HB2473 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB103 28983 AMQ 55369 b

103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2023 and 2024
HB2473

Introduced 2/15/2023, by Rep. Marcus C. Evans, Jr.

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

See Index

Amends the Regulatory Sunset Act. Repeals the Veterinary Medicine and Surgery Practice Act of 2004 on January 1, 2029 (rather than January 1, 2024). Amends the Veterinary Medicine and Surgery Practice Act of 2004. Adds provisions concerning an email address of record and for electronic delivery of certain notices to an email address of records. Provides for instances in which telehealth may be used. Provides that a veterinarian shall not substitute telehealth, teleadvice, telemedicine, or teletriage when a physical examination is warranted or necessary for an accurate diagnosis of any medical condition or creation of an appropriate treatment plan. Makes changes to provisions concerning: application for licensure; reports; procedures for refusal to license or issue certificate; and hearing officers, reports, and review. Removes provisions concerning: refusing to issue or renew, or revoking, suspending, placing on probation, reprimanding, or taking other disciplinary or non-disciplinary action for a conviction by any court of competent jurisdiction, either within or outside this State, of any violation of any law governing the practice of veterinary medicine; and certifying exhibits without cost. Repeals a provision requiring the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to maintain a roster. Makes corresponding and other changes. Provisions amending the Regulatory Sunset Act are effective immediately.

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning regulation.

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

Section 5. The Regulatory Sunset Act is amended by changing Sections 4.34 and 4.39 as follows:

(5 ILCS 80/4.34)

Sec. 4.34. Acts and Section repealed on January 1, 2024. The following Acts and Section of an Act are repealed on January 1, 2024:

The Crematory Regulation Act.

The Electrologist Licensing Act.

The Illinois Certified Shorthand Reporters Act of 1984.

The Illinois Occupational Therapy Practice Act.

The Illinois Public Accounting Act.

The Private Detective, Private Alarm, Private Security, Fingerprint Vendor, and Locksmith Act of 2004.

The Registered Surgical Assistant and Registered Surgical Technologist Title Protection Act.

Section 2.5 of the Illinois Plumbing License Law.

The Veterinary Medicine and Surgery Practice Act of 2004.

(Source: P.A. 102-291, eff. 8-6-21.)

(5 ILCS 80/4.39)

Sec. 4.39. Acts repealed on January 1, 2029 and December 31, 2029.

(a) The following Act is repealed on January 1, 2029:

The Environmental Health Practitioner Licensing Act.

The Veterinary Medicine and Surgery Practice Act of 2004.

(b) The following Act is repealed on December 31, 2029:

The Structural Pest Control Act.

(Source: P.A. 100-716, eff. 8-3-18; 100-796, eff. 8-10-18; 101-81, eff. 7-12-19.)

Section 10. The Veterinary Medicine and Surgery Practice Act of 2004 is amended by changing Sections 3, 4, 8, 10, 10.5, 11, 12, 14.1, 25, 25.2, 25.6, 25.7, 25.9, 25.15, 25.17, and 27 and by adding Sections 3.5 and 4.5 as follows:

(225 ILCS 115/3) (from Ch. 111, par. 7003)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2024)

Sec. 3. Definitions. The following terms have the meanings indicated, unless the context requires otherwise:

"Accredited college of veterinary medicine" means a veterinary college, school, or division of a university or college that offers the degree of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine or its equivalent and that is accredited by the Council on Education of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

"Address of record" means the designated address recorded by the Department in the applicant's or licensee's application file or license file as maintained by the Department's licensure maintenance unit. It is the duty of the applicant or licensee to inform the Department of any change of address, and those changes must be made either through the Department's website or by contacting the Department.

"Accredited program in veterinary technology" means any post-secondary educational program that is accredited by the AVMA's Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities or any veterinary technician program that is recognized as its equivalent by the AVMA's Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities.

"Animal" means any animal, vertebrate or invertebrate, other than a human.

"Board" means the Veterinary Licensing and Disciplinary Board.

"Certified veterinary technician" means a person who is validly and currently licensed to practice veterinary technology in this State.

"Client" means an entity, person, group, or corporation that has entered into an agreement with a veterinarian for the purposes of obtaining veterinary medical services.

"Complementary, alternative, and integrative therapies" means a heterogeneous group of diagnostic and therapeutic philosophies and practices, which at the time they are performed may differ from current scientific knowledge, or whose theoretical basis and techniques may diverge from veterinary medicine routinely taught in accredited veterinary medical colleges, or both. "Complementary, alternative, and integrative therapies" include, but are not limited to, veterinary acupuncture, acutherapy, and acupressure; veterinary homeopathy; veterinary manual or manipulative therapy or therapy based on techniques practiced in osteopathy, chiropractic medicine, or physical medicine and therapy; veterinary nutraceutical therapy; veterinary phytotherapy; and other therapies as defined by rule.

"Consultation" means when a veterinarian receives advice in person, telephonically, electronically, or by any other method of communication from a veterinarian licensed in this or any other state or other person whose expertise, in the opinion of the veterinarian, would benefit a patient. Under any circumstance, the responsibility for the welfare of the patient remains with the veterinarian receiving consultation.

"Department" means the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.

"Direct supervision" means the supervising veterinarian is readily available on the premises where the animal is being treated.

"Email address of record" means the designated email address recorded by the Department in the applicant's application file or the licensee's license file, as maintained by the Department's licensure maintenance unit.

"Immediate supervision" means the supervising veterinarian is in the immediate area, within audible and visual range of the animal patient and the person treating the patient.

