in-20251210-IR-844250730INA: LATE LICENSE RENEWAL FEE

TITLE 844 MEDICAL LICENSING BOARD OF INDIANA Notice of Public Comment Period for Interim Rule LSA Document #25-730 LATE LICENSE RENEWAL FEE PURPOSE OF NOTICE The Medical Licensing Board of Indiana (board) is soliciting public comment on temporarily amending rules at 844 IAC 4-2-2 by adding the longstanding $50 late license renewal fee to the board’s rules in compliance with IC 4-22-2-19.6(b). The board seeks comment on the affected citation listed and any other provisions of Title 844 that may be affected by this rulemaking. ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS Governor's Approval: 20251210-IR-844250730GAA Regulatory Analysis: 20251210-IR-844250730RAA CITATIONS AFFECTED: 844 IAC 4-2-2 AUTHORITY: IC 25-1-8-2; IC 25-22.5-2-7; IC 25-22.5-7-1 OVERVIEW Basic Purpose and Background Prior to the passing of House Enrolled Act (HEA) 1623 in 2023, the Indiana professional licensing agency and the board historically charged a $50 late license renewal fee. Licensees are required to renew their licenses biannually in odd-numbered years, and the most recent renewal cycle for the board ended October 31, 2025. For lack of this interim rule, the board has not been able to collect late renewal fees and will not be able to do so until the interim rule is enacted. According to IC 4-22-2-19.6(b)(1), which was enacted after HEA 1623 and IC 25-1-8-6, “For each fee, fine, or civil penalty imposed by an agency that is not set as a specific amount in a state law, a rule must describe the circumstances for which the agency will assess a fee, fine, or civil penalty and set forth the amount of the fee, fine, or civil penalty as a specific dollar amount”. To limit the loss of revenue collected in the form of late fees that ultimately benefits the General Fund and its recipients, and to continue to incentivize compliance on behalf of licensees, the proposed interim rule must be approved, allowing the collection of late fees to resume as soon as possible. Statement Justifying Requirement or Cost First, there are no additional costs proposed for regulated entities. The $50 late renewal fee has been charged historically. It can be avoided entirely by submitting a timely renewal during the 3½ month period allowed for doing so. With respect to justification, IC 4-22-2-19.6(b) requires, as amended by HB 1623 (retroactively effective January 1, 2023), that for each fee, fine, or civil penalty imposed by an agency that is not set as a specific amount in a state law, a rule must describe the circumstances for which the agency will assess a fee, fine, or civil penalty and set forth the amount of the fee, fine, or civil penalty. The proposed interim rule brings the longstanding $50 late renewal fees into conformity with IC 4-22-2-19.6(b)(1) by codifying it within 844 IAC 4-2-2(a) as a “specific dollar amount”. The most recent license renewal cycle for the board ended October 31, 2025. Currently, the board may not collect late fees from those who missed the deadline. Timing is critical because each day that the interim rule is incomplete, late renewals come in, and the board cannot assess a late fee. The revised laws justifying the interim rulemaking are as follows: Under IC 4-22-2-19.5, the proposed interim rule: (1) achieves the regulatory goal in the least restrictive manner; (2) avoids duplication; and (3) is practical to enforce and maintain. The proposed interim rule neither increases barriers nor burdens and incentivizes timely renewal of licenses. It also supports the efforts required to manage compliance, and gives the staff and board time to reinstate lapsed licenses. REQUEST FOR PUBLIC COMMENT The board is soliciting public comment on the proposed interim rule. Comments may be submitted in one of the following ways: COMMENT PERIOD DEADLINE All comments must be postmarked or time stamped not later than January 9, 2026. The rule, Regulatory Analysis, appendices referenced in the Regulatory Analysis and Statement Justifying Requirement or Cost, and materials incorporated by reference (if applicable) are on file at the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency, 402 West Washington Street, Room W072, Indianapolis, Indiana and are available for public inspection. Copies of the rule, Regulatory Analysis, and appendices referenced in the Regulatory Analysis and Statement Justifying Requirement or Cost are available at the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency office. PROPOSED INTERIM RULE 844 IAC 4-2-2 Board fees Sec. 2. (a) Every A qualified applicant for licensure to practice as a medical doctor or osteopathic doctor shall pay to the medical licensing board of Indiana the following fees: Examination $250 Endorsement-in $250 Endorsement-out $10 Renewal fee $200 per biennium Late renewal fee  $50  Duplicate license $10 (b) Every An applicant for permits authorized by the medical licensing board of Indiana shall pay to the medical licensing board of Indiana the following fees: Temporary medical permit, endorsement candidates, teaching permit, postgraduate training $100 Renewal fee for a temporary medical permit $50 Temporary medical permit (nonrenewable, limited scope) $100