HB0486 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB096 03000 ASK 14725 b

96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2009 and 2010
HB0486

Introduced 2/4/2009, by Rep. David E. Miller

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

See Index

In the Regulatory Sunset Act, changes the repeal date for the Illinois Architecture Practice Act of 1989 from January 1, 2010 to January 1, 2020. Amends the Illinois Architecture Practice Act of 1989. Removes the provision concerning the invalidity of a building permit issued with respect to technical submissions that do not conform to the requirements of the Act. Provides that it is unlawful to affix one's seal to technical submissions if it masks the true identity of the person who actually exercised responsible control of the preparation of such work (rather than prohibiting a person from deviating from the technical submissions without the prior approval of the licensed architect for a project). Makes changes to provisions concerning the powers and duties of the Department and the Board. Removes a provision creating a complaint committee. Provides that the Department is not required to issue any certificate, credential, or other official document indicating a person has been granted the title "Architect, Retired". Makes changes to provisions concerning disciplinary grounds and investigations. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

FISCAL NOTE ACT MAY APPLY

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 4.20 and 4.30 as follows:

(5 ILCS 80/4.20)

Sec. 4.20. Acts repealed on January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010.

(a) The following Acts are repealed on January 1, 2010:

The Auction License Act.

The Illinois Architecture Practice Act of 1989.

The Illinois Landscape Architecture Act of 1989.

The Illinois Professional Land Surveyor Act of 1989.

The Land Sales Registration Act of 1999.

The Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Pedorthics Practice Act.

The Perfusionist Practice Act.

The Professional Engineering Practice Act of 1989.

The Real Estate License Act of 2000.

The Structural Engineering Practice Act of 1989.

(b) The following Act is repealed on December 31, 2010:

The Medical Practice Act of 1987.

(Source: P.A. 95-1018, eff. 12-18-08.)

(5 ILCS 80/4.30 new)

Sec. 4.30. Act repealed on January 1, 2020. The following Act is repealed on January 1, 2020:

The Illinois Architecture Practice Act of 1989.

Section 10. The Illinois Architecture Practice Act of 1989 is amended by changing Sections 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 21, 22, 23.5, 36, and 38 and by adding Sections 4.5, and 17.5 as follows:

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

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2010)

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 direct supervision and 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 direct supervision and 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 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.

No officer, board, commission, or other public entity charged with the enforcement of codes and ordinances requiring the involvement of an architect shall accept for filing or approval any technical submissions that do not bear the seal and signature of an architect licensed under this Act.

The involvement of 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 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 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. 92-16, eff. 6-28-01; 93-1009, eff. 1-1-05.)

(225 ILCS 305/4) (from Ch. 111, par. 1304)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2010)

Sec. 4. Definitions. In this Act:

"Architect, Retired" means a person who has been duly licensed as an architect by the Department and has chosen to relinquish or not renew his or her license pursuant to Section 17.5 of this Act.

"Architectural intern" means 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 and may use the title "architectural intern", but may not independently engage in the practice of architecture.

"Board" means the Illinois Architecture Licensing Board appointed by the Secretary.

(a) "Department" means the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.

"Design build" and "design build entity" means the project delivery process defined in Title 68, Section 1150.85 of the Illinois Administrative Code.

(b) "Director" means the Director of Professional Regulation.

(c) "Board" means the Illinois Architecture Licensing Board appointed by the Director.

(d) "Public health" as related to the practice of architecture means the state of the well-being of the body or mind of the building user.

(e) "Public safety" as related to the practice of architecture means the state of being reasonably free from risk of danger, damage, or injury.

(f) "Public welfare" as related to the practice of architecture means the well-being of the building user resulting from the state of a physical environment that accommodates human activity.

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

(Source: P.A. 93-1009, eff. 1-1-05.)

(225 ILCS 305/4.5 new)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2010)

Sec. 4.5. References to Department or Director of Professional Regulation. References in this Act (i) to the Department of Professional Regulation are deemed, in appropriate contexts, to be references to the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and (ii) to the Director of Professional Regulation are deemed, in appropriate contexts, to be references to the Secretary of Financial and Professional Regulation.

(225 ILCS 305/5) (from Ch. 111, par. 1305)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2010)

Sec. 5. Architect defined; Acts constituting practice.

(a) An architect is a person who is qualified by education, training, experience, and examination, and who is licensed under the laws of this State, to practice architecture.

(b) The practice of architecture within the meaning and intent of this Act includes the offering or furnishing of professional services, such as consultation, environmental analysis, feasibility studies, programming, planning, aesthetic and structural design, technical submissions consisting of drawings and specifications and other documents required in the construction process, administration of construction contracts, project representation, and construction management, in connection with the construction of any private or public building, building structure, building project, or addition to or alteration or restoration thereof.