"Impaired veterinarian" means a veterinarian who is unable to practice veterinary medicine with reasonable skill and safety because of a physical or mental disability as evidenced by a written determination or written consent based on clinical evidence, including deterioration through the aging process, loss of motor skills, or abuse of drugs or alcohol of sufficient degree to diminish a person's ability to deliver competent patient care.

"Indirect supervision" means the supervising veterinarian need not be on the premises, but has given either written or oral instructions for the treatment of the animal and is available by telephone or other form of communication.

"Licensed veterinarian" means a person who is validly and currently licensed to practice veterinary medicine in this State.

"Patient" means an animal that is examined or treated by a veterinarian.

"Person" means an individual, firm, partnership (general, limited, or limited liability), association, joint venture, cooperative, corporation, limited liability company, or any other group or combination acting in concert, whether or not acting as a principal, partner, member, trustee, fiduciary, receiver, or any other kind of legal or personal representative, or as the successor in interest, assignee, agent, factor, servant, employee, director, officer, or any other representative of such person.

"Practice of veterinary medicine" means to diagnose, prognose, treat, correct, change, alleviate, or prevent animal disease, illness, pain, deformity, defect, injury, or other physical, dental, or mental conditions by any method or mode, such as telehealth, ; including the performance of one or more of the following:

(1) Prescribing, dispensing, administering, applying, or ordering the administration of any drug, medicine, biologic, apparatus, anesthetic, or other therapeutic or diagnostic substance, or medical or surgical technique.

(2) (Blank).

(3) Performing upon an animal a surgical or dental operation.

(3.5) Performing upon an animal complementary, alternative, or integrative therapy.

(4) Performing upon an animal any manual or mechanical procedure for reproductive management, including the diagnosis or treatment of pregnancy, sterility, or infertility.

(4.5) The rendering of advice or recommendation by any means, including telephonic and other electronic communications, with regard to the performing upon an animal any manual or mechanical procedure for reproductive management, including the diagnosis or treatment of pregnancy, sterility, or infertility.

(5) Determining the health and fitness of an animal.

(6) Representing oneself, directly or indirectly, as engaging in the practice of veterinary medicine.

(7) Using any word, letters, or title under such circumstances as to induce the belief that the person using them is qualified to engage in the practice of veterinary medicine or any of its branches. Such use shall be prima facie evidence of the intention to represent oneself as engaging in the practice of veterinary medicine.

"Secretary" means the Secretary of Financial and Professional Regulation.

"Supervising veterinarian" means a veterinarian who assumes responsibility for the professional care given to an animal by a person working under his or her direction in either an immediate, direct, or indirect supervision arrangement. The supervising veterinarian must have examined the animal at such time as acceptable veterinary medical practices requires, consistent with the particular delegated animal health care task.

"Teleadvice" means the provision of any health information, opinion, guidance, or recommendation concerning prudent actions that are not specific to a particular patient's health, illness, or injury. This general advice is not intended to diagnose, prognose, treat, correct, change, alleviate, or prevent animal disease, illness, pain, deformity, defect, injury, or other physical or mental conditions. "Teleadvice" includes recommendations made by veterinarians or non-veterinarians via phone, text, or online that all animals should receive physical exams or premise visits as part of a comprehensive healthcare plan or reference to the importance of attending to regular vaccination or parasite prevention as a key part of preventive care.

"Telehealth" means all uses of technology to remotely gather and deliver health information, advice, education, and care. "Telehealth" may be divided into categories based on who is involved in the communication. For communication between veterinarians and animal owners, 2 telehealth categories exist that are distinguished by whether a veterinarian-client-patient relationship has been established, including:

(1) telemedicine includes the delivery of information specific to a particular patient and is allowable only within the context of an established veterinarian-client-patient relationship; and

(2) without a veterinarian-client-patient relationship, telehealth includes the delivery of general advice, educational information, and teletriage to support the care of animals in emergency situations.

"Telemedicine" means the use of a tool to exchange information about a patient's clinical health status electronically from one site to another. "Telemedicine" includes using technology to communicate with a client and visually observe the patient during a postoperative follow-up examination and discussion.

"Telesupervision" means the supervision of certified veterinary technicians using mediums such as audio conference, audio and video conference, text message, and email.

"Teletriage" means the safe, appropriate, and timely assessment and management, including an immediate referral to a veterinarian or not, of a patient via electronic consultation with the patient's owners. In assessing a patient's condition electronically, the assessor determines urgency and the need for immediate referral to a veterinarian based on the owner's or responsible party's report of history and clinical signs, which is sometimes supplemented by visual information, such as photographs or video. During teletriage, a diagnosis is not rendered.

"Therapeutic" means the treatment, control, and prevention of disease.

"Veterinarian" means a person who is validly and currently licensed to practice veterinary medicine in this State.

"Veterinarian-client-patient relationship" means that all of the following conditions have been met:

(1) The veterinarian has assumed the responsibility for making clinical judgments regarding the health of an animal and the need for medical treatment and the client, owner, or other caretaker has agreed to follow the instructions of the veterinarian;

(2) There is sufficient knowledge of an animal by the veterinarian to initiate at least a general or preliminary diagnosis of the medical condition of the animal. This means that the veterinarian has recently seen and is personally acquainted with the keeping and care of the animal by virtue of an examination of the animal or by medically appropriate and timely visits to the premises where the animal is kept, or the veterinarian has access to the animal patient's records and has been designated by the veterinarian with the prior relationship to provide reasonable and appropriate medical care if the veterinarian with the prior relationship he or she is unavailable; and

(3) The practicing veterinarian is readily available for follow-up in case of adverse reactions or failure of the treatment regimen or, if unavailable, has designated another available veterinarian who has access to the animal patient's records to provide reasonable and appropriate medical care.

