SB0771sam001 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Sen. Iris Y. Martinez

Filed: 3/10/2017

10000SB0771sam001 LRB100 05744 SMS 23458 a

AMENDMENT TO SENATE BILL 771

AMENDMENT NO. ______. Amend Senate Bill 771 by replacing everything after the enacting clause with the following:

"Section 5. The Regulatory Sunset Act is amended by changing Section 4.28 and by adding Section 4.38 as follows:

(5 ILCS 80/4.28)

Sec. 4.28. Acts repealed on January 1, 2018. The following Acts are repealed on January 1, 2018:

The Illinois Petroleum Education and Marketing Act.

The Podiatric Medical Practice Act of 1987.

The Acupuncture Practice Act.

The Illinois Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Practice Act.

The Interpreter for the Deaf Licensure Act of 2007.

The Nurse Practice Act.

The Clinical Social Work and Social Work Practice Act.

The Pharmacy Practice Act.

The Home Medical Equipment and Services Provider License Act.

The Marriage and Family Therapy Licensing Act.

The Nursing Home Administrators Licensing and Disciplinary Act.

The Physician Assistant Practice Act of 1987.

(Source: P.A. 95-187, eff. 8-16-07; 95-235, eff. 8-17-07; 95-450, eff. 8-27-07; 95-465, eff. 8-27-07; 95-617, eff. 9-12-07; 95-639, eff. 10-5-07; 95-687, eff. 10-23-07; 95-689, eff. 10-29-07; 95-703, eff. 12-31-07; 95-876, eff. 8-21-08; 96-328, eff. 8-11-09.)

(5 ILCS 80/4.38 new)

Sec. 4.38. Act repealed on January 1, 2028. The following Act is repealed on January 1, 2028:

The Illinois Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Practice Act.

Section 10. The Illinois Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Practice Act is amended by changing Sections 3, 3.5, 5, 7, 8.5, 8.8, 11, 14, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24.1, 31a, and 34 and by adding Sections 4.5, 8.2, 13.5, and 34.1 as follows:

(225 ILCS 110/3) (from Ch. 111, par. 7903)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2018)

Sec. 3. Definitions. The following words and phrases shall have the meaning ascribed to them in this Section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

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

(b) "Secretary" means the Secretary of Financial and Professional Regulation.

(c) "Board" means the Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology established under Section 5 of this Act.

(d) "Speech-Language Pathologist" means a person who has received a license pursuant to this Act and who engages in the practice of speech-language pathology.

(e) "Audiologist" means a person who has received a license pursuant to this Act and who engages in the practice of audiology.

(f) "Public member" means a person who is not a health professional. For purposes of board membership, any person with a significant financial interest in a health service or profession is not a public member.

(g) "The practice of audiology" is the application of nonsurgical nonmedical methods and procedures for the screening, identification, measurement, monitoring, testing, appraisal, prediction, interpretation, habilitation, rehabilitation, or instruction related to audiologic or vestibular disorders hearing and disorders of hearing. These procedures are for the purpose of counseling, consulting and rendering or offering to render services or for participating in the planning, directing or conducting of programs that are designed to modify communicative disorders involving speech, language, or auditory, or vestibular function related to hearing loss. The practice of audiology may include, but shall not be limited to, the following:

(1) any task, procedure, act, or practice that is necessary for the evaluation and management of audiologic hearing or vestibular function, including, but not limited to, neurophysiologic intraoperative monitoring of the seventh or eighth cranial nerve function;

(2) training in the use of amplification devices;

(3) the evaluation, fitting, dispensing, or servicing of hearing instruments and auditory prosthetic devices and cerumen removal; and

(4) performing basic speech and language screening tests and procedures consistent with audiology training.

"The practice of audiology" does not include testing and interpretation of test results using electrodiagnostic modalities to monitor the spinal cord, peripheral nerves (other than the seventh and eighth cranial nerve), cerebral hemispheres, or brainstem.

(h) "The practice of speech-language pathology" is the application of nonmedical methods and procedures for the identification, measurement, testing, appraisal, prediction, habilitation, rehabilitation, and modification related to communication development, and disorders or disabilities of speech, language, voice, swallowing, and other speech, language and voice related disorders. These procedures are for the purpose of counseling, consulting and rendering or offering to render services, or for participating in the planning, directing or conducting of programs that are designed to modify communicative disorders and conditions in individuals or groups of individuals involving speech, language, voice and swallowing function.