(c) Nothing contained in this Section imposes upon a person licensed under this Act the responsibility for the performance of any of the activities set forth in subsection (b), unless such person specifically contracts to provide the function.

(Source: P.A. 92-360, eff. 1-1-02.)

(225 ILCS 305/6) (from Ch. 111, par. 1306)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2010)

Sec. 6. Technical submissions. All technical submissions intended for use in construction in the State of Illinois shall be prepared and administered in accordance with standards of reasonable professional skill and diligence. Care shall be taken to reflect the requirements of State statutes and, where applicable, county and municipal building ordinances in such submissions. In recognition that architects are licensed for the protection of the public health, safety and welfare, submissions shall be of such quality and scope, and be so administered, as to conform to professional standards.

Technical submissions are the designs, drawings and specifications which establish the scope of the architecture to be constructed, the standard of quality for materials, workmanship, equipment, and construction systems, and the studies and other technical reports and calculations prepared in the course of the practice of architecture.

It is unlawful to affix one's seal to technical submissions, if it masks the true identity of the person who actually exercised responsible control of the preparation of such work. An architect who seals and signs technical submissions is not responsible for damage caused by subsequent changes to or uses of those technical submissions, where the subsequent changes or uses, including changes or uses made by State or local governmental agencies, are not authorized or approved in writing by the architect who originally sealed and signed the technical submissions.

(Source: P.A. 92-360, eff. 1-1-02.)

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

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2010)

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; and

(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.

(2) Prior to 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 Director shall notify the Board in writing with an explanation of the deviation and provide a reasonable time for the Board to submit written comments to the Director regarding the proposed action. In the event that the Board fails or declines to submit written comments within 30 days of the notification, the Director may issue a final decision or order consistent with the Director's original decision. 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, retain the ability 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. 91-133, eff. 1-1-00; 92-16, eff. 6-28-01.)

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

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2010)

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 University of Illinois. 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.

A quorum of the Board shall consist of a majority of Board members currently appointed. A majority vote of the 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. 91-133, eff. 1-1-00.)

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

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2010)

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 Title 68, Section 1150.95 of the Illinois Administrative Code.

(g) The Board shall review applicant qualifications to sit for the examination or for licensure and shall make recommendations to the Department. The Department shall review the Board's recommendations on applicant qualifications. The Director shall notify the Board in writing with an explanation of any deviation from the Board's recommendation on applicant qualifications. After review of the Director's written explanation of his or her reasons for deviation, the Board shall have the opportunity to comment upon the Director's decision.

(h) The Board shall submit written comments to the Director within 30 days from notification of any final decision or order from the Director that deviates from any report or recommendation of the Board relating to the qualifications of applicants, discipline of licensees or registrants, unlicensed practice, or promulgation of rules.

(i) The Board may recommend that the Department contract with 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 Section 8.3 of this Act.

(Source: P.A. 91-133, eff. 1-1-00.)

(225 ILCS 305/11) (from Ch. 111, par. 1311)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2010)

Sec. 11. Application for original license. Applications for original licensure shall be made to the Department in writing on forms prescribed by the Department and shall be accompanied by the required fee, which is not refundable. Any such application shall require information as in the judgment of the Department will enable the Department to pass on the qualifications of the applicant to practice architecture. The Department may require an applicant, at the applicant's expense, to have an evaluation of the applicant's education in a foreign country by a nationally recognized educational body approved by the Board in accordance with rules prescribed by the Department.

An applicant who has graduated from an architectural program outside the United States or its territories and whose first language is not English shall submit certification of passage of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and a test of spoken English the Test of Spoken English (TSE) as defined by rule.

(Source: P.A. 91-133, eff. 1-1-00.)

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

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2010)

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 notification of 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 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. 91-133, eff. 1-1-00; 92-16, eff. 6-28-01.)

(225 ILCS 305/13) (from Ch. 111, par. 1313)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2010)

Sec. 13. Qualifications of applicants. Any person who is of good moral character may apply take an examination for licensure if he or she is a graduate with a first professional degree in architecture from a program accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board, has completed the examination requirements set forth under Section 12 of this Act, and has completed such diversified professional training, including academic training, as is required by rules of the Department. Until January 1, 2014, in lieu of the requirement of graduation with a first professional degree in architecture from a program accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board, the Department may admit an applicant who is a graduate with a pre-professional 4 year baccalaureate degree accepted for direct entry into a first professional master of architecture degree program, and who has completed such additional diversified professional training, including academic training, as is required by rules of the Department. The Department may adopt, as its own rules relating to diversified professional training, those guidelines published from time to time by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards.

Good moral character means such character as will enable a person to discharge the fiduciary duties of an architect to that person's client and to the public in a manner which protects health, safety and welfare. Evidence of inability to discharge such duties may include the commission of an offense justifying discipline under Section 22 19. In addition, the Department may take into consideration whether the applicant has engaged in conduct or actions that would constitute grounds for discipline under this Act.