"Veterinarian-client-patient relationship" does not mean a relationship solely based on telephonic or other electronic communications.

"Veterinary medicine" means all branches and specialties included within the practice of veterinary medicine.

"Veterinary premises" means any premises or facility where the practice of veterinary medicine occurs, including, but not limited to, a mobile clinic, outpatient clinic, satellite clinic, or veterinary hospital or clinic. "Veterinary premises" does not mean the premises of a veterinary client, research facility, a federal military base, or an accredited college of veterinary medicine.

"Veterinary prescription drugs" means those drugs restricted to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian in accordance with Section 503(f) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 353).

"Veterinary specialist" means that a veterinarian is a diplomate within an AVMA-recognized veterinary specialty organization.

"Veterinary technology" means the performance of services within the field of veterinary medicine by a person who, for compensation or personal profit, is employed by a licensed veterinarian to perform duties that require an understanding of veterinary medicine necessary to carry out the orders of the veterinarian. Those services, however, shall not include diagnosing, prognosing, writing prescriptions, or surgery.

(Source: P.A. 98-339, eff. 12-31-13.)

(225 ILCS 115/3.5 new)

Sec. 3.5. Address of record; email address of record. All applicants and licensees shall:

(1) provide a valid address and email address to the Department, which shall serve as the address of record and email address of record, respectively, at the time of application for licensure or renewal of a license; and

(2) inform the Department of any change of address of record or email address of record within 14 days after such change either through the Department's website or by contacting the Department's licensure maintenance unit.

(225 ILCS 115/4) (from Ch. 111, par. 7004)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2024)

Sec. 4. Exemptions. Nothing in this Act shall apply to any of the following:

(1) Veterinarians employed by the federal or State government while engaged in their official duties.

(2) Licensed veterinarians from other states who are invited to Illinois for consultation by a veterinarian licensed in Illinois.

(3) Veterinarians employed by colleges or universities while engaged in the performance of their official duties, or faculty engaged in animal husbandry or animal management programs of colleges or universities.

(3.5) A veterinarian or veterinary technician from another state or country who (A) is not licensed under this Act; (B) is currently licensed as a veterinarian or veterinary technician in another state or country, or otherwise exempt from licensure in the other state; (C) is an invited guest of a professional veterinary association, veterinary training program, or continuing education provider approved by the Department; and (D) engages in professional education through lectures, clinics, or demonstrations.

(4) A veterinarian employed by an accredited college of veterinary medicine providing assistance requested by a veterinarian licensed in Illinois, acting with informed consent from the client and acting under the direct or indirect supervision and control of the licensed veterinarian. Providing assistance involves hands-on active participation in the treatment and care of the patient. The licensed veterinarian shall maintain responsibility for the veterinarian-client-patient relationship.

(5) Veterinary students in an accredited college of veterinary medicine, university, department of a university, or other institution of veterinary medicine and surgery engaged in duties assigned by their instructors or working under the immediate or direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian.

(5.5) Students of an accredited program in veterinary technology performing veterinary technology duties or actions assigned by instructors or working under the immediate or direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian.

(6) Any person engaged in bona fide scientific research which requires the use of animals.

(7) An owner of livestock and any of the owner's employees or the owner and employees of a service and care provider of livestock caring for and treating livestock belonging to the owner or under a provider's care, including but not limited to, the performance of husbandry and livestock management practices such as dehorning, castration, emasculation, or docking of cattle, horses, sheep, goats, and swine, artificial insemination, and drawing of semen. Nor shall this Act be construed to prohibit any person from administering in a humane manner medicinal or surgical treatment to any livestock in the care of such person. However, any such services shall comply with the Humane Care for Animals Act.

(8) An owner of an animal, or an agent of the owner acting with the owner's approval, in caring for, training, or treating an animal belonging to the owner, so long as that individual or agent does not represent himself or herself as a veterinarian or use any title associated with the practice of veterinary medicine or surgery or diagnose, prescribe drugs, or perform surgery. The agent shall provide the owner with a written statement summarizing the nature of the services provided and obtain a signed acknowledgment from the owner that they accept the services provided. The services shall comply with the Humane Care for Animals Act. The provisions of this item (8) do not apply to a person who is exempt under item (7).

(9) A member in good standing of another licensed or regulated profession within any state or a member of an organization or group approved by the Department by rule providing assistance that is requested in writing by a veterinarian licensed in this State acting within a veterinarian-client-patient relationship and with informed consent from the client and the member is acting under the immediate, direct, or indirect supervision and control of the licensed veterinarian. Providing assistance involves hands-on active participation in the treatment and care of the patient, as defined by rule. The licensed veterinarian shall maintain responsibility for the veterinarian-client-patient relationship, but shall be immune from liability, except for willful and wanton conduct, in any civil or criminal action if a member providing assistance does not meet the requirements of this item (9).

(10) A graduate of a non-accredited college of veterinary medicine who is in the process of obtaining a certificate of educational equivalence and is performing duties or actions assigned by instructors in an approved college of veterinary medicine.

(10.5) A veterinarian who is enrolled in a postgraduate instructional program in an accredited college of veterinary medicine performing duties or actions assigned by instructors or working under the immediate or direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian or a faculty member of the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Illinois.

(11) A certified euthanasia technician who is authorized to perform euthanasia in the course and scope of his or her employment only as permitted by the Humane Euthanasia in Animal Shelters Act.

