225 ILCS 20/ Clinical Social Work and Social Work Practice Act.

(225 ILCS 20/1) (from Ch. 111, par. 6351)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2018)

Sec. 1. Declaration of public policy. The purpose of this Act is to protect and to benefit the public by setting standards of qualifications, education, training and experience for those who seek to engage in the independent practice of clinical social work and in the practice of social work and to promote high standards of professional performance for those engaged in the independent practice of clinical social work and in the practice of social work in the State of Illinois. Such practice is hereby declared to affect the public health, safety and welfare and should be subject to regulation in the public interest.

(Source: P.A. 85-1131.)

(225 ILCS 20/2) (from Ch. 111, par. 6352)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2018)

Sec. 2. Short title. This Act may be cited as the Clinical Social Work and Social Work Practice Act.

(Source: P.A. 85-1131; 86-1475.)

(225 ILCS 20/3) (from Ch. 111, par. 6353)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2018)

Sec. 3. Definitions: The following words and phrases shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this Section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

1. "Department" means the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.

2. "Secretary" means the Secretary of Financial and Professional Regulation.

3. "Board" means the Social Work Examining and Disciplinary Board.

4. "Licensed Clinical Social Worker" means a person who holds a license authorizing the independent practice of clinical social work in Illinois under the auspices of an employer or in private practice or under the auspices of public human service agencies or private, nonprofit agencies providing publicly sponsored human services.

5. "Clinical social work practice" means the providing of mental health services for the evaluation, treatment, and prevention of mental and emotional disorders in individuals, families and groups based on knowledge and theory of professionally accepted theoretical structures, including, but not limited to, psychosocial development, behavior, psychopathology, unconscious motivation, interpersonal relationships, and environmental stress.

6. "Treatment procedures" means among other things, individual, marital, family and group psychotherapy.

7. "Independent practice of clinical social work" means the application of clinical social work knowledge and skills by a licensed clinical social worker who regulates and is responsible for her or his own practice or treatment procedures.

8. "License" means that which is required to practice clinical social work or social work under this Act, the qualifications for which include specific education, acceptable experience and examination requirements.

9. "Licensed social worker" means a person who holds a license authorizing the practice of social work, which includes social services to individuals, groups or communities in any one or more of the fields of social casework, social group work, community organization for social welfare, social work research, social welfare administration or social work education. Social casework and social group work may also include clinical social work, as long as it is not conducted in an independent practice, as defined in this Section.

10. "Address of record" means the address recorded by the Department in the applicant's or licensee's application file or license file, as maintained by the Department's licensure maintenance unit.

(Source: P.A. 95-687, eff. 10-23-07.)

(225 ILCS 20/4) (from Ch. 111, par. 6354)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2018)

Sec. 4. Exemptions.

1. This Act does not prohibit any of the following:

(a) Any persons legally regulated in this State under any other Act from engaging in the practice for which they are authorized, provided that they do not represent themselves by any title as being engaged in the independent practice of clinical social work or the practice of social work as defined in this Act, nor does it prohibit the practice of nonregulated professions whose practitioners are engaged in the delivery of human services, provided such practitioners do not represent themselves as or use the title of clinical social worker or social worker.

(b) The practice of clinical social work or social work by a person who is employed by the United States government or by the State of Illinois, unit of local government or any bureau, division or agency thereof while in the discharge of the employee's official duties. Clinical social workers employed by the State of Illinois who are hired after the effective date of this amendatory Act of 1994 shall hold a valid license, issued by this State, to practice as a licensed clinical social worker, except for those clinical social workers employed by the State who obtain their positions through promotion.

(c) The practice of a student pursuing a course of professional education under the terms of this Act, if these activities and services constitute a part of such student's supervised course of study.

2. Nothing in this Act shall be construed to apply to any person engaged in the bona fide practice of religious ministry provided the person does not hold himself out to be engaged in the independent practice of clinical social work or the practice of social work.

3. This Act does not prohibit a person serving as a volunteer so long as no representation prohibited by this Section is made.

4. Nothing contained in this Act shall be construed to require any hospital, clinic, home health agency, hospice, or other entity which provides health care to employ or to contract with a licensed clinical social worker to provide clinical social work practice or the independent practice of clinical social work as described in this Act.

(Source: P.A. 88-620, eff. 1-1-95.)

(225 ILCS 20/5) (from Ch. 111, par. 6355)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2018)

Sec. 5. Powers and duties of the Department.

1. The Department shall exercise the powers and duties as set forth in this Act.

2. The Secretary shall promulgate rules consistent with the provisions of this Act for the administration and enforcement thereof, and shall prescribe forms which shall be issued in connection therewith.

3. In addition, the Department shall:

(a) Establish rules for determining approved undergraduate and graduate social work degree programs and prepare and maintain a list of colleges and universities offering such approved programs whose graduates, if they otherwise meet the requirements of this Act, are eligible to apply for a license.

(b) Promulgate rules, as may be necessary, for the administration of this Act and to carry out the purposes thereof and to adopt the methods of examination of candidates and to provide for the issuance of licenses authorizing the independent practice of clinical social work or the practice of social work.

(c) Authorize examinations to ascertain the qualifications and fitness of candidates for a license to engage in the independent practice of clinical social work and in the practice of social work, and to determine the qualifications of applicants from other jurisdictions to practice in Illinois.