"The practice of speech-language pathology" shall include, but shall not be limited to, the following:

(1) hearing screening tests and aural rehabilitation procedures consistent with speech-language pathology training;

(2) tasks, procedures, acts or practices that are necessary for the evaluation of, and training in the use of, augmentative communication systems, communication variation, cognitive rehabilitation, non-spoken language production and comprehension; and

(3) the use of rigid or flexible laryngoscopes for the sole purpose of observing and obtaining images of the pharynx and larynx in accordance with Section 9.3 of this Act.

(i) "Speech-language pathology assistant" means a person who has received a license pursuant to this Act to assist a speech-language pathologist in the manner provided in this Act.

(j) "Physician" means a physician licensed to practice medicine in all its branches under the Medical Practice Act of 1987.

(k) "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.

(l) "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.

(m) "Neurophysiologic intraoperative monitoring" means the process of continual testing and interpretation of test results using electrodiagnostic modalities to monitor the seventh and eighth cranial nerve function during a surgical procedure. Neurophysiologic intraoperative monitoring may be performed by an audiologist only if authorized by the physician performing the surgical procedure.

(Source: P.A. 95-465, eff. 8-27-07; 96-719, eff. 8-25-09.)

(225 ILCS 110/3.5)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2018)

Sec. 3.5. Exemptions. This Act does not prohibit:

(a) The practice of speech-language pathology or audiology by students in their course of study in programs approved by the Department when acting under the direction and supervision of licensed speech-language pathologists or audiologists.

(b) The performance of any speech-language pathology service by a speech-language pathology assistant or a speech-language pathology paraprofessional if such service is performed under the supervision and full responsibility of a licensed speech-language pathologist. A speech language pathology assistant may perform only those duties authorized by Section 8.7 under the supervision of a speech-language pathologist as provided in Section 8.8.

(b-5) The performance of an audiology service by an appropriately trained person if that service is performed under the supervision and full responsibility of a licensed audiologist.

(c) The performance of audiometric testing for the purpose of industrial hearing conservation by an audiometric technician certified by the Council of Accreditation for Occupational Hearing Conservation (CAOHC).

(d) The performance of an audiometric screening by an audiometric screenings technician certified by the Department of Public Health.

(e) The selling or practice of fitting, dispensing, or servicing hearing instruments by a hearing instrument dispenser licensed under the Hearing Instrument Consumer Protection Act.

(f) A person licensed in this State under any other Act from engaging in the practice for which he or she is licensed.

(g) The performance of vestibular function testing by an appropriately trained person under the supervision of a physician licensed to practice medicine in all its branches.

(Source: P.A. 92-510, eff. 6-1-02.)

(225 ILCS 110/4.5 new)

Sec. 4.5. 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 110/5) (from Ch. 111, par. 7905)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2018)

Sec. 5. Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. There is created a Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology to be composed of persons designated from time to time by the Secretary, as follows:

(a) Five persons, 2 of whom have been licensed speech-language pathologists for a period of 5 years or more, 2 of whom have been licensed audiologists for a period of 5 years or more, and one public member. The board shall annually elect a chairperson and a vice-chairperson.

(b) Terms for all members shall be for 3 years. A member shall serve until his or her successor is appointed and qualified. Partial terms over 2 years in length shall be considered as full terms. A member may be reappointed for a successive term, but no member shall serve more than 2 full terms.

(c) The membership of the Board should reasonably reflect representation from the various geographic areas of the State.

(d) In making appointments to the Board, the Secretary shall give due consideration to recommendations by organizations of the speech-language pathology and audiology professions in Illinois, including the Illinois Speech-Language-Hearing Association and the Illinois Academy of Audiology, and shall promptly give due notice to such organizations of any vacancy in the membership of the Board. The Secretary may terminate the appointment of any member for any cause, which in the opinion of the Secretary, reasonably justifies such termination.

(e) A majority of the Board members currently appointed shall constitute a quorum. A vacancy in the membership of the Board shall not impair the right of a quorum to exercise all the rights and perform all the duties of the Board.

(f) The members of the Board may each receive as compensation a reasonable sum as determined by the Secretary for each day actually engaged in the duties of the office, and all legitimate and necessary expenses incurred in attending the meetings of the Board.