(12) A person who, without expectation of compensation, provides emergency veterinary care in an emergency or disaster situation so long as the person he or she does not represent oneself himself or herself as a veterinarian or use a title or degree pertaining to the practice of veterinary medicine and surgery.

(13) Any certified veterinary technician or other employee of a licensed veterinarian performing permitted duties other than diagnosis, prognosis, prescription, or surgery under the appropriate direction and supervision of the veterinarian, who shall be responsible for the performance of the employee.

(13.5) Any pharmacist licensed in the State, merchant, or manufacturer selling at a his or her regular place of business medicines, feed, appliances, or other products used in the prevention or treatment of animal diseases as permitted by law and provided that the services provided he or she provides do not include diagnosing, prognosing, writing prescriptions, or surgery.

(14) An approved humane investigator regulated under the Humane Care for Animals Act or employee of a shelter licensed under the Animal Welfare Act, working under the indirect supervision of a licensed veterinarian.

(15) An individual providing equine dentistry services requested by a veterinarian licensed to practice in this State, an owner, or an owner's agent. For the purposes of this item (15), "equine dentistry services" means floating teeth without the use of drugs or extraction.

(15.5) In the event of an emergency or disaster, a veterinarian or veterinary technician not licensed in this State who (A) is responding to a request for assistance from the Illinois Department of Agriculture, the Illinois Department of Public Health, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, or other State agency as determined by the Department; (B) is licensed and in good standing in another state; and (C) has been granted a temporary waiver from licensure by the Department.

(16) Private treaty sale of animals unless otherwise provided by law.

(Source: P.A. 98-339, eff. 12-31-13.)

(225 ILCS 115/4.5 new)

Sec. 4.5. Telehealth. Telehealth occurs when either the animal who is receiving the care is located in the State when receiving telehealth treatment or the veterinarian providing the care to the animal is located in the State when providing telehealth treatment, pursuant to the provisions of Section 5. Telehealth may only be used when a veterinarian has an established veterinarian-client-patient relationship. Telehealth may be used in the following circumstances:

(1) when a physical examination of the patient has been conducted within one year; or

(2) if it is possible to make a diagnosis and create a treatment plan without a recent physical examination based on professional standards of care.

A veterinarian shall not substitute telehealth, teleadvice, telemedicine, or teletriage when a physical examination is warranted or necessary for an accurate diagnosis of any medical condition or creation of an appropriate treatment plan. All minimum standards of practice and provisions under this Act and rules shall be maintained.

A veterinarian shall ensure that any technology used in the provision of telehealth is sufficient and of appropriate quality to provide accurate remote assessment and diagnosis. A veterinarian shall meet all recordkeeping requirements pursuant to subsection (c) of Section 25.17.

A supervising veterinarian may delegate telehealth services to a certified veterinary technician who is acting under direct or indirect supervision and in accordance with the Act and rules. A valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship established by a physical examination conducted by the supervising veterinarian must exist for the certified veterinary technician to provide delegated telehealth services.

A veterinarian and a certified veterinary technician providing telehealth services shall, at the time of service, provide the veterinarian or certified veterinary technician's contact information, including the veterinarian or certified veterinary technician's full name, to the client or practice using the service. All telehealth records shall be provided to the client upon request.

(225 ILCS 115/8) (from Ch. 111, par. 7008)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2024)

Sec. 8. Qualifications. A person is qualified to receive a license if the applicant he or she: (1) is of good moral character; (2) has graduated from an accredited college or school of veterinary medicine; and (3) has passed the examination authorized by the Department to determine fitness to hold a license.

Applicants for licensure from non-accredited veterinary schools are required to successfully complete a program of educational equivalency as established by rule. At a minimum, this program shall include all of the following:

(1) A certified transcript indicating graduation from such college.

(2) Successful completion of a communication ability examination designed to assess communication skills, including a command of the English language.

(3) Successful completion of an examination or assessment mechanism designed to evaluate educational equivalence, including both preclinical and clinical competencies.

(4) Any other reasonable assessment mechanism designed to ensure an applicant possesses the educational background necessary to protect the public health and safety.

Successful completion of the criteria set forth in this Section shall establish education equivalence as one of the criteria for licensure set forth in this Act. Applicants under this Section must also meet all other statutory criteria for licensure prior to the issuance of any such license, including graduation from veterinary school.

A graduate of a non-approved veterinary school who was issued a work permit by the Department before the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 93rd General Assembly may continue to work under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian until the expiration of his or her permit.

In determining moral character under this Section, the Department may take into consideration any felony conviction of the applicant, but such a conviction shall not operate as a bar to obtaining a license. The Department may also request the applicant to submit and may consider as evidence of moral character, endorsements from 2 individuals licensed under this Act.

(Source: P.A. 93-281, eff. 12-31-03.)

(225 ILCS 115/10) (from Ch. 111, par. 7010)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2024)

Sec. 10. Application for licensure. A person who desires to obtain a license as a veterinarian or a certificate as a veterinary technician shall apply to the Department on forms provided by the Department. Each application shall be accompanied by proof of qualifications and shall be verified by the applicant under oath and be accompanied by the required fee.

If an applicant neglects, fails, or refuses to take an examination or fails to pass an examination for a license or otherwise fails to complete the application process under this Act within 3 years after filing the applicant's application, the application shall be denied. However, such applicant may make a new application for examination accompanied by the required fee and must furnish proof of meeting qualifications for examination in effect at the time of new application.

(Source: P.A. 88-424.)