(d) Maintain rosters of the names and addresses of all licensees, and all persons whose licenses have been suspended, revoked or denied renewal for cause within the previous calendar year. These rosters shall be available upon written request and payment of the required fee.

(Source: P.A. 95-687, eff. 10-23-07.)

(225 ILCS 20/6) (from Ch. 111, par. 6356)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2018)

Sec. 6. Social Work Examining and Disciplinary Board.

(1) The Secretary shall appoint a Social Work Examining and Disciplinary Board consisting of 9 persons who shall serve in an advisory capacity to the Secretary. The Board shall be composed of 6 licensed clinical social workers, one of whom shall be employed in a public human service agency, one of whom shall be a certified school social worker, one of whom shall be employed in the private not-for-profit sector and one of whom shall serve as the chairperson, two licensed social workers, and one member of the public who is not regulated under this Act or a similar Act and who clearly represents consumer interests.

(2) Members shall serve for a term of 4 years and until their successors are appointed and qualified. No member shall be reappointed if such reappointment would cause that person's service on the Board to be longer than 8 successive years. Appointments to fill vacancies for the unexpired portion of a vacated term shall be made in the same manner as original appointments.

(3) The membership of the Board should represent racial and cultural diversity and reasonably reflect representation from different geographic areas of Illinois.

(4) The Secretary may terminate the appointment of any member for cause.

(5) The Secretary shall consider the recommendation of the Board on all matters and questions relating to this Act.

(6) The Board is charged with the duties and responsibilities of recommending to the Secretary the adoption of all policies, procedures and rules which may be required or deemed advisable in order to perform the duties and functions conferred on the Board, the Secretary and the Department to carry out the provisions of this Act.

(7) The Board may make recommendations on all matters relating to continuing education including the number of hours necessary for license renewal, waivers for those unable to meet such requirements and acceptable course content. Such recommendations shall not impose an undue burden on the Department or an unreasonable restriction on those seeking license renewal.

(8) The Board shall annually elect one of its members as chairperson and one as vice chairperson.

(9) Members of the Board shall be reimbursed for all authorized legitimate and necessary expenses incurred in attending the meetings of the Board.

(10) A majority of the Board members currently appointed shall constitute a quorum. A vacancy in the membership of the Board shall not impair the right of a quorum to perform all of the duties of the Board.

(11) Members of the Board shall have no liability in an action based upon a disciplinary proceeding or other activity performed in good faith as a member of the Board.

(Source: P.A. 95-687, eff. 10-23-07.)

(225 ILCS 20/7) (from Ch. 111, par. 6357)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2018)

Sec. 7. Applications for original license. Applications for original licenses shall be made to the Department on forms prescribed by the Department and accompanied by the required fee which shall not be refundable. All applications shall contain such information which, in the judgment of the Department, will enable the Department to pass on the qualifications of the applicant for a license as a licensed clinical social worker or as a licensed social worker.

A license to practice shall not be denied an applicant because of the applicant's race, religion, creed, national origin, political beliefs or activities, age, sex, sexual orientation, or physical impairment.

Applicants have 3 years from the date of application to complete the application process. If the process has not been completed in 3 years, the application shall be denied, the fee shall be forfeited, and the applicant must reapply and meet the requirements in effect at the time of reapplication.

(Source: P.A. 90-150, eff. 12-30-97.)

(225 ILCS 20/7.3)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2018)

Sec. 7.3. Change of address. An applicant or licensee must inform the Department of any change of address, and such changes must be made either through the Department's website or by contacting the Department's licensure maintenance unit.

(Source: P.A. 95-687, eff. 10-23-07.)

(225 ILCS 20/7.5)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2018)

Sec. 7.5. Social Security Number on license application. In addition to any other information required to be contained in the application, every application for an original license under this Act shall include the applicant's Social Security Number, which shall be retained in the agency's records pertaining to the license. As soon as practical, the Department shall assign a customer's identification number to each applicant for a license.

Every application for a renewal or restored license shall require the applicant's customer identification number.

(Source: P.A. 97-400, eff. 1-1-12.)

(225 ILCS 20/8) (from Ch. 111, par. 6358)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2018)

Sec. 8. Examination.

(1) The Department shall authorize examinations of applicants at such times and places as it may determine. Each examination shall be of a character to fairly test the competence and qualifications of the applicants to practice as a licensed clinical social worker or as a licensed social worker.

(2) Applicants for examination shall pay, either to the Department or to the designated testing service, a fee covering the cost of determining the applicant's eligibility and of providing the examination. Failure to appear for the examination on the scheduled date at the time and place specified after the applicant's application for examination has been received and acknowledged by the Department or the designated testing service shall result in forfeiture of the examination fee.

(3) (Blank).

(4) The Department may employ consultants for the purpose of preparing and conducting examinations.

(5) An applicant has one year from the date of notification of successful completion of the examination to apply to the Department for a license. If an applicant fails to apply within one year, the examination scores shall be void and the applicant shall be required to take and pass the examination again unless licensed in another jurisdiction of the United States within one year of passing the examination.

(Source: P.A. 90-150, eff. 12-30-97.)

(225 ILCS 20/8.1) (from Ch. 111, par. 6358.1)

Sec. 8.1. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 86-1007. Repealed by P.A. 90-150, eff. 12-30-97.)

