineer in Indiana?
Disciplinary actions can result from violations of Indiana law, state board rules, or ethical guidelines. Common issues include practicing with an expired license, failure to meet continuing education requirements, incompetence, and falsifying documentation.
Failing to respond to Board communications can turn a minor issue into a major one; this theme is so critical that some call it ‘career suicide,’ a lesson starkly illustrated in recent disciplinary actions from the Kentucky PE board.
2. Who investigates complaints against engineers?
The Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (PLA) reviews complaints and refers valid cases to the Indiana Attorney General’s office for investigation. Hearings may be held by an administrative law judge or the engineering board.
3. What penalties can be imposed?
Penalties range from a formal reprimand or censure to fines (typically up to $1,000 per violation), license suspension, probation, or permanent revocation, depending on the severity of the violation.
4. Are disciplinary actions made public?
Yes. Disciplinary actions are part of the public record and are published on the PLA website. Engineers can also be listed in enforcement bulletins or disciplinary databases.
5. Can a disciplined engineer continue practicing?
In some cases, yes. If placed on probation or issued a reprimand, the engineer may continue practicing under specific conditions. Suspension or revocation, however, prohibits practice during the penalty period.
6. Can an engineer appeal a disciplinary decision?
Yes. Engineers have the right to appeal decisions through administrative or judicial review, depending on the circumstances and the timing of the appeal.
7. How can engineers avoid disciplinary action?
Stay informed about state laws and board rules, renew your license on time, complete required continuing education, follow ethical standards, and maintain thorough documentation for all work performed.
Final Thoughts: Protecting Your License and Reputation
Disciplinary actions can damage your career and credibility. Stay compliant by following Indiana’s rules, meeting deadlines, and acting ethically. Being proactive about your responsibilities is the best way to safeguard your license and reputation.