Section 1285.93  International Medical Graduate Physician Pathway to Full Unrestricted Licensure

a)         An individual who successfully obtains a limited license pursuant to Section 1285.92 and practices under such limited license continuously until its expiration shall be eligible to apply for a two-year restricted license to practice medicine, in a location within Illinois designated by the federal Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) as a Health Professional Shortage Area, Medically Underserved Area or Medically Underserved Population.  This license is restricted in designation only, and a restricted license holder shall be entitled to practice independently in Illinois in a Health Professional Shortage Area, Medically Underserved Area or by serving Medically Underserved Populations. 

b)         For purposes of determining approved practice locations for a restricted license applicant, the Department will recognize the Health Professional Shortage Areas, Medically Underserved Areas and Medically Underserved Populations that are designated by HRSA as of the date the application for restricted licensure was filed. If HRSA should cease to designate or keep data on Health Professional Shortage Areas, Medically Underserved Areas or Medically Underserved Populations, the Department will use the HRSA designations and data that were in effect on October 1, 2025.

c)         The Division may issue a two-year restricted license to practice medicine in a Health Professional Shortage Area, Medically Underserved Area or Medically Underserved Population, so long as the individual maintained a limited license in accordance with Section 1285.92 and provides the Division with:

1)         A fully completed application on forms provided by the Division;

2)         Proof of successful completion of a two-year supervised work experience at a sponsoring entity for which the limited license was issued, including, but not limited to, certification of the completion of the annual supervisor's assessment and summative evaluation;

3)         Proof of anticipated employment approved by the Division in a location within Illinois designated by HRSA as a Health Professional Shortage Area, Medically Underserved Area or Medically Underserved Population; and

4)         Payment of a $230 fee.

d)         An individual who obtains a restricted license pursuant to this Section shall not practice medicine:

1)         In a solo private practice setting; or

2)         In the form of telemedicine. All patient interactions must be face to face.

e)         An individual who obtains a restricted license pursuant to this Section and practices under such restricted license until its expiration shall be eligible to apply for a full unrestricted license to practice medicine.

f)         The Division will issue a full unrestricted license to practice medicine in all of its branches to an individual in accordance with Section 15.5 of the Act who has maintained a restricted license and provides the Division with:

1)         A fully completed application on forms provided by the Division; and

2)         Proof of two-years' worth of work experience within a location within Illinois designated by HRSA as a Health Professional Shortage Area, a Medically Underserved Area or Medically Underserved Population.

g)         Within 60 days after issuance of a restricted license, the licensee shall complete a physician profile in accordance with Section 1285.305.

(Source:  Added at 49 Ill. Reg. 11270, effective August 29, 2025)