(g) Members of the Board shall have no liability be immune from suit in any action based upon any disciplinary proceedings or other activity activities performed in good faith as members of the Board.

(h) The Secretary may consider the recommendations of the Board in establishing guidelines for professional conduct, the conduct of formal disciplinary proceedings brought under this Act, and qualifications of applicants. Notice of proposed rulemaking shall be transmitted to the Board and the Department shall review the response of the Board and any recommendations made in the response. The Department, at any time, may seek the expert advice and knowledge of the Board on any matter relating to the administration or enforcement of this Act.

(i) Whenever the Secretary is satisfied that substantial justice has not been done either in an examination or in the revocation, suspension, or refusal of a license, or other disciplinary action relating to a license, the Secretary may order a reexamination or rehearing.

(Source: P.A. 94-528, eff. 8-10-05; 95-465, eff. 8-27-07.)

(225 ILCS 110/7) (from Ch. 111, par. 7907)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2018)

Sec. 7. Licensure requirement.

(a) Except as provided in subsection (b), on or after June 1, 1989, no person shall practice speech-language pathology or audiology without first applying for and obtaining a license for such purpose from the Department. Except as provided in this Section, on or after January 1, 2002, no person shall perform the functions and duties of a speech-language pathology assistant without first applying for and obtaining a license for that purpose from the Department.

(b) A person holding a regular license to practice speech-language pathology or audiology under the laws of another state, a territory of the United States, or the District of Columbia who has made application to the Department for a license to practice speech-language pathology or audiology may practice speech-language pathology or audiology without a license for 90 days from the date of application or until disposition of the license application by the Department, whichever is sooner, if the person (i) in the case of a speech-language pathologist, holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association in speech-language pathology or audiology or, in the case of an audiologist, a certificate from the American Board of Audiology and (ii) has not been disciplined and has no disciplinary matters pending in a state, a territory, or the District of Columbia.

A person applying for an initial license to practice audiology who is a recent graduate of a Department-approved audiology program may practice as an audiologist for a period of 60 days after the date of application or until disposition of the license application by the Department, whichever is sooner, provided that he or she meets the applicable requirements of Section 8 of this Act.

(Source: P.A. 95-465, eff. 8-27-07.)

(225 ILCS 110/8.2 new)

Sec. 8.2. Remote practice of audiology and speech-language pathology.

(a) An audiologist licensed under this Act may conduct the practice of audiology remotely subject to the following conditions:

(1) the practice of audiology may be conducted remotely using video conferencing;

(2) the use of telephone, email, instant messaging, store and forward technology, or facsimile must be in conjunction with or supplementary to the use of video conferencing;

(3) an audiologist who practices audiology remotely must follow all applicable Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act privacy and security regulations;

(4) an audiologist who practices audiology remotely is subject to the same standard of care required of an audiologist who practices audiology in a clinic or office setting; and

(5) services delivered remotely by an audiologist must be equivalent to the quality of services delivered in person in a clinic or office setting.

(b) A speech-language pathologist licensed under this Act may conduct the practice of speech-language pathology remotely subject to the following conditions:

(1) the practice of speech-language pathology may be conducted remotely using video conferencing;

(2) the use of telephone, email, instant messaging, store and forward technology, or facsimile must be in conjunction with or supplementary to the use of video conferencing;

(3) a speech-language pathologist who practices speech-language pathology remotely must follow all applicable Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act privacy and security regulations;

(4) a speech-language pathologist who practices speech-language pathology remotely is subject to the same standard of care required of a speech-language pathologist who practices speech-language pathology in a clinic or office setting; and

(5) services delivered remotely by a speech-language pathologist must be equivalent to the quality of services delivered in person in a clinic setting.

(c) An out-of-state person providing speech-language pathology or audiology services to a person residing in Illinois without a license issued pursuant to this Act submits himself or herself to the jurisdiction of the Department and the courts of this State.

(225 ILCS 110/8.5)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2018)

Sec. 8.5. Qualifications for licenses as a speech-language pathology assistant. A person is qualified to be licensed as a speech-language pathology assistant if that person has applied in writing or electronically on forms prescribed by the Department, has paid the required fees, and meets both of the following criteria:

(1) Is of good moral character. In determining moral character, the Department may take into consideration any felony conviction or plea of guilty or nolo contendere of the applicant, but such a conviction or plea shall not operate automatically as a complete bar to licensure.

