Sec. 4. (a) The bureau shall issue a permanent parking placard to an individual:
(1) who is certified by a health care provider listed in subsection (b) as having:
(A) a permanent physical disability that requires the use of a wheelchair, a walker, braces, or crutches;
(B) permanently lost the use of one (1) or both legs; or
(C) a permanent and severe restriction in mobility due to a pulmonary or cardiovascular disability, an arthritic condition, or an orthopedic or neurological impairment;
(2) who is certified to be permanently:
(A) blind (as defined in IC 12-7-2-21(2)); or
(B) visually impaired (as defined in IC 12-7-2-198);
by an optometrist or ophthalmologist who has a valid unrestricted license to practice optometry or ophthalmology in Indiana; or
(3) who:
(A) has been issued; or
(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.
(b) A certification required under subsection (a)(1) may be provided by the following:
(1) A physician having a valid and unrestricted license to practice medicine.
(2) A physician who is a commissioned medical officer of:
(A) the armed forces of the United States; or
(B) the United States Public Health Service.
(3) A physician who is a medical officer of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.
(4) A chiropractor with a valid and unrestricted license under IC 25-10-1.
(5) A podiatrist with a valid and unrestricted license under IC 25-29-1.
(6) An advanced practice registered nurse with a valid and unrestricted license under IC 25-23.
(7) A physician assistant with a valid and unrestricted license under IC 25-27.5.
(c) A permanent placard issued under this section remains in effect until:
(1) a health care provider listed in subsection (b); or
(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.