(225 ILCS 115/10.5)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2024)

Sec. 10.5. Social Security Number or federal individual taxpayer identification number on license application. In addition to any other information required to be contained in the application, every application for an original license under this Act shall include the applicant's Social Security Number or federal individual taxpayer identification number, which shall be retained in the agency's records pertaining to the license. As soon as practical, the Department shall assign a customer's identification number to each applicant for a license.

Every application for a renewal or restored license shall require the applicant's customer identification number.

(Source: P.A. 97-400, eff. 1-1-12.)

(225 ILCS 115/11) (from Ch. 111, par. 7011)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2024)

Sec. 11. Practice pending licensure. A person holding the degree of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, or its equivalent, from an accredited college of veterinary medicine, and who has applied in writing to the Department for a license to practice veterinary medicine and surgery in any of its branches, and who has fulfilled the requirements of Section 8 of this Act, with the exception of receipt of notification of his or her examination results, may practice under the direct supervision of a veterinarian who is licensed in this State, until: (1) the applicant has been notified of his or her failure to pass the examination authorized by the Department; (2) the applicant has withdrawn his or her application; (3) the applicant has received a license from the Department after successfully passing the examination authorized by the Department; or (4) the applicant has been notified by the Department to cease and desist from practicing.

The applicant shall perform only those acts that may be prescribed by and incidental to his or her employment and those acts shall be performed under the direction of a supervising veterinarian who is licensed in this State. The applicant shall not be entitled to otherwise engage in the practice of veterinary medicine until fully licensed in this State.

The Department shall immediately notify, by certified mail, the supervising veterinarian employing the applicant and the applicant that the applicant shall immediately cease and desist from practicing if the applicant (1) practices outside his or her employment under a licensed veterinarian; (2) violates any provision of this Act; or (3) becomes ineligible for licensure under this Act.

(Source: P.A. 96-571, eff. 8-18-09; 96-638, eff. 8-24-09; 96-1000, eff. 7-2-10.)

(225 ILCS 115/12) (from Ch. 111, par. 7012)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2024)

Sec. 12. Renewal and inactive status; restoration; military service.

(a) The expiration date and renewal period for each license or certificate shall be set by rule.

(b) A licensee who has permitted his or her license to expire or who has had his or her license on inactive status may have the license restored by making application to the Department by filing proof acceptable to the Department of his or her fitness to have the license restored and by paying the required fees. Proof of fitness may include sworn evidence certifying to active lawful practice in another jurisdiction. If the licensee has not maintained an active practice in another jurisdiction satisfactory to the Department, the Department shall determine, by an evaluation program established by rule, his or her fitness for restoration of the license and shall establish procedures and requirements for restoration.

(c) A licensee whose license expired while the licensee he or she was (1) in federal service on active duty with the Armed Forces of the United States or the State Militia called into service or training or (2) in training or education under the supervision of the United States before induction into the military service, may have the license restored without paying any lapsed renewal fees if within 2 years after honorable termination of the service, training, or education the licensee he or she furnishes the Department with satisfactory evidence to the effect that the licensee he or she has been so engaged and that the licensee's his or her service, training, or education has been so terminated.

(d) Any licensee who notifies the Department in writing on the prescribed form may place the licensee's his or her license or certification on an inactive status and shall, subject to rule, be exempt from payment of the renewal fee until the licensee he or she notifies the Department in writing of the licensee's his or her intention to resume active status.

(e) Any veterinarian or certified veterinary technician requesting restoration from inactive or expired status shall be required to complete the continuing education requirements for a single license or certificate renewal period, pursuant to rule, and pay the current renewal fee to restore the renewal applicant's his or her license or certification as provided in this Act.

(f) Any licensee whose license is in inactive, expired, or suspended status shall not practice veterinary medicine and surgery in this State.

(Source: P.A. 98-339, eff. 12-31-13.)

(225 ILCS 115/14.1) (from Ch. 111, par. 7014.1)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2024)

Sec. 14.1. Returned checks; fines. Any person who delivers a check or other payment to the Department that is returned to the Department unpaid by the financial institution upon which it is drawn shall pay to the Department, in addition to the amount already owed to the Department, a fine of $50. The fines imposed by this Section are in addition to any other discipline provided under this Act for unlicensed practice or practice on a nonrenewed license or certificate. The Department shall notify the person that payment of fees and fines shall be paid to the Department by certified check or money order within 30 calendar days of the notification. If, after the expiration of 30 days from the date of the notification, the person has failed to submit the necessary remittance, the Department shall automatically terminate the license or certificate or deny the application, without hearing. If, after termination or denial, the person seeks a license or certificate, the person he or she shall apply to the Department for restoration or issuance of the license or certificate and pay all fees and fines due to the Department. The Department may establish a fee for the processing of an application for restoration of a license or certificate to pay all expenses of processing this application. The Secretary may waive the fines due under this Section in individual cases where the Secretary finds that the fines would be unreasonable or unnecessarily burdensome.

(Source: P.A. 96-1322, eff. 7-27-10.)

(225 ILCS 115/25) (from Ch. 111, par. 7025)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2024)

Sec. 25. Disciplinary actions.

1. The Department may refuse to issue or renew, or may revoke, suspend, place on probation, reprimand, or take other disciplinary or non-disciplinary action as the Department may deem appropriate, including imposing fines not to exceed $10,000 for each violation and the assessment of costs as provided for in Section 25.3 of this Act, with regard to any license or certificate for any one or combination of the following:

A. Material misstatement in furnishing information to the Department.

B. Violations of this Act, or of the rules adopted pursuant to this Act.

C. Conviction by plea of guilty or nolo contendere, finding of guilt, jury verdict, or entry of judgment or by sentencing of any crime, including, but not limited to, convictions, preceding sentences of supervision, conditional discharge, or first offender probation, under the laws of any jurisdiction of the United States that is (i) a felony or (ii) a misdemeanor, an essential element of which is dishonesty, or that is directly related to the practice of the profession.

