Section 1315.160  Restoration

a)         A person seeking restoration of a license that has expired or been placed on inactive status for 5 years or more shall file an application with the Division, on forms supplied by the Division, along with the required fees specified in Section 1315.130 and proof of 12 hours of continuing education in accordance with Section 1315.145 for each year the license was lapsed or inactive up to a maximum of 24 hours.  All 24 hours must have occurred within 24 months prior to the restoration application.  Three hours of continuing education must include attaining relevant updates to core knowledge of the occupational therapy profession consistent with material found in guiding practice in occupational therapy.  In addition, the applicant shall also submit one of the following:

1)         Sworn evidence of active practice in another jurisdiction.  The evidence shall include a statement from the appropriate board or licensing authority in the other jurisdiction that the licensee was authorized to practice during the term of said active practice; or

2)         An affidavit attesting to military service as provided in Section 11 of the Act (no fee is required when restoring from a period of military service if application is made within 2 years after termination of the service); or

3)         Verification of successful completion of the Certification Examination of the NBCOT for licensure as a registered occupational therapist or certified occupational therapy assistant within the last 5 years prior to applying for restoration; or

4)         Evidence of successful completion of a re-entry program through an accredited college or university that provides an approved program for OTs or OTAs. The re-entry program will be clearly labeled as such and may include courses from an accredited entry level OT or OTA program. The certificate of completion or transcript will be submitted to the Division. After receipt of the license, the applicant shall complete 30 hours of supervised work and keep documentation of the supervised work.

b)         A registrant seeking restoration of a license that has been expired for less than 5 years shall have the license restored upon payment of fees required by Section 1315.130.  A licensee seeking restoration of a license shall be required to submit proof of the required 12 hours of continuing education in accordance with Section 1315.145 for each year the license was lapsed or inactive, up to a maximum of 60 hours. At least 24 hours must have occurred within 24 months prior to the restoration application.

c)         A registrant seeking restoration of a license that has been on inactive status for less than 5 years shall have the license restored upon payment of the current renewal fee.  A licensee seeking restoration of a license shall be required to submit proof of the required 12 hours of continuing education in accordance with Section 1315.145 for each year the license was lapsed or inactive, up to a maximum of 60 hours. At least 24 hours must have occurred within 24 months prior to the restoration application.

d)         When the accuracy of any submitted documentation or the relevance or sufficiency of the course work or experience is questioned by the Division or the Board because of lack of information, discrepancies or conflicts in information given or a need for clarification, the applicant seeking licensure shall be requested to:

1)         Provide information as may be necessary; and/or

2)         Appear for an interview before the Board to explain the relevance or sufficiency, clarify information, or clear up any discrepancies or conflicts in information.

(Source:  Amended at 48 Ill. Reg. 5980, effective April 5, 2024)