Public Act 0976 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SB3488 Enrolled LRB098 15835 ZMM 50877 b

Public Act 098-0976

AN ACT concerning regulation.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The Illinois Architecture Practice Act of 1989 is amended by changing Sections 3, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 17, 21, 23, and 36 and by adding Section 37.5 as follows:

(225 ILCS 305/3) (from Ch. 111, par. 1303)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2020)

Sec. 3. Application of Act. Nothing in this Act shall be deemed or construed to prevent the practice of structural engineering as defined in the Structural Engineering Practice Act of 1989, the practice of professional engineering as defined in the Professional Engineering Practice Act of 1989, or the preparation of documents used to prescribe work to be done inside buildings for non-loadbearing interior construction, furnishings, fixtures and equipment, or the offering or preparation of environmental analysis, feasibility studies, programming or construction management services by persons other than those licensed in accordance with this Act, the Structural Engineering Practice Act of 1989 or the Professional Engineering Practice Act of 1989.

Nothing contained in this Act shall prevent the draftsmen, students, project representatives and other employees of those lawfully practicing as licensed architects under the provisions of this Act, from acting under the responsible control of their employers, or to prevent the employment of project representatives for enlargement or alteration of buildings or any parts thereof, or prevent such project representatives from acting under the responsible control of the licensed architect by whom the construction documents including drawings and specifications of any such building, enlargement or alteration were prepared.

Nothing in this Act or any other Act shall prevent an a licensed architect from practicing interior design services. Nothing in this Act shall be construed as requiring the services of an interior designer for the interior designing of a single family residence.

The involvement of an a licensed architect is not required for the following:

(A) The building, remodeling or repairing of any building or other structure outside of the corporate limits of any city or village, where such building or structure is to be, or is used for farm purposes, or for the purposes of outbuildings or auxiliary buildings in connection with such farm premises.

(B) The construction, remodeling or repairing of a detached single family residence on a single lot.

(C) The construction, remodeling or repairing of a two-family residence of wood frame construction on a single lot, not more than two stories and basement in height.

(D) Interior design services for buildings which do not involve life safety or structural changes.

However, when an ordinance of a unit of local government requires the involvement of an a licensed architect for any buildings included in the preceding paragraphs (A) through (D), the requirements of this Act shall apply. All buildings not included in the preceding paragraphs (A) through (D), including multi-family buildings and buildings previously exempt from the involvement of an a licensed architect under those paragraphs but subsequently non-exempt due to a change in occupancy or use, are subject to the requirements of this Act. Interior alterations which result in life safety or structural changes of the building are subject to the requirements of this Act.

(Source: P.A. 96-610, eff. 8-24-09.)

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

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2020)

Sec. 8. Powers and duties of the Department.

(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Department shall exercise the following functions, powers, and duties:

(a) conduct examinations to ascertain the qualifications and fitness of applicants for licensure as licensed architects, and pass upon the qualifications and fitness of applicants for licensure by endorsement;

(b) prescribe rules for a method of examination of candidates;

(c) prescribe rules defining what constitutes a school, college or university, or department of a university, or other institution, reputable and in good standing, to determine whether or not a school, college or university, or department of a university, or other institution is reputable and in good standing by reference to compliance with such rules, and to terminate the approval of such school, college or university or department of a university or other institution that refuses admittance to applicants solely on the basis of race, color, creed, sex or national origin. 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;

(d) prescribe rules for diversified professional training;

(e) conduct oral interviews, disciplinary conferences and formal evidentiary hearings on proceedings to impose fines or to suspend, revoke, place on probationary status, reprimand, and refuse to issue or restore any license issued under the provisions of this Act for the reasons set forth in Section 22 of this Act;

(f) issue licenses to those who meet the requirements of this Act;

(g) formulate and publish rules necessary or appropriate to carrying out the provisions of this Act;

(h) 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; and

(i) review such applicant qualifications to sit for the examination or for licensure that the Board designates pursuant to Section 10 of this Act.

(2) 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 promulgation of rules, the Secretary shall notify the Board with an explanation of the deviation and provide a reasonable time for the Board to submit comments to the Secretary regarding 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.