(2) Has received either (i) an associate degree from a speech-language pathology assistant program that has been approved by the Department and that meets the minimum requirements set forth in Section 8.6 or (ii) a bachelor's degree and has completed course work from an accredited college or university that meets the minimum requirements set forth in Section 8.6.

(Source: P.A. 94-869, eff. 6-16-06; 95-465, eff. 8-27-07.)

(225 ILCS 110/8.8)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2018)

Sec. 8.8. Supervision of speech-language pathology assistants.

(a) A speech-language pathology assistant shall practice only under the supervision of a speech-language pathologist who has at least 2 years experience in addition to the supervised professional experience required under subsection (f) of Section 8 of this Act. A speech-language pathologist who supervises a speech-language pathology assistant (i) must have completed at least 6 10 clock hours of training in the supervision related to speech-language pathology, and (ii) must complete at least 2 clock hours of continuing education in supervision related to speech-language pathology in each new licensing cycle after completion of the initial training required under item (i) of speech-language pathology assistants. The Department shall promulgate rules describing the supervision training requirements. The rules may allow a speech-language pathologist to apply to the Board for an exemption from this training requirement based upon prior supervisory experience.

(b) A speech-language pathology assistant must be under the direct supervision of a speech-language pathologist at least 30% of the speech-language pathology assistant's actual patient or client contact time per patient or client during the first 90 days of initial employment as a speech-language pathology assistant. Thereafter, a speech-language pathology assistant must be under the direct supervision of a speech-language pathologist at least 20% of the speech-language pathology assistant's actual patient or client contact time per patient or client. Supervision of a speech-language pathology assistant beyond the minimum requirements of this subsection may be imposed at the discretion of the supervising speech-language pathologist. A supervising speech-language pathologist must be available to communicate with a speech-language pathology assistant whenever the assistant is in contact with a patient or client.

(c) A speech-language pathologist that supervises a speech-language pathology assistant must document direct supervision activities. At a minimum, supervision documentation must provide (i) information regarding the quality of the speech-language pathology assistant's performance of assigned duties, and (ii) verification that clinical activity is limited to duties specified in Section 8.7.

(d) A full-time speech-language pathologist may supervise no more than 2 speech-language pathology assistants. A speech-language pathologist that does not work full-time may supervise no more than one speech-language pathology assistant.

(e) For purposes of this Section, "direct supervision" means on-site, in-view observation and guidance by a speech-language pathologist while an assigned activity is performed by the speech-language pathology assistant.

(Source: P.A. 92-510, eff. 6-1-02.)

(225 ILCS 110/11) (from Ch. 111, par. 7911)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2018)

Sec. 11. Expiration, renewal and restoration of licenses.

(a) The expiration date and renewal period for each license issued under this Act shall be set by rule. A speech-language pathologist, speech-language pathology assistant, or audiologist may renew such license during the month preceding the expiration date thereof by paying the required fee.

(a-5) An audiologist renewing his or her license All renewal applicants shall provide proof as determined by the Department of having met the continuing education requirements set forth in the rules of the Department. At a minimum, the rules shall require a renewal applicant for licensure as an a speech-language pathologist or audiologist to provide proof of completing at least 20 clock hours of continuing education during the 2-year licensing cycle for which he or she is currently licensed, no more than 10 hours of which may be obtained through programs sponsored by hearing instrument or auditory prosthetic device manufacturers. An audiologist must provide proof that at least 2 clock hours of training in ethics or legal requirements pertaining to the practice of audiology was completed during the 2-year licensing cycle for which he or she is currently licensed. An audiologist who has met the continuing education requirements of the Hearing Instrument Consumer Protection Act during an equivalent licensing cycle under this Act shall be deemed to have met the continuing education requirements of this Act. At a minimum, the rules shall require a renewal applicant for licensure as a speech-language pathology assistant to provide proof of completing at least 10 clock hours of continuing education during the 2-year period for which he or she currently holds a license.

(a-10) A speech-language pathologist or a speech-language pathology assistant renewing his or her license shall provide proof as determined by the Department of having met the continuing education requirements set forth in the rules of the Department. At a minimum, the rules shall require a renewal applicant for license as a speech-language pathologist to provide proof of completing at least 20 clock hours of continuing education during the 2-year licensing cycle for which he or she is currently licensed. A speech language pathologist must provide proof that at least one clock hour of ethics training was completed during the 2-year licensing cycle for which he or she is currently licensed. At a minimum, the rules shall require a renewal applicant for licensure as a speech-language pathology assistant to provide proof of completing at least 10 clock hours of continuing education during the 2-year period for which he or she currently holds a license.