D. Fraud or any misrepresentation in applying for or procuring a license under this Act or in connection with applying for renewal of a license under this Act.

E. Professional incompetence.

F. Malpractice.

G. Aiding or assisting another person in violating any provision of this Act or rules.

H. Failing, within 60 days, to provide information in response to a written request made by the Department.

I. Engaging in dishonorable, unethical, or unprofessional conduct of a character likely to deceive, defraud, or harm the public.

J. Habitual or excessive use or abuse of drugs defined in law as controlled substances, alcohol, or any other substance that results in the inability to practice with reasonable judgment, skill, or safety.

K. Discipline by another state, unit of government, government agency, District of Columbia, territory, or foreign nation, if at least one of the grounds for the discipline is the same or substantially equivalent to those set forth herein.

L. Charging for professional services not rendered, including filing false statements for the collection of fees for which services are not rendered.

M. A finding by the Board that the licensee or certificate holder, after having his license or certificate placed on probationary status, has violated the terms of probation.

N. Willfully making or filing false records or reports in his practice, including but not limited to false records filed with State agencies or departments.

O. Physical illness, including but not limited to, deterioration through the aging process, or loss of motor skill which results in the inability to practice under this Act with reasonable judgment, skill, or safety.

P. Solicitation of professional services other than permitted advertising.

Q. Allowing one's license under this Act to be used by an unlicensed person in violation of this Act.

R. Conviction of or cash compromise of a charge or violation of the Harrison Act or the Illinois Controlled Substances Act, regulating narcotics.

S. Fraud or dishonesty in applying, treating, or reporting on tuberculin or other biological tests.

T. Failing to report, as required by law, or making false report of any contagious or infectious diseases.

U. Fraudulent use or misuse of any health certificate, shipping certificate, brand inspection certificate, or other blank forms used in practice that might lead to the dissemination of disease or the transportation of diseased animals dead or alive; or dilatory methods, willful neglect, or misrepresentation in the inspection of milk, meat, poultry, and the by-products thereof.

V. Conviction on a charge of cruelty to animals.

W. Failure to keep one's premises and all equipment therein in a clean and sanitary condition.

X. Failure to provide satisfactory proof of having participated in approved continuing education programs.

Y. Mental illness or disability that results in the inability to practice under this Act with reasonable judgment, skill, or safety.

Z. (Blank). Conviction by any court of competent jurisdiction, either within or outside this State, of any violation of any law governing the practice of veterinary medicine, if the Department determines, after investigation, that the person has not been sufficiently rehabilitated to warrant the public trust.

AA. Promotion of the sale of drugs, devices, appliances, or goods provided for a patient in any manner to exploit the client for financial gain of the veterinarian.

BB. Gross, willful, or continued overcharging for professional services.

CC. Practicing under a false or, except as provided by law, an assumed name.

DD. Violating state or federal laws or regulations relating to controlled substances or legend drugs.

EE. Cheating on or attempting to subvert the licensing examination administered under this Act.

FF. Using, prescribing, or selling a prescription drug or the extra-label use of a prescription drug by any means in the absence of a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship.

GG. Failing to report a case of suspected aggravated cruelty, torture, or animal fighting pursuant to Section 3.07 or 4.01 of the Humane Care for Animals Act or Section 26-5 or 48-1 of the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012.

All fines imposed under this Section shall be paid within 60 days after the effective date of the order imposing the fine or in accordance with the terms set forth in the order imposing the fine.

2. The determination by a circuit court that a licensee or certificate holder is subject to involuntary admission or judicial admission as provided in the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code operates as an automatic suspension. The suspension will end only upon a finding by a court that the patient is no longer subject to involuntary admission or judicial admission and issues an order so finding and discharging the patient. In any case where a license is suspended under this provision, the licensee shall file a petition for restoration and shall include evidence acceptable to the Department that the licensee can resume practice in compliance with acceptable and prevailing standards of his or her profession.

3. All proceedings to suspend, revoke, place on probationary status, or take any other disciplinary action as the Department may deem proper, with regard to a license or certificate on any of the foregoing grounds, must be commenced within 5 years after receipt by the Department of a complaint alleging the commission of or notice of the conviction order for any of the acts described in this Section. Except for proceedings brought for violations of items (CC), (DD), or (EE), no action shall be commenced more than 5 years after the date of the incident or act alleged to have violated this Section. In the event of the settlement of any claim or cause of action in favor of the claimant or the reduction to final judgment of any civil action in favor of the plaintiff, the claim, cause of action, or civil action being grounded on the allegation that a person licensed or certified under this Act was negligent in providing care, the Department shall have an additional period of one year from the date of the settlement or final judgment in which to investigate and begin formal disciplinary proceedings under Section 25.2 of this Act, except as otherwise provided by law. The time during which the holder of the license or certificate was outside the State of Illinois shall not be included within any period of time limiting the commencement of disciplinary action by the Department.

4. The Department may refuse to issue or may suspend without hearing, as provided for in the Illinois Code of Civil Procedure, the license of any person who fails to file a return, to pay the tax, penalty, or interest shown in a filed return, or to pay any final assessment of tax, penalty, or interest as required by any tax Act administered by the Illinois Department of Revenue, until such time as the requirements of any such tax Act are satisfied in accordance with subsection (g) of Section 2105-15 of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois.