(225 ILCS 20/9) (from Ch. 111, par. 6359)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2018)

Sec. 9. Qualification for clinical social worker license. A person shall be qualified to be licensed as a clinical social worker and the Department shall issue a license authorizing the independent practice of clinical social work to an applicant who:

(1) has applied in writing on the prescribed form;

(2) is of good moral character. In determining good moral character, the Department may take into consideration whether the applicant was engaged in conduct or actions that would constitute grounds for discipline under this Act;

(3) (A) demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Department that subsequent to securing a master's degree in social work from an approved program the applicant has successfully completed at least 3,000 hours of satisfactory, supervised clinical professional experience; or

(B) demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Department that such applicant has received a doctor's degree in social work from an approved program and has completed at least 2,000 hours of satisfactory, supervised clinical professional experience subsequent to the degree;

(4) has passed the examination for the practice of clinical social work as authorized by the Department; and

(5) has paid the required fees.

(Source: P.A. 95-687, eff. 10-23-07.)

(225 ILCS 20/9A) (from Ch. 111, par. 6359A)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2018)

Sec. 9A. Qualifications for license as licensed social worker. A person shall be qualified to be licensed as a licensed social worker and the Department shall issue a license authorizing the practice of social work to an applicant who:

(1) has applied in writing on the prescribed form;

(2) is of good moral character, as defined in subsection (2) of Section 9;

(3) (a) has a degree from a graduate program of social work approved by the Department; or

(b) has a degree in social work from an undergraduate program approved by the Department and has successfully completed at least 3 years of supervised professional experience subsequent to obtaining the degree as established by rule. If no supervision by a licensed social worker or a licensed clinical social worker is available, then supervised professional experience may include supervision by other appropriate disciplines as defined by rule;

(4) has passed the examination for the practice of social work as a licensed social worker as authorized by the Department; and

(5) has paid the required fees.

(Source: P.A. 90-150, eff. 12-30-97; 91-357, eff. 7-29-99.)

(225 ILCS 20/9.5)

Sec. 9.5. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 92-254, eff. 1-1-02. Repealed internally, eff. 1-1-05.)

(225 ILCS 20/10) (from Ch. 111, par. 6360)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2018)

Sec. 10. License restrictions and limitations.

(a) No person shall, without a license as a social worker issued by the Department: (i) in any manner hold himself or herself out to the public as a social worker under this Act; (ii) use the title "social worker" or "licensed social worker"; or (iii) offer to render to individuals, corporations, or the public social work services if the words "social work" or "licensed social worker" are used to describe the person offering to render or rendering the services or to describe the services rendered or offered to be rendered.

(b) No person shall, without a license as a clinical social worker issued by the Department: (i) in any manner hold himself or herself out to the public as a clinical social worker or licensed clinical social worker under this Act; (ii) use the title "clinical social worker" or "licensed clinical social worker"; or (iii) offer to render to individuals, corporations, or the public clinical social work services if the words "licensed clinical social worker" or "clinical social work" are used to describe the person to render or rendering the services or to describe the services rendered or offered to be rendered.

(c) Licensed social workers may not engage in independent practice of clinical social work without a clinical social worker license. In independent practice, a licensed social worker shall practice at all times under the order, control, and full professional responsibility of a licensed clinical social worker, a licensed clinical psychologist, or a psychiatrist, as defined in Section 1-121 of the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code.

(d) No association or partnership shall be granted a license unless every member, partner, and employee of the association or partnership, who practices social work or clinical social work, or who renders social work or clinical social work services, holds a current license issued under this Act. No license shall be issued to a corporation, the stated purpose of which includes or that practices or holds itself out as available to practice social work or clinical social work unless it is organized under the Professional Service Corporation Act.

(Source: P.A. 90-150, eff. 12-30-97.)

(225 ILCS 20/10.5)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2018)

Sec. 10.5. Unlicensed practice; violation; civil penalty.

(a) Any person who practices, offers to practice, attempts to practice, or holds himself or herself out to practice as a clinical social worker or social worker without being licensed or exempt under this Act shall, in addition to any other penalty provided by law, pay a civil penalty to the Department in an amount not to exceed $10,000 for each offense, as determined by the Department. The civil penalty shall be assessed by the Department after a hearing is held in accordance with the provisions set forth in this Act regarding the provision of a hearing for the discipline of a licensee.

(b) The Department may investigate any actual, alleged, or suspected unlicensed activity.

(c) The civil penalty shall be paid within 60 days after the effective date of the order imposing the civil penalty. The order shall constitute a judgment and may be filed and execution had thereon in the same manner as any judgment from any court of record.

(Source: P.A. 95-687, eff. 10-23-07.)

(225 ILCS 20/11) (from Ch. 111, par. 6361)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2018)

Sec. 11. Licenses; renewal; restoration; person in military service; inactive status.

(a) The expiration date and renewal period for each license issued under this Act shall be set by rule. The licensee may renew a license during the 60-day period preceding its expiration date by paying the required fee and by demonstrating compliance with any continuing education requirements. The Department shall adopt rules establishing minimum requirements of continuing education and means for verification of the completion of the continuing education requirements. The Department may, by rule, specify circumstances under which the continuing education requirements may be waived.

(b) Any person who has permitted a license to expire or who has a license on inactive status may have it restored by submitting an application to the Department and filing proof of fitness, as defined by rule, to have the license restored, including, if appropriate, evidence which is satisfactory to the Department certifying the active practice of clinical social work or social work in another jurisdiction and by paying the required fee.