(3) 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. 96-610, eff. 8-24-09.)

(225 ILCS 305/9) (from Ch. 111, par. 1309)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2020)

Sec. 9. Creation of the Board. The Director shall appoint an Architecture Licensing Board which will consist of 6 members. Five members shall be licensed architects, one of whom shall be a tenured member of the architectural faculty of an Illinois public university accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board. The other 4 shall be licensed architects, residing in this State, who have been engaged in the practice of architecture at least 10 years. In addition to the 5 licensed architects, there shall be one public member. The public member shall be a voting member and shall not hold a license as an architect, professional engineer, structural engineer or land surveyor.

Board members shall serve 5 year terms and until their successors are appointed and qualified. In making the designation of persons to the Board, the Director shall give due consideration to recommendations by members and organizations of the profession.

The membership of the Board should reasonably reflect representation from the geographic areas in this State.

No member shall be reappointed to the Board for a term which would cause his or her continuous service on the Board to be longer than 10 successive years. Service prior to the effective date of this Act shall not be considered.

Appointments to fill vacancies shall be made in the same manner as original appointments, for the unexpired portion of the vacated term. Initial terms shall begin upon the effective date of this Act and Board members in office on that date under the predecessor Act may be appointed to specific terms as indicated in this Section.

Persons holding office as members of the Board under the Illinois Architecture Act immediately prior to the effective date of this Act shall continue as members of the Board under this Act until the expiration of the term for which they were appointed and until their successors are appointed and qualified.

Four members of the Board shall constitute a quorum. A quorum is required for Board decisions.

The Director may remove any member of the Board for misconduct, incompetence, neglect of duty, or for reasons prescribed by law for removal of State officials.

The Director may remove a member of the Board who does not attend 2 consecutive meetings.

Notice of proposed rulemaking shall be transmitted to the Board and the Department shall review the response of the Board and any recommendations made therein. The Department may, at any time, seek the expert advice and knowledge of the Board on any matter relating to the administration or enforcement of this Act.

Members of the Board are immune from suit in any action based upon any disciplinary proceedings or other activities performed in good faith as members of the Board.

(Source: P.A. 96-610, eff. 8-24-09.)

(225 ILCS 305/10) (from Ch. 111, par. 1310)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2020)

Sec. 10. Powers and duties of the Board.

(a) The Board shall hold at least 3 regular meetings each year.

(b) The Board shall annually elect a Chairperson and a Vice Chairperson who shall be licensed architects.

(c) The Board, upon request by the Department, may make a curriculum evaluation to determine if courses conform to the requirements of approved architectural programs.

(d) The Board shall assist the Department in conducting oral interviews, disciplinary conferences and formal evidentiary hearings.

(e) 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.

(f) The Board may appoint a subcommittee to serve as a Complaint Committee to recommend the disposition of case files according to procedures established by rule in 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1150.95, and any amendments or changes thereto.

(g) The Board shall review applicant qualifications to sit for the examination or for licensure and shall make recommendations to the Department except for those applicant qualifications that the Board designates as routinely acceptable. The Department shall review the Board's recommendations on applicant qualifications. The Secretary shall notify the Board with an explanation of any deviation from the Board's recommendation on applicant qualifications. After review of the Secretary's explanation of his or her reasons for deviation, the Board shall have the opportunity to comment upon the Secretary's decision.

(h) The Board may submit comments to the Secretary within a reasonable time from notification of any final decision or order from the Secretary that deviates from any report or recommendation of the Board relating to the qualifications of applicants, unlicensed practice, discipline of licensees or registrants, or promulgation of rules.

(i) The Board may recommend that the Department contract with an individual or a corporation or other business entity to assist in the providing of investigative, legal, prosecutorial, and other services necessary to perform its duties pursuant to subsection (3) of Section 8 of this Act.

(Source: P.A. 96-610, eff. 8-24-09.)