(b) Inactive status.

(1) Any licensee who notifies the Department in writing on forms prescribed by the Department may elect to place his or her license on an inactive status and shall, subject to rules of the Department, be excused from payment of renewal fees until he or she notifies the Department in writing of his or her desire to resume active status.

(2) Any licensee requesting restoration from inactive status shall be required to (i) pay the current renewal fee; and (ii) demonstrate that he or she has completed a minimum of 20 hours of continuing education and met any additional continuing education requirements established by the Department by rule.

(3) Any licensee whose license is in an inactive status shall not practice in the State of Illinois without first restoring his or her license.

(4) Any licensee who shall engage in the practice while the license is lapsed or inactive shall be considered to be practicing without a license which shall be grounds for discipline under Section 16 of this Act.

(c) Any speech-language pathologist, speech-language pathology assistant, or audiologist whose license has expired may have his or her license restored at any time within 5 years after the expiration thereof, upon payment of the required fee.

(d) Any person whose license has been expired or inactive for 5 years or more may have his or her license restored by making application to the Department and filing proof acceptable to the Department of his or her fitness to have his or her license restored, including sworn evidence certifying to active lawful practice in another jurisdiction, and by paying the required restoration fee. A person practicing on an expired license is deemed to be practicing without a license.

(e) If a person whose license has expired has not maintained active practice in another jurisdiction, the Department shall determine, by an evaluation process established by rule, his or her fitness to resume active status and may require the person to complete a period of evaluated clinical experience, and may require successful completion of an examination.

(f) Any person whose license has expired while he or she has been engaged (1) in federal or State service on active duty, or (2) in training or education under the supervision of the United States preliminary to induction into the military service, may have his or her license restored without paying any lapsed renewal or restoration fee, if within 2 years after termination of such service, training or education he or she furnishes the Department with satisfactory proof that he or she has been so engaged and that his or her service, training or education has been so terminated.

(Source: P.A. 95-465, eff. 8-27-07.)

(225 ILCS 110/13.5 new)

Sec. 13.5. Reciprocity for audiologists. The Department shall issue a license without examination to an audiology applicant who: (1) has a valid license to practice audiology from another state or territory of the United States; (2) has not been disciplined and has no disciplinary matters pending in any other jurisdiction; and (3) has paid the required fee.

Applicants have 3 years from the date of application to complete the application process. If the process has not been completed within 3 years, the application shall be denied, the fee shall be forfeited, and the applicant must reapply and meet the requirements in effect at the time of reapplication.

(225 ILCS 110/14) (from Ch. 111, par. 7914)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2018)

Sec. 14. Fees.

(a) The Department shall provide by rule for a schedule of fees to be paid for licenses by all applicants. The Department shall consult with the Board and consider its recommendations when establishing the schedule of fees and any increase in fees to be paid by license applicants.

(b) Except as provided in subsection (c) below, the fees for the administration and enforcement of this Act, including but not limited to original licensure, renewal, and restoration, shall be set by rule and shall be nonrefundable.

(b-5) In addition to any fees set by the Department through administrative rule, the Department shall, at the time of licensure and renewal, collect from each licensed audiologist a Hearing Instrument Consumer Protection Fee of $45.

(c) (Blank). Applicants for examination shall be required to pay, either to the Department or the designated testing service, a fee covering the cost of initial screening to determine eligibility and to provide the examination. Failure to appear for the examination on the scheduled date at the time and place specified, after the application for examination has been received and acknowledged by the Department or the designated testing service, shall result in the forfeiture of the examination fee.

(Source: P.A. 90-69, eff. 7-8-97; 91-932, eff. 1-1-01.)

(225 ILCS 110/16) (from Ch. 111, par. 7916)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2018)

Sec. 16. Refusal, revocation or suspension of licenses.

(1) The Department may refuse to issue or renew, or may revoke, suspend, place on probation, censure, reprimand or take other disciplinary or non-disciplinary action as the Department may deem proper, including fines not to exceed $10,000 for each violation, with regard to any license for any one or combination of the following causes:

(a) Fraud in procuring the license.

(b) (Blank).