(b-5) If the person has not maintained an active practice in another jurisdiction which is satisfactory to the Department, the Department shall determine the person's fitness to resume active status. The Department may also require the person to complete a specific period of evaluated clinical social work or social work experience and may require successful completion of an examination.

(b-7) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, any person whose license expired while on active duty with the armed forces of the United States, while called into service or training with the State Militia or in training or education under the supervision of the United States government prior to induction into the military service may have his or her license restored without paying any renewal fees if, within 2 years after the honorable termination of that service, training or education, except under conditions other than honorable, the Department is furnished with satisfactory evidence that the person has been so engaged and that the service, training or education has been so terminated.

(c) A license to practice shall not be denied any applicant because of the applicant's race, religion, creed, national origin, political beliefs or activities, age, sex, sexual orientation, or physical impairment.

(d) (Blank).

(e) (Blank).

(f) (Blank).

(g) The Department shall indicate on each license the academic degree of the licensee.

(Source: P.A. 95-687, eff. 10-23-07.)

(225 ILCS 20/12) (from Ch. 111, par. 6362)

Sec. 12. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 85-1440. Repealed by P.A. 90-150, eff. 12-30-97.)

(225 ILCS 20/12.5)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2018)

Sec. 12.5. Endorsement. The Department may issue a license as a clinical social worker or as a social worker, without the required examination, to an applicant licensed under the laws of another jurisdiction if the requirements for licensure in that jurisdiction are, on the date of licensure, substantially equivalent to the requirements of this Act or to any person who, at the time of his or her licensure, possessed individual qualifications that were substantially equivalent to the requirements then in force in this State. An applicant under this Section shall pay the required fees.

(Source: P.A. 95-687, eff. 10-23-07.)

(225 ILCS 20/13) (from Ch. 111, par. 6363)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2018)

Sec. 13. Fees.

(a) Except as provided in subsection (b), the fees for the administration and enforcement of this Act, including but not limited to fees for original licensure, renewal, and restoration, shall be set by rule. The fees shall not be refundable.

(b) Applicants for examination shall be required to pay, either to the Department or the designated testing service, a fee covering the cost of initial screening to determine eligibility and providing the examination. Failure to appear for the examination on the scheduled date at the time and place specified, after the applicant's application for examination has been received and acknowledged by the Department or the designated testing service, shall result in the forfeiture of the examination fee.

(Source: P.A. 90-150, eff. 12-30-97.)

(225 ILCS 20/13.1)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2018)

Sec. 13.1. Deposit of fees and fines. All of the fees and fines collected under this Act shall be deposited into the General Professions Dedicated Fund.

(Source: P.A. 88-91; 88-683, eff. 1-24-95.)

(225 ILCS 20/14) (from Ch. 111, par. 6364)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2018)

Sec. 14. Checks or order to Department dishonored because of insufficient funds. Any person who delivers a check or other payment to the Department that is returned to the Department unpaid by the financial institution upon which it is drawn shall pay to the Department, in addition to the amount already owed to the Department, a fine of $50. The fines imposed by this Section are in addition to any other discipline provided under this Act for unlicensed practice or practice on a nonrenewed license. The Department shall notify the person that payment of fees and fines shall be paid to the Department by certified check or money order within 30 calendar days of the notification. If, after the expiration of 30 days from the date of the notification, the person has failed to submit the necessary remittance, the Department shall automatically terminate the license or certificate or deny the application, without hearing. If, after termination or denial, the person seeks a license or certificate, he or she shall apply to the Department for restoration or issuance of the license or certificate and pay all fees and fines due to the Department. The Department may establish a fee for the processing of an application for restoration of a license or certificate to pay all expenses of processing this application. The Secretary may waive the fines due under this Section in individual cases where the Secretary finds that the fines would be unreasonable or unnecessarily burdensome.

(Source: P.A. 95-687, eff. 10-23-07.)

(225 ILCS 20/15) (from Ch. 111, par. 6365)

Sec. 15. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 86-615. Repealed by P.A. 90-150, eff. 12-30-97.)

(225 ILCS 20/16) (from Ch. 111, par. 6366)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2018)

Sec. 16. Privileged Communications and Exceptions.

1. No licensed clinical social worker or licensed social worker shall disclose any information acquired from persons consulting the social worker in a professional capacity, except that which may be voluntarily disclosed under the following circumstances:

(a) In the course of formally reporting, conferring or consulting with administrative superiors, colleagues or consultants who share professional responsibility, including a professional responsibility to maintain confidentiality, in which instance all recipients of such information are similarly bound to regard the communication as privileged;

(b) With the written consent of the person who provided the information;

(c) In case of death or disability, with the written consent of a personal representative, other person authorized to sue, or the beneficiary of an insurance policy on the person's life, health or physical condition;

(d) When a communication reveals the intended commission of a crime or harmful act and such disclosure is judged necessary by the licensed clinical social worker or licensed social worker to protect any person from a clear, imminent risk of serious mental or physical harm or injury, or to forestall a serious threat to the public safety;

(e) When the person waives the privilege by bringing any public charges against the licensee; or

(f) When the information is acquired during the course of investigating a report or working on a case of elder abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation by a designated Elder Abuse Provider Agency and disclosure of the information is in accordance with the provisions of Section 8 of the Elder Abuse and Neglect Act.