(225 ILCS 305/12) (from Ch. 111, par. 1312)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2020)

Sec. 12. Examinations; subjects; failure or refusal to take examination. The Department shall authorize examination of applicants as architects at such times and places as it may determine. The examination shall be in English and shall be written or written and graphic. It shall include at a minimum the following subjects:

(a) pre-design (environmental analysis, architectural programming, and application of principles of project management and coordination);

(b) site planning (site analysis, design and development, parking, and application of zoning requirements);

(c) building planning (conceptual planning of functional and space relationships, building design, interior space layout, barrier-free design, and the application of the life safety code requirements and principles of energy efficient design);

(d) building technology (application of structural systems, building components, and mechanical and electrical systems);

(e) general structures (identification, resolution, and incorporation of structural systems and the long span design on the technical aspects of the design of buildings and the process and construction);

(f) lateral forces (identification and resolution of the effects of lateral forces on the technical aspects of the design of buildings and the process of construction);

(g) mechanical and electrical systems (as applied to the design of buildings, including plumbing and acoustical systems);

(h) materials and methods (as related to the design of buildings and the technical aspects of construction); and

(i) construction documents and services (conduct of architectural practice as it relates to construction documents, bidding, and construction administration and contractual documents from beginning to end of a building project).

It shall be the responsibility of the applicant to be familiar with this Act and its rules.

Examination subject matter headings and bases on which examinations are graded shall be indicated in rules pertaining to this Act. The Department may adopt the examinations and grading procedures of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards. Content of any particular examination shall not be considered public record under the Freedom of Information Act.

If an applicant neglects without an approved excuse or refuses to take the next available examination offered for licensure under this Act, the fee paid by the applicant shall be forfeited. If an applicant fails to pass an examination for licensure under this Act within 3 years after filing an application, the application shall be denied. The applicant may, however, make a new application for examination accompanied by the required fee and must furnish proof of meeting the qualifications for examination in effect at the time of the new application.

An applicant shall have 5 years from the passage of the first examination to successfully complete all examinations required by rule of the Department.

The Department may by rule prescribe additional subjects for examination.

An applicant has one year from the date of notification of successful completion of all the examination and experience requirements to apply to the Department for a license. If an applicant fails to apply within one year, the applicant shall be required to again take and pass the examination, unless the Department, upon recommendation of the Board, determines that there is sufficient cause for the delay that is not due to the fault of the applicant.

(Source: P.A. 96-610, eff. 8-24-09.)

(225 ILCS 305/14) (from Ch. 111, par. 1314)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2020)

Sec. 14. Display of license; Seal. Every holder of a license as an a licensed architect shall display it in a conspicuous place in the principal office of the architect.

Every licensed architect shall have a reproducible seal, or facsimile, the print of which shall contain the name of the architect, the license number, and the words "Licensed Architect, State of Illinois". The licensed architect shall affix the signature, current date, date of license expiration and seal to the first sheet of any bound set or loose sheets of technical submissions utilized as contract documents between the parties to the contract or prepared for the review and approval of any governmental or public authority having jurisdiction by that licensed architect or under that licensed architect's responsible control. The sheet of technical submissions in which the seal is affixed shall indicate those documents or parts thereof for which the seal shall apply. The seal and dates may be electronically affixed. The licensee may provide, at his or her sole discretion, an original signature in the licensee's handwriting, a scanned copy of the document bearing an original signature, or a signature generated by a computer. All technical submissions issued by any corporation, partnership, professional service corporation, or professional design firm as registered under this Act shall contain the corporate or assumed business name and design firm registration number, in addition to any other seal requirements as set forth in this Section.

"Responsible control" means that amount of control over and detailed professional knowledge of the content of technical submissions during their preparation as is ordinarily exercised by architects applying the required professional standard of care. Merely reviewing or reviewing and correcting the technical submissions or any portion thereof prepared by those not in the regular employment of the office where the architect is resident without control over the content of such work throughout its preparation does not constitute responsible control.