(Source: P.A. 93-1009, eff. 1-1-05; 94-543, eff. 8-10-05.)

(225 ILCS 305/17.5 new)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2010)

Sec. 17.5. Architect, Retired. Pursuant to Section 2105-15 of the Department of Professional Regulation Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois, the Department may grant the title "Architect, Retired" to any person who has been duly licensed as an architect by the Department and who chooses to relinquish or not renew his or her license. The Department may, by rule, exempt from continuing education requirements those who are granted the title "Architect, Retired". Those persons granted the title "Architect, Retired" may request restoration to active status under the applicable provisions of this Act.

The use of the title "Architect, Retired" shall not constitute representation of current licensure. Any person without an active license shall not be permitted to practice architecture as defined in this Act.

Nothing in this Section shall be construed to require the Department to issue any certificate, credential, or other official document indicating that a person has been granted the title "Architect, Retired".

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

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2010)

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 overseeing the architectural practices in each location in which architectural services are provided.

Any sole proprietorship not owned and operated by an Illinois licensed design professional licensed under this Act 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. 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) the person having the architectural practice in this State in his charge 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. 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 the managing agent in responsible charge of the practice of architecture in Illinois. 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 the 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 last known address of the business. 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. 91-91, eff. 1-1-00; 91-133, eff. 1-1-00.)

(225 ILCS 305/22) (from Ch. 111, par. 1322)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2010)

Sec. 22. Refusal, suspension and revocation of licenses; Causes.

(a) The Department may, singularly or in combination, refuse to issue or to , renew, place on probation, or restore, or may suspend, or revoke, or take other disciplinary or non-disciplinary action as deemed appropriate, including the imposition of fines any license or registration, or may place on probation, reprimand, or fine, with a civil penalty not to exceed $10,000 for each violation, as the Department may deem proper, with regard to a license any person, corporation, or partnership, or professional design firm licensed or registered under this Act for any one or combination of the following causes reasons:

(1) material misstatement in furnishing information to the Department;

(2) negligence, incompetence or misconduct in the practice of architecture;

(3) failure to comply with any of the provisions of this Act or any of the rules;

(4) making any misrepresentation for the purpose of obtaining licensure;

(5) purposefully making false statements or signing false statements, certificates or affidavits to induce payment;

(6) conviction or plea of guilty or nolo contendere of any crime under the laws of the United States, or any state or territory thereof that , which is a felony, whether related to the practice of architecture or not; or conviction of any crime, whether a felony, misdemeanor, or otherwise, an essential element of which is dishonesty, wanton disregard for the rights of others, or that which is directly related to the practice of the profession architecture;

(7) aiding or assisting another person in violating any provision of this Act or its rules;

(8) signing, affixing the licensed architect's seal or permitting the architect's seal to be affixed to any technical submission construction documents not prepared by the architect or under that architect's responsible direct supervision and control;

(9) engaging in dishonorable, unethical or unprofessional conduct of a character likely to deceive, defraud or harm the public;

(10) habitual intoxication or addiction to the use of drugs;

(11) making a statement of compliance pursuant to the Environmental Barriers Act that technical submissions construction documents prepared by the architect Licensed Architect or prepared under the licensed architect's responsible direct supervision and control for construction or alteration of an occupancy required to be in compliance with the Environmental Barriers Act are in compliance with the Environmental Barriers Act when such technical submissions construction documents are not in compliance;

(12) a finding by the Board that an applicant or registrant has failed to pay a fine imposed by the Department or a registrant, whose license has been placed on probationary status, has violated the terms of probation;

(13) discipline by another state, territory, foreign country, the District of Columbia, the United States government, or any other governmental agency, if at least one of the grounds for discipline is the same or substantially equivalent to those set forth herein;

(14) failure to provide information in response to a written request made by the Department within 30 days after the receipt of such written request;

(15) physical illness, mental illness, or other impairment that including, but not limited to, deterioration through the aging process or loss of motor skill which results in the inability to practice the profession with reasonable judgment, skill, and or safety, including without limitation deterioration through the aging process, mental illness, or disability.

(a-5) In enforcing this Section, the Board upon a showing of a possible violation may request that the Department compel a person licensed to practice under this Act, or who has applied for licensure or certification pursuant to this Act, to submit to a mental or physical examination, or both, as required by and at the expense of the Department. The examining physicians shall be those specifically designated by the Department. The Department may order the examining physician to present testimony concerning this mental or physical examination of the licensee or applicant. No information shall be excluded by reason of any common law or statutory privilege relating to communications between the licensee or applicant and the examining physician. The person 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 person to submit to a mental or physical examination, when directed, shall be grounds for suspension of a license until the person submits to the examination if the Department finds, after notice and hearing, that the refusal to submit to the examination was without reasonable cause.