2. When the person is a minor under the laws of the State of Illinois and the information acquired by the licensed clinical social worker or licensed social worker indicates the minor was the victim or subject of a crime, the licensed clinical social worker or licensed social worker may be required to testify in any judicial proceedings in which the commission of that crime is the subject of inquiry and when, after in camera review of the information that the licensed clinical social worker or licensed social worker acquired, the court determines that the interests of the minor in having the information held privileged are outweighed by the requirements of justice, the need to protect the public safety or the need to protect the minor, except as provided under the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act.

3. Any person having access to records or any one who participates in providing social work services or who, in providing any human services, is supervised by a licensed clinical social worker or licensed social worker, is similarly bound to regard all information and communications as privileged in accord with this Section.

4. Nothing shall be construed to prohibit a licensed clinical social worker or licensed social worker from voluntarily testifying in court hearings concerning matters of adoption, child abuse, child neglect or other matters pertaining to children, except as provided under the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act.

5. The Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Confidentiality Act, as now or hereafter amended, is incorporated herein as if all of its provisions were included in this Act.

(Source: P.A. 96-71, eff. 7-23-09.)

(225 ILCS 20/17) (from Ch. 111, par. 6367)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2018)

Sec. 17. Advertising.

(A) Persons licensed under this Act may advertise the availability of their professional services as permitted by law, provided that such advertising is true and not misleading. Representing that social work services or clinical social work services are used or made available by individuals who are not licensed under the provisions of this Act is deemed to be false and misleading and is subject to the provisions of Section 35 of this Act.

(B) A licensee shall include in every advertisement for services regulated under this Act his or her title as it appears on the license or the initials authorized under this Act.

(Source: P.A. 91-310, eff. 1-1-00.)

(225 ILCS 20/18) (from Ch. 111, par. 6368)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2018)

Sec. 18. Practice by Corporations. No license shall be issued by the Department to any corporation which has a stated purpose that includes or which practices or which holds itself out as available to practice clinical social work, unless it is organized under the provisions of The Professional Service Corporation Act.

(Source: P.A. 85-1131.)

(225 ILCS 20/19) (from Ch. 111, par. 6369)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2018)

Sec. 19. Grounds for disciplinary action.

(1) The Department may refuse to issue, refuse to renew, suspend, or revoke any license, or may place on probation, censure, reprimand, or take other disciplinary or non-disciplinary action deemed appropriate by the Department, including the imposition of fines not to exceed $10,000 for each violation, with regard to any license issued under the provisions of this Act for any one or a combination of the following reasons:

(a) material misstatements of fact in furnishing information to the Department or to any other State agency or in furnishing information to any insurance company with respect to a claim on behalf of a licensee or a patient;

(b) violations or negligent or intentional disregard of this Act, or any of the rules promulgated hereunder;

(c) conviction of or entry of a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to any crime that is a felony under the laws of the United States or any state or territory thereof or that is a misdemeanor, of which an essential element is dishonesty, or any crime that is directly related to the practice of the clinical social work or social work professions;

(d) making any misrepresentation for the purpose of obtaining licenses, or violating any provision of this Act or any of the rules promulgated hereunder;

(e) professional incompetence;

(f) malpractice;

(g) aiding or assisting another person in violating any provision or this Act or any rules;

(h) failing to provide information within 30 days in response to a written request made by the Department;

(i) engaging in dishonorable, unethical or unprofessional conduct of a character likely to deceive, defraud or harm the public as defined by the rules of the Department, or violating the rules of professional conduct adopted by the Board and published by the Department;

(j) habitual or excessive use or addiction to alcohol, narcotics, stimulants, or any other chemical agent or drug that results in a clinical social worker's or social worker's inability to practice with reasonable judgment, skill, or safety;

(k) discipline by another jurisdiction, if at least one of the grounds for the discipline is the same or substantially equivalent to those set forth in this Section;

(l) directly or indirectly giving to or receiving from any person, firm, corporation, partnership, or association any fee, commission, rebate or other form of compensation for any professional service not actually rendered. Nothing in this paragraph (l) affects any bona fide independent contractor or employment arrangements among health care professionals, health facilities, health care providers, or other entities, except as otherwise prohibited by law. Any employment arrangements may include provisions for compensation, health insurance, pension, or other employment benefits for the provision of services within the scope of the licensee's practice under this Act. Nothing in this paragraph (l) shall be construed to require an employment arrangement to receive professional fees for services rendered;

(m) a finding by the Board that the licensee, after having the license placed on probationary status, has violated the terms of probation;

(n) abandonment, without cause, of a client;

(o) wilfully filing false reports relating to a licensee's practice, including but not limited to false records filed with Federal or State agencies or departments;

(p) wilfully failing to report an instance of suspected child abuse or neglect as required by the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act;

(q) being named as a perpetrator in an indicated report by the Department of Children and Family Services under the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act, and upon proof by clear and convincing evidence that the licensee has caused a child to be or failed to take reasonable steps to prevent a child from being an abused child or neglected child as defined in the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act;

(r) physical illness, mental illness, or any other impairment or disability, including, but not limited to, deterioration through the aging process, or loss of motor skills that results in the inability to practice the profession with reasonable judgment, skill or safety;

(s) solicitation of professional services by using false or misleading advertising; or

(t) violation of the Health Care Worker Self-Referral Act.

(2) (Blank).