An architect licensed under the laws of this jurisdiction shall not sign and seal technical submissions that were not prepared by or under the responsible control of the architect except that:

(1) the architect may sign and seal those portions of the technical submissions that were prepared by or under the responsible control of persons who hold a license under this Act, and who shall have signed and sealed the documents, if the architect has reviewed in whole or in part such portions and has either coordinated their preparation or integrated them into his or her work;

(2) the architect may sign and seal portions of the professional work that are not required by this Act to be prepared by or under the responsible control of an architect if the architect has reviewed and adopted in whole or in part such portions and has integrated them into his or her work; and

(3) a partner or corporate officer of a professional design firm registered in Illinois who is licensed under the architecture licensing laws of this State, and who has professional knowledge of the content of the technical submissions and intends to be responsible for the adequacy of the technical submissions, may sign and seal technical submissions that are prepared by or under the responsible control of architects who are licensed in this State and who are in the regular employment of the professional design firm.

The architect exercising responsible control under which the documents or portions of the documents were prepared shall be identified on the documents or portions of the documents by name and Illinois license number.

Any licensed architect who signs and seals technical submissions not prepared by that architect but prepared under the architect's responsible control by persons not regularly employed in the office where the architect is resident shall maintain and make available to the board upon request for at least 5 years following such signing and sealing, adequate and complete records demonstrating the nature and extent of the architect's control over and detailed professional knowledge of such technical submissions throughout their preparation.

(Source: P.A. 98-289, eff. 1-1-14.)

(225 ILCS 305/16) (from Ch. 111, par. 1316)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2020)

Sec. 16. Licenses; Renewal; Restoration; Architects in military service. The expiration date and renewal period for each license issued under this Act shall be set by rule. The holder of a license may renew such license during the month preceding the expiration date thereof by paying the required fee. An A licensed architect who has permitted his license to expire or who has had his license on inactive status may have his license restored by making application to the Department and filing proof acceptable to the Department of his fitness to have his license restored, including sworn evidence certifying to active practice in another jurisdiction satisfactory to the Department, and by paying the required restoration fee.

If the person has not maintained an active practice in another jurisdiction satisfactory to the Department, the Board shall determine, by an evaluation program established by rule, that person's fitness to resume active status and may require that person to successfully complete an examination.

Any person whose license has been expired for more than 3 years may have his license restored by making application to the Department and filing proof acceptable to the Department of his fitness to have his license restored, including sworn evidence certifying to active practice in another jurisdiction, and by paying the required restoration fee.

However, any person whose license has expired while he has been engaged (1) in federal service on active duty with the Army of the United States, the United States Navy, the Marine Corps, the Air Force, the Coast Guard, or the State Militia called into the service or training of the United States of America, or (2) in training or education under the supervision of the United States preliminary to induction into the military service, may have his license restored or reinstated without paying any lapsed renewal fees or restoration fee if within 2 years after termination of such service, training or education other than by dishonorable discharge he furnishes the Department with an affidavit to the effect that he has been so engaged and that his service, training or education has been so terminated.

(Source: P.A. 86-702.)

(225 ILCS 305/17) (from Ch. 111, par. 1317)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2020)

Sec. 17. Inactive status; Restoration. Any licensed architect, who notifies the Department in writing on forms prescribed by the Department, may elect to place his or her license on an inactive status and shall, subject to rules of the Department, be excused from payment of renewal fees until he or she notifies the Department in writing of his or her desire to resume active status.

Any licensed architect requesting restoration from inactive status shall be required to pay the current renewal fee and shall have his or her license restored as provided in Section 16 of this Act.

Any licensed architect whose license is in an inactive status shall not practice architecture in the State of Illinois.

(Source: P.A. 86-702.)

(225 ILCS 305/21) (from Ch. 111, par. 1321)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2020)

Sec. 21. Professional design firm registration; conditions.

(a) Nothing in this Act shall prohibit the formation, under the provisions of the Professional Service Corporation Act, of a corporation to offer the practice of architecture.

Any business, including a Professional Service Corporation, that includes the practice of architecture within its stated purposes, practices architecture, or holds itself out as available to practice architecture shall register with the Department under this Section. Any professional service corporation, sole proprietorship, or professional design firm offering architectural services must have a resident architect in responsible charge of the architectural practices in each location in which architectural services are provided who shall be designated as a managing agent.