(c) Willful or repeated violations of the rules of the Department of Public Health.

(d) Division of fees or agreeing to split or divide the fees received for speech-language pathology or audiology services with any person for referring an individual, or assisting in the care or treatment of an individual, without the knowledge of the individual or his or her legal representative. Nothing in this paragraph (d) affects any bona fide independent contractor or employment arrangements among health care professionals, health facilities, health care providers, or other entities, except as otherwise prohibited by law. Any employment arrangements may include provisions for compensation, health insurance, pension, or other employment benefits for the provision of services within the scope of the licensee's practice under this Act. Nothing in this paragraph (d) shall be construed to require an employment arrangement to receive professional fees for services rendered.

(e) Employing, procuring, inducing, aiding or abetting a person not licensed as a speech-language pathologist or audiologist to engage in the unauthorized practice of speech-language pathology or audiology.

(e-5) Employing, procuring, inducing, aiding, or abetting a person not licensed as a speech-language pathology assistant to perform the functions and duties of a speech-language pathology assistant.

(f) Making any misrepresentations or false promises, directly or indirectly, to influence, persuade or induce patronage.

(g) Professional connection or association with, or lending his or her name to another for the illegal practice of speech-language pathology or audiology by another, or professional connection or association with any person, firm or corporation holding itself out in any manner contrary to this Act.

(h) Obtaining or seeking to obtain checks, money, or any other things of value by false or fraudulent representations, including but not limited to, engaging in such fraudulent practice to defraud the medical assistance program of the Department of Healthcare and Family Services (formerly Department of Public Aid).

(i) Practicing under a name other than his or her own.

(j) Improper, unprofessional or dishonorable conduct of a character likely to deceive, defraud or harm the public.

(k) Conviction by plea of guilty or nolo contendere, finding of guilt, jury verdict, or entry of judgment or sentencing, 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. Conviction of or entry of a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to any crime that is a felony under the laws of the United States or any state or territory thereof, or that is a misdemeanor of which an essential element is dishonesty, or that is directly related to the practice of the profession.

(1) Permitting a person under his or her supervision to perform any function not authorized by this Act.

(m) A violation of any provision of this Act or rules promulgated thereunder.

(n) Discipline by another state, the District of Columbia, territory, or foreign nation of a license to practice speech-language pathology or audiology or a license to practice as a speech-language pathology assistant in its jurisdiction if at least one of the grounds for that discipline is the same as or the equivalent of one of the grounds for discipline set forth herein.

(o) Willfully failing to report an instance of suspected child abuse or neglect as required by the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act.

(p) Gross or repeated malpractice.

(q) Willfully making or filing false records or reports in his or her practice as a speech-language pathologist, speech-language pathology assistant, or audiologist, including, but not limited to, false records to support claims against the public assistance program of the Department of Healthcare and Family Services (formerly Illinois Department of Public Aid).

(r) Professional incompetence as manifested by poor standards of care or mental incompetence as declared by a court of competent jurisdiction.

(s) Repeated irregularities in billing a third party for services rendered to an individual. For purposes of this Section, "irregularities in billing" shall include:

(i) reporting excessive charges for the purpose of obtaining a total payment in excess of that usually received by the speech-language pathologist, speech-language pathology assistant, or audiologist for the services rendered;

(ii) reporting charges for services not rendered; or

(iii) incorrectly reporting services rendered for the purpose of obtaining payment not earned.

(t) (Blank).

(u) Violation of the Health Care Worker Self-Referral Act.

(v) Inability to practice with reasonable judgment, skill, or safety as a result of habitual or excessive use of or addiction to alcohol, narcotics, or stimulants or any other chemical agent or drug or as a result of physical illness, including, but not limited to, deterioration through the aging process or loss of motor skill, mental illness, or disability.

(w) Violation of the Hearing Instrument Consumer Protection Act.

(x) Failure by a speech-language pathology assistant and supervising speech-language pathologist to comply with the supervision requirements set forth in Section 8.8.

(y) Willfully Wilfully exceeding the scope of duties customarily undertaken by speech-language pathology assistants set forth in Section 8.7 that results in, or may result in, harm to the public.

(z) Willfully failing to report an instance of suspected abuse, neglect, financial exploitation, or self-neglect of an eligible adult as defined in and required by the Adult Protective Services Act.