(3) The determination by a court that a licensee is subject to involuntary admission or judicial admission as provided in the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code, will result in an automatic suspension of his license. Such suspension will end upon a finding by a court that the licensee is no longer subject to involuntary admission or judicial admission and issues an order so finding and discharging the patient, and upon the recommendation of the Board to the Secretary that the licensee be allowed to resume professional practice.

(4) The Department may refuse to issue or renew or may suspend the license of a person who (i) fails to file a return, pay the tax, penalty, or interest shown in a filed return, or pay any final assessment of tax, penalty, or interest, as required by any tax Act administered by the Department of Revenue, until the requirements of the tax Act are satisfied or (ii) has failed to pay any court-ordered child support as determined by a court order or by referral from the Department of Healthcare and Family Services.

(5) In enforcing this Section, the Board upon a showing of a possible violation may compel a person licensed to practice under this Act, or who has applied for licensure or certification pursuant to this Act, to submit to a mental or physical examination, or both, as required by and at the expense of the Department. The examining physicians shall be those specifically designated by the Board. The Board or the Department may order the examining physician to present testimony concerning this mental or physical examination of the licensee or applicant. No information shall be excluded by reason of any common law or statutory privilege relating to communications between the licensee or applicant and the examining physician. The person to be examined may have, at his or her own expense, another physician of his or her choice present during all aspects of the examination. Failure of any person to submit to a mental or physical examination, when directed, shall be grounds for suspension of a license until the person submits to the examination if the Board finds, after notice and hearing, that the refusal to submit to the examination was without reasonable cause.

If the Board finds a person unable to practice because of the reasons set forth in this Section, the Board may require that person to submit to care, counseling, or treatment by physicians approved or designated by the Board, as a condition, term, or restriction for continued, reinstated, or renewed licensure to practice; or, in lieu of care, counseling or treatment, the Board may recommend to the Department to file a complaint to immediately suspend, revoke or otherwise discipline the license of the person. Any person whose license was granted, continued, reinstated, renewed, disciplined or supervised subject to such terms, conditions or restrictions, and who fails to comply with such terms, conditions, or restrictions, shall be referred to the Secretary for a determination as to whether the person shall have his or her license suspended immediately, pending a hearing by the Board.

In instances in which the Secretary immediately suspends a person's license under this Section, a hearing on that person's license must be convened by the Board within 30 days after the suspension and completed without appreciable delay. The Board shall have the authority to review the subject person's record of treatment and counseling regarding the impairment, to the extent permitted by applicable federal statutes and regulations safeguarding the confidentiality of medical records.

A person licensed under this Act and affected under this Section shall be afforded an opportunity to demonstrate to the Board that he or she can resume practice in compliance with acceptable and prevailing standards under the provisions of his or her license.

(Source: P.A. 95-687, eff. 10-23-07; 96-1482, eff. 11-29-10.)

(225 ILCS 20/19.5)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2018)

Sec. 19.5. Suspension of license for failure to pay restitution. The Department, without further process or hearing, shall suspend the license or other authorization to practice of any person issued under this Act who has been certified by court order as not having paid restitution to a person under Section 8A-3.5 of the Illinois Public Aid Code or under Section 17-10.5 or 46-1 of the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012. A person whose license or other authorization to practice is suspended under this Section is prohibited from practicing until the restitution is made in full.

(Source: P.A. 96-1551, eff. 7-1-11; 97-1150, eff. 1-25-13.)

(225 ILCS 20/20) (from Ch. 111, par. 6370)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2018)

Sec. 20. Violations - Injunction - Cease and desist order.

1. If any person violates the provisions of this Act, the Secretary may, in the name of the People of the State of Illinois, through the Attorney General, petition for an order enjoining such violation or for an order enforcing compliance with this Act. Upon the filing of a verified petition, the court with appropriate jurisdiction may issue a temporary restraining order without notice or bond, and may preliminarily and permanently enjoin such violation. If it is established that such person has violated or is violating the injunction, the court may punish the offender for contempt of court. Proceedings under this Section shall be in addition to all other remedies and penalties provided by this Act.

2. If any person shall hold herself or himself out as a licensed clinical social worker or licensed social worker and is not licensed under this Act, then any licensed clinical social worker, licensed social worker, interested party or any person injured thereby may petition for relief as provided in subsection (1) of this Section.

3. Whenever, in the opinion of the Department, a person violates any provision of this Act, the Department may issue a rule to show cause why an order to cease and desist should not be entered against such person. The rule shall clearly set forth the grounds relied upon by the Department and shall allow at least 7 days from the date of the rule to file an answer satisfactory to the Department. Failure to answer to the satisfaction of the Department shall cause an order to cease and desist to be issued.

(Source: P.A. 95-687, eff. 10-23-07.)

(225 ILCS 20/21) (from Ch. 111, par. 6371)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2018)

Sec. 21. Investigations; notice and hearing. The Department may investigate the actions of any applicant or of any person holding or claiming to hold a license. The Department shall, before refusing to issue or renew a license, at least 30 days prior to the date set for the hearing, notify, in writing, the applicant for, or holder of, a license of the nature of the charges and that a hearing will be held on the date designated. The Department shall direct the applicant or licensee to file a written answer to the Board under oath within 20 days after the service of the notice and inform the applicant or licensee that failure to file an answer will result in default being taken against the applicant or licensee and that the license or certificate may be suspended, revoked, placed on probationary status, or other disciplinary action may be taken, including limiting the scope, nature or extent of practice, as the Secretary may deem proper. Written notice may be served by personal delivery or certified or registered mail to the applicant or licensee at the applicant's last address of record. In case the person fails to file an answer after receiving notice, his or her license or certificate may, in the discretion of the Department, be suspended, revoked, or placed on probationary status, or the Department may take whatever disciplinary action deemed proper, including limiting the scope, nature, or extent of the person's practice or the imposition of a fine, without a hearing, if the act or acts charged constitute sufficient grounds for such action under this Act. At the time and place fixed in the notice, the Board shall proceed to hear the charges and the parties or their counsel shall be accorded ample opportunity to present any statements, testimony, evidence and argument as may be pertinent to the charges or to their defense. The Board may continue a hearing from time to time.