If the Board finds a person unable to practice because of the reasons set forth in this Section, the Board may recommend that the Department require that person to submit to care, counseling, or treatment by physicians approved or designated by the Department as a condition, term, or restriction for continued, reinstated, or renewed licensure to practice; or, in lieu of care, counseling, or treatment, the Board may recommend to the Department to file a complaint to immediately suspend, revoke or otherwise discipline the license of the person. Any person whose license was granted, continued, reinstated, renewed, disciplined, or supervised subject to such terms, conditions, or restrictions and who fails to comply with such terms, conditions, or restrictions shall be referred to the Director for a determination as to whether the person shall have his or her license suspended immediately, pending a hearing by the Board.

(b) The determination by a circuit court that a licensee is subject to involuntary admission or judicial admission, as provided in the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code, operates as an automatic suspension. Such suspension will end only upon a finding by a court that the patient is no longer subject to involuntary admission or judicial admission, the issuance of an order so finding and discharging the patient, and the recommendation of the Board to the Director that the licensee be allowed to resume practice.

The Department may refuse to issue or may suspend the license of any person who fails to file a return, or 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.

Persons who assist the Department as consultants or expert witnesses in the investigation or prosecution of alleged violations of the Act, licensure matters, restoration proceedings, or criminal prosecutions, shall not be liable for damages in any civil action or proceeding as a result of such assistance, except upon proof of actual malice. The attorney general shall defend such persons in any such action or proceeding.

(Source: P.A. 94-543, eff. 8-10-05.)

(225 ILCS 305/23.5)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2010)

Sec. 23.5. Unlicensed practice; violation; civil penalty.

(a) Any person who practices, offers to practice, attempts to practice, or holds oneself out to practice as an architect without being licensed under this Act shall, in addition to any other penalty provided by law, pay a civil penalty to the Department in an amount not to exceed $10,000 $5,000 for each offense as determined by the Department. The civil penalty shall be assessed by the Department after a hearing is held in accordance with the provisions set forth in this Act regarding the provision of a hearing for the discipline of a licensee.

(a-5) Any entity that advertises architecture services in a telecommunications directory must include its architecture firm registration number or, in the case of a sole proprietor, his or her individual license number. Nothing in this subsection (a-5) requires the publisher of a telecommunications directory to investigate or verify the accuracy of the registration or license number provided by the advertiser of architecture services.

(b) The Department has the authority and power to investigate any and all unlicensed activity.

(c) The civil penalty shall be paid within 60 days after the effective date of the order imposing the civil penalty. The order shall constitute a judgment and may be filed and execution had thereon in the same manner as any judgment from any court of record.

(Source: P.A. 94-543, eff. 8-10-05.)

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

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2010)

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 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 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 a licensed architect's seal to any technical submissions construction documents which have not been prepared by that architect or under the architect's responsible direct supervision and 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 $5,000 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. 93-1009, eff. 1-1-05.)

(225 ILCS 305/38) (from Ch. 111, par. 1338)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2010)

Sec. 38. Fund; appropriations; investments; audits. Moneys deposited in the Design Professionals Administration and Investigation Fund shall be appropriated to the Department exclusively for expenses of the Department and the Board in the administration of this Act, the Illinois Professional Land Surveyor Act of 1989, the Professional Engineering Practice Act of 1989, and the Structural Engineering Practice Act of 1989. The expenses of the Department under this Act shall be limited to the ordinary and contingent expenses of the Design Professionals Dedicated Employees within the Department as established under Section 2105-75 of the Department of Professional Regulation Law (20 ILCS 2105/2105-75) and other expenses related to the administration and enforcement of this Act.

Moneys from the Fund may also be used for direct and allocable indirect costs related to the public purposes of the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Moneys in the Fund may be transferred to the Professions Indirect Cost Fund as authorized by Section 2105-300 of the Department of Professional Regulation Law (20 ILCS 2105/2105-300).

All fines and penalties under Sections 22 and 36 shall be deposited in the Design Professionals Administration and Investigation Fund.

Moneys in the Design Professionals Administration and Investigation Fund may be invested and reinvested, with all earnings received from the investments to be deposited in the Design Professionals Administration and Investigation Fund and used for the same purposes as fees deposited in the Fund.

Upon the completion of any audit of the Department as prescribed by the Illinois State Auditing Act that includes an audit of the Design Professionals Administration and Investigation Fund, the Department shall make the audit open to inspection by any interested person. The copy of the audit report required to be submitted to the Department by this Section is an addition to copies of audit reports required to be submitted to other State officers and agencies by Section 3-14 of the Illinois State Auditing Act.

(Source: P.A. 91-91, eff. 1-1-00; 91-133, eff. 1-1-00; 91-239, eff. 1-1-00; 92-16, eff. 6-28-01.)

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