(aa) Being named as a perpetrator in an indicated report by the Department on Aging under the Adult Protective Services Act, and upon proof by clear and convincing evidence that the licensee has caused an eligible adult to be abused, neglected, or financially exploited as defined in the Adult Protective Services Act.

(bb) Willfully violating Section 8.2 of this Act.

(2) The Department shall deny a license or renewal authorized by this Act to any person who has defaulted on an educational loan guaranteed by the Illinois State Scholarship Commission; however, the Department may issue a license or renewal if the aforementioned persons have established a satisfactory repayment record as determined by the Illinois State Scholarship Commission.

(3) The entry of an order by a circuit court establishing that any person holding a license under this Act is subject to involuntary admission or judicial admission as provided for in the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code, operates as an automatic suspension of that license. That person may have his or her license restored only upon the determination by a circuit court that the patient is no longer subject to involuntary admission or judicial admission and the issuance of an order so finding and discharging the patient, and upon the Board's recommendation to the Department that the license be restored. Where the circumstances so indicate, the Board may recommend to the Department that it require an examination prior to restoring any license automatically suspended under this subsection.

(4) 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 the tax penalty or interest, as required by any tax Act administered by the Department of Revenue, until such time as the requirements of any such tax Act are satisfied.

(5) In enforcing this Section, the Board upon a showing of a possible violation may compel an individual licensed to practice under this Act, or who has applied for licensure 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 or clinical psychologists shall be those specifically designated by the Board. The individual to be examined may have, at his or her own expense, another physician or clinical psychologist of his or her choice present during all aspects of this examination. Failure of any individual to submit to a mental or physical examination, when directed, shall be grounds for suspension of his or her license until the individual submits to the examination if the Board finds, after notice and hearing, that the refusal to submit to the examination was without reasonable cause.

If the Board finds an individual unable to practice because of the reasons set forth in this Section, the Board may require that individual to submit to care, counseling, or treatment by physicians or clinical psychologists approved or designated by the Board, as a condition, term, or restriction for continued, restored 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 individual. Any individual whose license was granted, continued, restored 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 Secretary for a determination as to whether the individual shall have his or her license suspended immediately, pending a hearing by the Board.

In instances in which the Secretary immediately suspends a person's license under this Section, a hearing on that person's license must be convened by the Board within 15 days after the suspension and completed without appreciable delay. The Board shall have the authority to review the subject individual'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.

An individual licensed under this Act and affected under this Section shall be afforded an opportunity to demonstrate to the Board that he or she can resume practice in compliance with acceptable and prevailing standards under the provisions of his or her license.

(Source: P.A. 95-331, eff. 8-21-07; 95-465, eff. 8-27-07; 96-1482, eff. 11-29-10.)

(225 ILCS 110/17) (from Ch. 111, par. 7917)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2018)

Sec. 17. Investigations; notice; hearings. Licenses may be refused, revoked, or suspended in the manner provided by this Act and not otherwise. The Department may upon its own motion and shall upon the verified complaint in writing of any person setting forth facts that if proven would constitute grounds for refusal to issue, suspend, or revoke under this Act, investigate the actions of any person applying for, holding, or claiming to hold a license.

The Department shall, before refusing to issue or renew or suspending or revoking any license or taking other disciplinary action pursuant to Section 16 of this Act, and at least 30 days prior to the date set for the hearing, notify, in writing, the applicant for or the holder of such license of any charges made, afford the accused person an opportunity to be heard in person or by counsel in reference thereto, and direct the applicant or licensee to file a written answer to the Board under oath within 20 days after the service of the notice and inform the applicant or licensee that failure to file an answer will result in default being taken against the applicant or licensee and that the license or certificate may be suspended, revoked, placed on probationary status, or other disciplinary action may be taken, including limiting the scope, nature, or extent of practice, as the Secretary may deem proper. Written or electronic notice may be served by personal delivery, of the same personally to the accused person or by mailing the same by certified mail, or email to the applicant or licensee at his or her address of record or email address of record his or her last known place of residence or to the place of business last specified by the accused person in his or her last notification to the Department. In case the person fails to file an answer after receiving notice, his or her license or certificate may, in the discretion of the Department, be suspended, revoked, or placed on probationary status or the Department may take whatever disciplinary action deemed 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 such action under this Act.