(Source: P.A. 95-687, eff. 10-23-07.)

(225 ILCS 20/22) (from Ch. 111, par. 6372)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2018)

Sec. 22. Record of Proceedings; transcript. The Department, at its expense, shall preserve a record of all proceedings at the formal hearing of any case involving the refusal to issue or to renew a license. The notice of hearing, complaint, all other documents in the nature of pleadings, written motions filed in the proceedings, the transcript of testimony, the report of the Board and orders of the Department shall be in the record of such proceeding. The Department shall furnish a transcript of the record to any person upon payment of the fee required under Section 2105-115 of the Department of Professional Regulation Law (20 ILCS 2105/2105-115).

(Source: P.A. 90-150, eff. 12-30-97; 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

(225 ILCS 20/23) (from Ch. 111, par. 6373)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2018)

Sec. 23. Subpoenas - Depositions - Oaths. The Department shall have the power to subpoena and to bring before it any person and to take testimony either orally or by deposition, or both, with the same fees and mileage and in the same manner as prescribed in civil cases in the courts of this State.

The Secretary, the designated hearing officer and every member of the Board shall have power to administer oaths to witnesses at any hearing which the Department is authorized to conduct, and any other oaths authorized in any Act administered by the Department.

(Source: P.A. 95-687, eff. 10-23-07.)

(225 ILCS 20/24) (from Ch. 111, par. 6374)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2018)

Sec. 24. Compelling Testimony. Any court, upon application of the Department, designated hearing officer or the applicant or licensee against whom proceedings under Section 19 of this Act are pending, may enter an order requiring the attendance of witnesses and their testimony, and the production of documents, papers, files, books and records in connection with any hearing or investigation. The court may compel obedience to its order by proceedings for contempt.

(Source: P.A. 95-687, eff. 10-23-07.)

(225 ILCS 20/25) (from Ch. 111, par. 6375)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2018)

Sec. 25. Findings and recommendations. At the conclusion of the hearing the Board shall present to the Secretary a written report of its findings of fact, conclusions of law and recommendations. The report shall contain a finding whether or not the licensee violated this act or failed to comply with the conditions required in this Act. The Board shall specify the nature of the violation or failure to comply, and shall make its recommendations to the Secretary.

The report of findings of fact, conclusions of law and recommendation of the Board shall be the basis for the Department's order or refusal or for the granting of the license. If the Secretary disagrees with the recommendations of the Board, the Secretary may issue an order in contravention thereof. The Secretary shall provide a written report to the Board on any disagreement and shall specify the reasons for said action in the final order. The finding is not admissible in evidence against the person in a criminal prosecution brought for the violation of this Act, but the hearing and findings are not a bar to a criminal prosecution brought for the violation of this Act.

(Source: P.A. 95-687, eff. 10-23-07.)

(225 ILCS 20/26) (from Ch. 111, par. 6376)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2018)

Sec. 26. Board - Rehearing. In any case involving the refusal to issue or to renew a license or to discipline a licensee, a copy of the Board's report shall be served upon the applicant or licensee by the Department, either personally or by registered or certified mail or as provided in this Act for the service of the notice of hearing. Within 20 days after such service, the applicant or licensee may present to the Department a motion in writing for a rehearing which shall specify the particular grounds therefor. If no motion for a rehearing is filed, then upon the expiration of the time specified for filing such a motion, or if a motion for rehearing is denied, then upon such denial, the Secretary may enter an order in accordance with recommendations of the Board, except as provided in Section 25 of this Act.

(Source: P.A. 95-687, eff. 10-23-07.)

(225 ILCS 20/27) (from Ch. 111, par. 6377)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2018)

Sec. 27. Rehearing. Whenever the Secretary believes justice has not been done in the revocation, suspension, or discipline of a license or refusal to issue or renew a license, he or she may order a rehearing.

(Source: P.A. 95-687, eff. 10-23-07.)

(225 ILCS 20/28) (from Ch. 111, par. 6378)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2018)

