(225 ILCS 65/65-60) (was 225 ILCS 65/15-45)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)

Sec. 65-60. Continuing education. The Department shall adopt rules of continuing education for persons licensed under this Article as advanced practice registered nurses that require 80 hours of continuing education per 2-year license renewal cycle. Completion of the 80 hours of continuing education shall be deemed to satisfy the continuing education requirements for renewal of a registered professional nurse license as required by this Act.

The 80 hours of continuing education required under this Section shall be completed as follows:

(1) A minimum of 50 hours of the continuing education shall be obtained in continuing education programs as determined by rule that shall include no less than 20 hours of pharmacotherapeutics, including 10 hours of opioid prescribing or substance abuse education. Continuing education programs may be conducted or endorsed by educational institutions, hospitals, specialist associations, facilities, or other organizations approved to offer continuing education under this Act or rules and shall be in the advanced practice registered nurse's specialty.

(2) A maximum of 30 hours of credit may be obtained by presentations in the advanced practice registered nurse's clinical specialty, evidence-based practice, or quality improvement projects, publications, research projects, or preceptor hours as determined by rule.

The rules adopted regarding continuing education shall be consistent to the extent possible with requirements of relevant national certifying bodies or State or national professional associations.

The rules shall not be inconsistent with requirements of relevant national certifying bodies or State or national professional associations. The rules shall also address variances in part or in whole for good cause, including but not limited to illness or hardship. The continuing education rules shall assure that licensees are given the opportunity to participate in programs sponsored by or through their State or national professional associations, hospitals, or other providers of continuing education. Each licensee is responsible for maintaining records of completion of continuing education and shall be prepared to produce the records when requested by the Department.

(Source: P.A. 100-513, eff. 1-1-18.)