Any sole proprietorship not owned and operated by an Illinois licensed design professional licensed under this Act is shall be prohibited from offering architectural services to the public. "Illinois licensed design professional" means a person who holds an active license as an architect under this Act, as a structural engineer under the Structural Engineering Practice Act of 1989, or as a professional engineer under the Professional Engineering Practice Act of 1989, or as a professional land surveyor under the Professional Land Surveyor Act of 1989. Any sole proprietorship owned and operated by an architect with an active license issued under this Act and conducting or transacting such business under an assumed name in accordance with the provisions of the Assumed Business Name Act shall comply with the registration requirements of a professional design firm. Any sole proprietorship owned and operated by an architect with an active license issued under this Act and conducting or transacting such business under the real name of the sole proprietor is exempt from the registration requirements of a professional design firm.

(b) Any corporation, including a Professional Service Corporation, partnership, limited liability company, or professional design firm seeking to be registered under this Section shall not be registered unless:

(1) two-thirds of the board of directors, in the case of a corporation, or two-thirds of the general partners, in the case of a partnership, or two-thirds of the members, in the case of a limited liability company, are licensed under the laws of any State to practice architecture, professional engineering, land surveying, or structural engineering; and

(2) a managing agent is (A) a director in the case of a corporation, a general partner in the case of a partnership, or a member in the case of a limited liability company, and (B) holds a license under this Act.

Any corporation, limited liability company, professional service corporation, or partnership qualifying under this Section and practicing in this State shall file with the Department any information concerning its officers, directors, members, managers, partners or beneficial owners as the Department may, by rule, require.

(c) No business shall offer the practice or hold itself out as available to offer the practice of architecture until it is registered with the Department as a professional design firm. Every entity registered as a professional design firm shall display its certificate of registration or a facsimile thereof in a conspicuous place in each office offering architectural services.

(d) Any business seeking to be registered under this Section shall make application on a form provided by the Department and shall provide any information requested by the Department, which shall include but shall not be limited to all of the following:

(1) The name and architect's license number of at least one person designated as a the managing agent. In the case of a corporation, the corporation shall also submit a certified copy of the resolution by the board of directors designating at least one managing agent. If a limited liability company, the company shall submit a certified copy of either its articles of organization or operating agreement designating at least one managing agent.

(2) The names and architect's, professional engineer's, structural engineer's, or land surveyor's license numbers of the directors, in the case of a corporation, the members, in the case of a limited liability company, or general partners, in the case of a partnership.

(3) A list of all locations at which the professional design firm provides architectural services.

(4) A list of all assumed names of the business. Nothing in this Section shall be construed to exempt a business from compliance with the requirements of the Assumed Business Name Act.

It is the responsibility of the professional design firm to provide the Department notice, in writing, of any changes in the information requested on the application.

(e) In the event a managing agent is terminated or terminates his or her status as managing agent of the professional design firm, the managing agent and professional design firm shall notify the Department of this fact in writing, by certified mail, within 10 business days of termination.

Thereafter, the professional design firm, if it has so informed the Department, has 30 days in which to notify the Department of the name and architect's license number of the architect who is the newly designated managing agent. If a corporation, the corporation shall also submit a certified copy of a resolution by the board of directors designating the new managing agent. If a limited liability company, the company shall also submit a certified copy of either its articles of organization or operating agreement designating the new managing agent. The Department may, upon good cause shown, extend the original 30 day period.

If the professional design firm has not notified the Department in writing, by certified mail within the specified time, the registration shall be terminated without prior hearing. Notification of termination shall be sent by certified mail to the address of record. If the professional design firm continues to operate and offer architectural services after the termination, the Department may seek prosecution under Sections 22, 36, and 36a of this Act for the unlicensed practice of architecture.

(f) No professional design firm shall be relieved of responsibility for the conduct or acts of its agents, employees, or officers by reason of its compliance with this Section, nor shall any individual practicing architecture be relieved of the responsibility for professional services performed by reason of the individual's employment or relationship with a professional design firm registered under this Section.

(g) Disciplinary action against a professional design firm registered under this Section shall be administered in the same manner and on the same grounds as disciplinary action against a licensed architect. All disciplinary action taken or pending against a corporation or partnership before the effective date of this amendatory Act of 1993 shall be continued or remain in effect without the Department filing separate actions.