Sec. 28. Appointment of a hearing officer. The Secretary shall have the authority to appoint any attorney licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois to serve as the hearing officer in any action for refusal to issue or renew a license or permit or to discipline a licensee. The Secretary shall promptly notify the Board of any such appointment. The hearing officer shall have full authority to conduct the hearing. The hearing officer shall report his findings of fact, conclusions of law and recommendations to the Board and to the Secretary. Upon receipt of the report, the Board shall have at least 60 days after receipt of the report to review it and present its findings of fact, conclusions of law and recommendation to the Secretary. If the Board does not present its report within the 60 days period, the respondent may request in writing a direct appeal to the Secretary, in which case the Secretary shall, within 7 calendar days after the request, issue an order directing the Board to issue its findings of fact, conclusions of law, and recommendations to the Secretary within 30 calendar days after such order. If the Board fails to issue its findings of fact, conclusions of law, and recommendations within that time frame to the Secretary after the entry of such order, the Secretary shall, within 30 calendar days thereafter, issue an order based upon the report of the hearing officer and the record of the proceedings or issue an order remanding the matter back to the hearing officer for additional proceedings in accordance with the order. If (i) a direct appeal is requested, (ii) the Board fails to issue its findings of fact, conclusions of law, and recommendations within the 30-day mandate from the Secretary or the Secretary fails to order the Board to do so, and (iii) the Secretary fails to issue an order within 30 calendar days thereafter, then the hearing officer's report is deemed accepted and a final decision of the Secretary. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section, if the Secretary, upon review, determines that substantial justice has not been done in the revocation, suspension, or refusal to issue or renew a license or other disciplinary action taken as the result of the entry of the hearing officer's report, the Secretary may order a rehearing by the same or other examiners. If the Secretary disagrees with the recommendation of the Board or of the hearing officer, the Secretary may issue an order in contravention of the Board's report. The Secretary shall promptly provide a written explanation to the Board on any such disagreement, and shall specify the reasons for such action in the final order.

(Source: P.A. 95-687, eff. 10-23-07.)

(225 ILCS 20/29) (from Ch. 111, par. 6379)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2018)

Sec. 29. Order or certified copy thereof - prima facie proof. An order or a certified copy thereof, over the seal of the Department and purporting to be signed by the Secretary, shall be prima facie proof that:

(1) Such signature is the genuine signature of the Secretary;

(2) Such Secretary is duly appointed and qualified; and

(3) The Board and the members thereof are qualified to act.

(Source: P.A. 95-687, eff. 10-23-07.)

(225 ILCS 20/30) (from Ch. 111, par. 6380)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2018)

Sec. 30. Restoration of suspended or revoked license. At any time after the suspension or revocation of any license, the Department may restore it to the licensee upon the written recommendation of the Board unless after an investigation and hearing the Board determines that restoration is not in the public interest.

(Source: P.A. 85-967.)

(225 ILCS 20/31) (from Ch. 111, par. 6381)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2018)

Sec. 31. Surrender of license. Upon the revocation and suspension of the license, the licensee shall immediately surrender his or her license to the Department. If the licensee fails to do so, the Department shall have the right to seize the license.

(Source: P.A. 90-150, eff. 12-30-97.)

(225 ILCS 20/32) (from Ch. 111, par. 6382)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2018)

Sec. 32. Temporary suspension of a license. The Secretary may temporarily suspend the license of a licensed clinical social worker or licensed social worker without a hearing simultaneously with the institution of proceedings for a hearing provided for in Section 21 of this Act if the Secretary finds conclusive evidence indicating that a licensee's continuation in practice would constitute an imminent danger to the public. In the event the Secretary temporarily suspends such license without a hearing, a hearing by the Board shall be held within 30 days after such suspension has occurred.

(Source: P.A. 95-687, eff. 10-23-07.)

(225 ILCS 20/33) (from Ch. 111, par. 6383)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2018)

Sec. 33. Administrative review - venue. 1. All final administrative decisions of the Department are subject to judicial review pursuant to the Administrative Review Law and all rules adopted pursuant thereto. The term "Administrative decision" is defined as in Section 3-101 of the Code of Civil Procedure.

2. Proceedings for judicial review shall be commenced in the circuit court of the county in which the party applying for review resides, but if the party is not a resident of Illinois, the venue shall be in Sangamon County.

(Source: P.A. 85-967.)

(225 ILCS 20/34) (from Ch. 111, par. 6384)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2018)

Sec. 34. Certification of record; costs. The Department shall not be required to certify any record to the court, to file an answer in court or to otherwise appear in any court in a judicial review proceeding, unless there is filed in the court, with the complaint, a receipt from the Department acknowledging payment of the costs of furnishing and certifying the record. Failure on the part of the plaintiff to file a receipt in court shall be grounds for dismissal of the action.

(Source: P.A. 87-1031.)

(225 ILCS 20/35) (from Ch. 111, par. 6385)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2018)

Sec. 35. Violations. Unless as otherwise specified, any person found to have violated any provision of this Act is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor. On conviction of a second or subsequent offense the violator shall be guilty of a Class 4 felony.

(Source: P.A. 86-615.)

(225 ILCS 20/36) (from Ch. 111, par. 6386)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2018)

Sec. 36. Administrative Procedure Act. The Illinois Administrative Procedure Act is hereby expressly adopted and incorporated herein as if all of the provisions of that Act were included in this Act, except that the provision of subsection (d) of Section 10-65 of the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act that provides that at hearings the licensee has the right to show compliance with all lawful requirements for retention, continuation or renewal of the license is specifically excluded. For the purpose of this Act the notice required under Section 10-25 of the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act is deemed sufficient when mailed to the last known address of a party.

(Source: P.A. 88-45.)

(225 ILCS 20/37) (from Ch. 111, par. 6387)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2018)

Sec. 37. Public policy. It is declared to be the public policy of this State, pursuant to paragraphs (h) and (i) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970, that any power or function set forth in this Act to be exercised by the State is an exclusive State power or function. Such power or function shall not be exercised concurrently, either directly or indirectly, by any unit of local government, including home rule units, except as otherwise provided in this Act.

(Source: P.A. 85-967.)