Section 1175.1215  Waiver of Continuing Education Requirements

a)         Any renewal applicant seeking renewal of a license or certificate without having fully complied with these CE requirements shall file with the Division a renewal application along with the required renewal fee, a statement setting forth the facts concerning noncompliance, a request for waiver of the CE requirements on the basis of those facts and, if desired, a request for an interview before the Board.  If the Division finds from that statement or any other evidence submitted or upon recommendation of the Board, that good cause has been shown for granting a waiver of the CE requirements, or any part thereof, the Division shall waive enforcement of CE requirements for the renewal period for which the applicant has applied.

b)         Good cause shall be defined as an inability to devote sufficient hours to fulfilling the CE requirements during the applicable prerenewal period because of:

1)         Full-time service in the armed forces of the United States of America during a substantial part of the prerenewal period;

2)         An incapacitating illness documented by a currently licensed physician; or

3)         Hardship, which is defined as:

A)        The licensee resides in a locality where it is demonstrated that the absence of opportunities for this education would interfere with the ability of the licensee to provide services to the public.

B)        To comply with the CE requirements would cause a substantial financial hardship on the licensee. (Section 3-7 of the Act)

c)         If an interview is requested at the time the request for such waiver is filed with the Division, the renewal applicant shall be given at least 20 days written notice of the date, time and place of the interview by mail.

d)         This Section shall be applicable to all CE requirements under the Act, including the requirement for completion of a domestic violence and sexual assault awareness education course (see Section 1175.1220).

(Source:  Amended at 42 Ill. Reg. 15159, effective August 10, 2018)