(225 ILCS 305/8) (from Ch. 111, par. 1308)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2030)

Sec. 8. Powers and duties of the Department.

(a) The Department shall, subject to the provisions of this Act, exercise the following functions, powers, and duties:

(1) Authorize examinations to ascertain the qualifications and fitness of applicants for licensure and pass upon the qualifications and fitness of applicants for licensure by endorsement.

(2) Adopt rules for a method of examination of candidates.

(3) Adopt rules defining what constitutes an approved architectural program. The Department may adopt, as its own rules relating to education requirements, those guidelines published from time to time by the National Architectural Accrediting Board.

(4) Adopt rules for diversified professional training.

(5) Conduct hearings on proceedings to refuse to issue, renew, or restore licenses or registrations, revoke licenses or registrations, suspend licenses or registrations, or place on probation or reprimand persons or entities licensed or registered under the provisions of this Act.

(6) Issue licenses and registrations to those who meet the requirements of this Act.

(7) Adopt rules necessary or appropriate to carrying out the provisions of this Act;

(8) Maintain membership in the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards and participate in activities of the Council by designation of individuals for the various classifications of membership and the appointment of delegates for attendance at regional and national meetings of the Council. All costs associated with membership and attendance of such delegates to any national meetings may be funded from the Design Professionals Administration and Investigation Fund.

(9) Review such applicant qualifications to sit for the examination or for licensure that the Board designates pursuant to Section 10.

(10) Conduct investigations related to possible violations of this Act.

(11) Post on the Department's website a newsletter describing the most recent changes in this Act and the rules adopted under this Act and containing information of any final disciplinary action that has been ordered under this Act since the date of the last newsletter.

(b) Upon the issuance of any final decision or order that deviates from any report or recommendation of the Board relating to the qualification of applicants, discipline of licensees or registrants, or adoption of rules, the Secretary shall notify the Board on any such deviation and shall specify with particularity the reasons for the action in the final decision or order. The Department may at any time seek the expert advice and knowledge of the Board on any matter relating to the enforcement of this Act.

(c) The Department may in its discretion, but shall not be required to, employ or utilize the legal services of outside counsel and the investigative services of outside personnel to assist the Department. However, no attorney employed or used by the Department shall prosecute a matter or provide legal services to the Department or Board with respect to the same matter.

(Source: P.A. 101-346, eff. 8-9-19.)