5. In enforcing this Section, the Department, upon a showing of a possible violation, may compel any individual who is registered under this Act or any individual who has applied for registration to submit to a mental or physical examination or evaluation, or both, which may include a substance abuse or sexual offender evaluation, at the expense of the Department. The Department shall specifically designate the examining physician licensed to practice medicine in all of its branches or, if applicable, the multidisciplinary team involved in providing the mental or physical examination and evaluation. The multidisciplinary team shall be led by a physician licensed to practice medicine in all of its branches and may consist of one or more or a combination of physicians licensed to practice medicine in all of its branches, licensed chiropractic physicians, licensed clinical psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, licensed clinical professional counselors, and other professional and administrative staff. Any examining physician or member of the multidisciplinary team may require any person ordered to submit to an examination and evaluation pursuant to this Section to submit to any additional supplemental testing deemed necessary to complete any examination or evaluation process, including, but not limited to, blood testing, urinalysis, psychological testing, or neuropsychological testing.

The Department may order the examining physician or any member of the multidisciplinary team to provide to the Department any and all records, including business records, that relate to the examination and evaluation, including any supplemental testing performed. The Department may order the examining physician or any member of the multidisciplinary team to present testimony concerning this examination and evaluation of the registrant or applicant, including testimony concerning any supplemental testing or documents relating to the examination and evaluation. No information, report, record, or other documents in any way related to the examination and evaluation shall be excluded by reason of any common law or statutory privilege relating to communication between the licensee or applicant and the examining physician or any member of the multidisciplinary team. No authorization is necessary from the registrant or applicant ordered to undergo an evaluation and examination for the examining physician or any member of the multidisciplinary team to provide information, reports, records, or other documents or to provide any testimony regarding the examination and evaluation. The individual to be examined may have, at his or her own expense, another physician of his or her choice present during all aspects of the examination.

Failure of any individual to submit to mental or physical examination or evaluation, or both, when directed, shall result in an automatic suspension without hearing, until such time as the individual submits to the examination. If the Department finds a registrant unable to practice because of the reasons set forth in this Section, the Department shall require such registrant to submit to care, counseling, or treatment by physicians approved or designated by the Department as a condition for continued, reinstated, or renewed registration.

In instances in which the Secretary immediately suspends a registration under this Section, a hearing upon such person's registration must be convened by the Department within 15 days after such suspension and completed without appreciable delay. The Department shall have the authority to review the registrant's record of treatment and counseling regarding the impairment to the extent permitted by applicable federal statutes and regulations safeguarding the confidentiality of medical records.

Individuals registered under this Act who are affected under this Section, shall be afforded an opportunity to demonstrate to the Department that they can resume practice in compliance with acceptable and prevailing standards under the provisions of their registration.

6. (Blank).

7. In cases where the Department of Healthcare and Family Services has previously determined a licensee or a potential licensee is more than 30 days delinquent in the payment of child support and has subsequently certified the delinquency to the Department, the Department may refuse to issue or renew or may revoke or suspend that person's license or may take other disciplinary action against that person based solely upon the certification of delinquency made by the Department of Healthcare and Family Services in accordance with paragraph (5) of subsection (a) of Section 2105-15 of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois.

(Source: P.A. 99-78, eff. 7-20-15; 100-872, eff. 8-14-18.)

(225 ILCS 115/25.2) (from Ch. 111, par. 7025.2)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2024)

Sec. 25.2. Investigation; notice and hearing. The Department may investigate the actions of any applicant or of any person or persons holding or claiming to hold a license or certificate. The Department shall, before refusing to issue, to renew or discipline a license or certificate under Section 25, at least 30 days prior to the date set for the hearing, notify the applicant or licensee in writing of the nature of the charges and the time and place for a hearing on the charges. The Department shall direct the applicant, certificate holder, or licensee to file a written answer to the charges with the Board under oath within 20 days after the service of the notice and inform the applicant, certificate holder, or licensee that failure to file an answer will result in default being taken against the applicant, certificate holder, or licensee. At the time and place fixed in the notice, the Department shall proceed to hear the charges and the parties or their counsel shall be accorded ample opportunity to present any pertinent statements, testimony, evidence, and arguments. The Department may continue the hearing from time to time. In case the person, after receiving the notice, fails to file an answer, his or her license may, in the discretion of the Department, be revoked, suspended, placed on probationary status, or the Department may take whatever disciplinary action considered proper, including limiting the scope, nature, or extent of the person's practice or the imposition of a fine, without a hearing, if the act or acts charged constitute sufficient grounds for that action under the Act. The written notice and any notice in the subsequent proceeding may be served by regular registered or certified mail to the licensee's address or electronically to the licensee's email address of record.

(Source: P.A. 98-339, eff. 12-31-13.)

(225 ILCS 115/25.6) (from Ch. 111, par. 7025.6)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2024)

Sec. 25.6. Board report. At the conclusion of the hearing the Board shall present to the Secretary a written report of its findings of fact, conclusions of law, and recommendations. The report shall contain a finding whether or not the accused person violated this Act or failed to comply with the conditions required in this Act. The Board shall specify the nature of the violation or failure to comply, and shall make its recommendations to the Secretary.

The report of findings of fact, conclusions of law and recommendation of the Board shall be the basis for the Secretary's Department's order for refusing to issue, restore, or renew a license, or otherwise disciplining a licensee, or for the granting of a license, certificate, or permit. If the Secretary disagrees in any regard with the report of the Board, then the Secretary may issue an order in contravention thereof. The finding is not admissible in evidence against the person in a criminal prosecution brought for the violation of this Act, but the hearing and finding are not a bar to a criminal prosecution brought for the violation of this Act.