(Source: P.A. 96-610, eff. 8-24-09.)

(225 ILCS 305/23) (from Ch. 111, par. 1323)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2020)

Sec. 23. Violations; Injunction; Cease and desist order.

(a) If any person or entity violates a provision of this Act, the Director may, in the name of the People of the State of Illinois, through the Attorney General of the State of Illinois, petition for an order enjoining such violation or for an order enforcing compliance with this Act. Upon the filing of a verified petition in such court, the court may issue a temporary restraining order, without notice or bond, and may preliminarily and permanently enjoin such violation. If it is established that such person or entity has violated or is violating the injunction, the Court may punish the offender for contempt of court. Proceedings under this Section are in addition to, and not in lieu of, all other remedies and penalties provided by this Act.

(b) If any person or entity practices as an architect or holds himself out as an architect or professional design firm without being licensed or registered under the provisions of this Act, then any licensed architect, any interested party or any person injured thereby may, in addition to the Director, petition for relief as provided in subsection (a) of this Section.

(c) Whenever in the opinion of the Department any person or entity violates any provision of this Act, the Department may issue a rule to show cause why an order to cease and desist should not be entered against him. The rule shall clearly set forth the grounds relied upon by the Department and shall provide a period of 7 days from the date of the rule to file an answer to the satisfaction of the Department. Failure to answer to the satisfaction of the Department shall cause an order to cease and desist to be issued immediately.

(Source: P.A. 88-428.)

(225 ILCS 305/36) (from Ch. 111, par. 1336)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2020)

Sec. 36. Violations. Each of the following Acts constitutes a Class A misdemeanor for the first offense and a Class 4 felony for a second or subsequent offense:

(a) the practice, attempt to practice or offer to practice architecture, or the advertising or putting out of any sign or card or other device which might indicate to the public that the person is entitled to practice architecture, without a license as an a licensed architect, or registration as a professional design firm issued by the Department. Each day of practicing architecture or attempting to practice architecture, and each instance of offering to practice architecture, without a license as an a licensed architect or registration as a professional design firm constitutes a separate offense;

(b) the making of any wilfully false oath or affirmation in any matter or proceeding where an oath or affirmation is required by this Act;

(c) the affixing of an a licensed architect's seal to any technical submissions which have not been prepared by that architect or under the architect's responsible control;

(d) the violation of any provision of this Act or its rules;

(e) using or attempting to use an expired, inactive, suspended, or revoked license, or the certificate or seal of another, or impersonating another licensee;

(f) obtaining or attempting to obtain a license or registration by fraud; or

(g) If any person, sole proprietorship, professional service corporation, limited liability company, corporation or partnership, or other entity practices architecture or advertises or displays any sign or card or other device that might indicate to the public that the person or entity is entitled to practice as an architect or use the title "architect" or any of its derivations unless the person or other entity holds an active license as an architect or registration as a professional design firm in the State; then, in addition to any other penalty provided by law any person or other entity who violates this subsection (g) shall forfeit and pay to the Design Professionals Administration and Investigation Fund a civil penalty in an amount determined by the Department of not more than $10,000 for each offense.

An unlicensed person who has completed the education requirements, is actively participating in the diversified professional training, and maintains in good standing a training record as required for licensure by this Act may use the title "architectural intern", but may not independently engage in the practice of architecture.

(Source: P.A. 96-610, eff. 8-24-09.)

(225 ILCS 305/37.5 new)

Sec. 37.5. Confidentiality. All information collected by the Department in the course of an examination or investigation of a licensee or applicant, including, but not limited to, any complaint against a licensee filed with the Department and information collected to investigate any such complaint, shall be maintained for the confidential use of the Department and shall not be disclosed. The Department may not disclose the information to anyone other than law enforcement officials, other regulatory agencies that have an appropriate regulatory interest as determined by the Secretary, or a party presenting a lawful subpoena to the Department. Information and documents disclosed to a federal, State, county, or local law enforcement agency shall not be disclosed by the agency for any purpose to any other agency or person. A formal complaint filed against a licensee by the Department or any order issued by the Department against a licensee or applicant shall be a public record, except as otherwise prohibited by law.

Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon becoming law.