(Source: P.A. 98-339, eff. 12-31-13.)

(225 ILCS 115/25.7) (from Ch. 111, par. 7025.7)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2024)

Sec. 25.7. Motion for rehearing; procedure upon refusal to license or issue certificate. In any hearing involving the refusal to issue, renew, or discipline a license or certificate, a copy of the Board's report shall be served upon the respondent by the Department, either personally or as provided in this Act for the service of the notice of hearing. Within 20 days after service, the respondent may present to the Secretary Department a motion in writing for a rehearing. The motion shall specify the particular grounds for the rehearing. If no motion for rehearing is filed, then upon the expiration of the time specified for filing a motion, or if a motion for rehearing is denied, then upon the denial, then the Secretary may enter an order in accordance with recommendations of the Board except as provided in Section 25.6 of this Act. If the respondent orders from the reporting service, and pays for a transcript of the record within the time for filing a motion for rehearing, the 20-day 20 day period within which such a motion may be filed shall commence upon the delivery of the transcript to the respondent.

(Source: P.A. 98-339, eff. 12-31-13.)

(225 ILCS 115/25.9) (from Ch. 111, par. 7025.9)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2024)

Sec. 25.9. Hearing officers; reports; review. The Secretary shall have the authority to appoint any attorney duly licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois to serve as the hearing officer in any action for refusal to issue, renew, or discipline of a license, certificate, or permit. The hearing officer shall have full authority to conduct the hearing. The hearing officer shall report his or her findings of fact, conclusions of law, and recommendations to the Board and the Secretary. The Board shall have 60 days from receipt of the report to review the report of the hearing officer and present its findings of fact, conclusions of law, and recommendations to the Secretary. If the Board fails to present its report within the 60-day 60 day period, then the Secretary may issue an order based on the report of the hearing officer. If the Secretary disagrees with the recommendation of the Board or hearing officer, then the Secretary may issue an order in contravention of the report.

(Source: P.A. 98-339, eff. 12-31-13.)

(225 ILCS 115/25.15) (from Ch. 111, par. 7025.15)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2024)

Sec. 25.15. Certification of record. The Department shall not be required to certify any record to the Court or file any answer in court or otherwise appear in any court in a judicial review proceeding, unless and until the Department has received from the plaintiff payment of the costs of furnishing and certifying the record, which costs shall be determined by the Department. Exhibits shall be certified without cost. Failure on the part of the plaintiff to file a receipt in Court shall be grounds for dismissal of the action.

(Source: P.A. 98-339, eff. 12-31-13.)

(225 ILCS 115/25.17)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2024)

Sec. 25.17. Disclosure of patient records; maintenance.

(a) No veterinarian shall be required to disclose any information concerning the veterinarian's care of an animal except on written authorization or other waiver by the veterinarian's client or on appropriate court order or subpoena. Any veterinarian releasing information under written authorization, or other waiver by the client, or court order of subpoena is not liable to the client or any other person. The privilege provided by this Section is waived to the extent that the veterinarian's client or the owner of the animal places the care and treatment or the nature and extent of injuries to the animal at issue in any civil or criminal proceeding. When communicable disease laws, cruelty to animal laws, or laws providing for public health and safety are involved, the privilege provided by this Section is waived.

(b) Copies of patient records must be released to the client upon written request as provided for by rule.

(c) Each person who provides veterinary medical services shall maintain appropriate patient records as defined by rule. The patient records are the property of the practice and the practice owner. Patient records shall, if applicable, include the following:

(1) patient identification;

(2) client identification;

(3) dated reason for visit and pertinent history;

(4) physical exam findings;

(5) diagnostic, medical, surgical or therapeutic procedures performed;

(6) all medical treatment must include identification of each medication given in the practice, together with the date, dosage, and route of administration and frequency and duration of treatment;

(7) all medicines dispensed or prescribed must be recorded, including directions for use and quantity;

(8) any changes in medications or dosages, including telephonically or electronically initiated changes, must be recorded;

(9) if a necropsy is performed, then the record must reflect the findings;

(10) any written records and notes, radiographs, sonographic images, video recordings, photographs or other images, and laboratory reports;

(11) other information received as the result of consultation;

(12) identification of any designated agent of the client for the purpose of authorizing veterinary medical or animal health care decisions; and

(13) any authorizations, releases, waivers, or other related documents.

(d) Patient records must be maintained for a minimum of 5 years from the date of the last known contact with a an animal patient.

(e) Information and records related to patient care shall remain confidential except as provided in subsections (a) and (b) of this Section.

(Source: P.A. 96-1322, eff. 7-27-10.)

(225 ILCS 115/27) (from Ch. 111, par. 7027)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2024)

Sec. 27. Administrative Procedure Act. The Illinois Administrative Procedure Act is hereby expressly adopted and incorporated into this Act as if all of the provisions of that Act were included in this Act, except that the provision of subsection (d) of Section 10-65 of the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act that provides that at hearings the licensee or certificate holder has the right to show compliance with all lawful requirements for retention, continuation, or renewal of the license or certificate is specifically excluded. For the purpose of this Act the notice required under Section 10-25 of the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act is considered sufficient when mailed to the last known address of record or sent electronically to the last known email address of record.

(Source: P.A. 98-339, eff. 12-31-13.)

(225 ILCS 115/23 rep.)

Section 15. The Veterinary Medicine and Surgery Practice Act of 2004 is amended by repealing Section 23.

Section 99. Effective date. This Section and Section 5 take effect upon becoming law.