At the time and place fixed in the notice, the Board shall proceed to hearing of the charges and both the accused person and the Department complainant shall be accorded ample opportunity to present, in person or by counsel, any statements, testimony, evidence, and arguments as may be pertinent to the charges or to their defense. The Board may continue such hearing from time to time. If the Board is not sitting at the time and place fixed in the notice or at the time and place to which the hearing shall have been continued, the Department shall continue such hearing for a period not to exceed 30 days.

(Source: P.A. 95-465, eff. 8-27-07.)

(225 ILCS 110/22) (from Ch. 111, par. 7922)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2018)

Sec. 22. Appointment of a hearing officer. The Secretary has shall have the authority to appoint any attorney duly licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois to serve as the hearing officer for any action for refusal to issue, restore, or renew a license or discipline of a license. The hearing officer shall have full authority to conduct the hearing. Board members may attend hearings. The hearing officer shall report his or her findings and recommendations to the Board and the Secretary. The Board shall review the report of the hearing officer and present its findings of fact, conclusions of law and recommendations to the Secretary and to all parties to the proceedings. If the Secretary disagrees in any regard with the Board's report, he or she may issue an order in contravention of the Board's report.

(Source: P.A. 95-465, eff. 8-27-07.)

(225 ILCS 110/23) (from Ch. 111, par. 7923)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2018)

Sec. 23. Restoration. At any time after suspension, revocation, placement on probationary status, or the taking of any other disciplinary action with regard to any license, the Department may restore the license, or take any other action to restore reinstate the license to good standing upon the written recommendation of the Board, unless after an investigation and a hearing, the Board determines that restoration is not in the public interest. No person whose license has been revoked as authorized in this Act may apply for restoration of that license until such time as provided for in the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois.

A license that has been suspended or revoked shall be considered nonrenewed for purposes of restoration and a person restoring his or her license from suspension or revocation must comply with the requirements for restoration of a nonrenewed license as set forth in Section 11 of this Act and any related rules adopted.

(Source: P.A. 95-465, eff. 8-27-07.)

(225 ILCS 110/24.1)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2018)

Sec. 24.1. Certifications of record; costs. The Department shall not be required to certify any record to the court, to file an answer in court, or to otherwise appear in any court in a judicial review proceeding unless and until the Department has received from the plaintiff there is filed in the court, with the complaint, a receipt from the Department acknowledging 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 the receipt in court is grounds for dismissal of the action.

(Source: P.A. 95-465, eff. 8-27-07.)

(225 ILCS 110/31a)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2018)

Sec. 31a. Advertising services.

(a) A speech-language pathologist or audiologist shall include in every advertisement for services regulated under this Act his or her title as it appears on the license or the initials authorized under this Act.

(b) The terms "audiology", "audiologist", "clinical audiologist", "licensed audiologist", "speech-language pathology", "speech-language pathologist", "clinical speech-language pathologist", "licensed speech-language pathologist", or any other similar term, title, abbreviation, or symbol may not be used in any communication by any person unless he or she is licensed under this Act as a speech-language pathologist or an audiologist. An audiologist may use the term "doctor" if it also stated that he or she is a "doctor of audiology." This subsection does not apply to a person who is exempt from licensure under this Act because he or she holds a professional educator license issued pursuant to the School Code with a special education endorsement as a teaching speech-language pathologist.

(Source: P.A. 91-310, eff. 1-1-00; 92-510, eff. 6-1-02.)

(225 ILCS 110/34) (from Ch. 111, par. 7934)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2018)

Sec. 34. Illinois Administrative Procedure Act. The Illinois Administrative Procedure Act is hereby expressly adopted and incorporated herein 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 speech-language pathologist or audiologist has the right to show compliance with all lawful requirements for retention, continuation or renewal of the license is specifically excluded. For the purposes of this Act, the notice required under Section 10-25 of the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act is deemed sufficient when mailed or emailed to the applicant or licensee at his or her last known address of record or email address of record a party.

(Source: P.A. 88-45.)

(225 ILCS 110/34.1 new)

Sec. 34.1. Confidentiality. All information collected by the Department in the course of an examination or investigation of a licensee or applicant, including, but not limited to, any complaint against a licensee filed with the Department and information collected to investigate any such complaint, shall be maintained for the confidential use of the Department and shall not be disclosed. The Department may not disclose the information to anyone other than law enforcement officials, other regulatory agencies that have an appropriate regulatory interest as determined by the Secretary, or a party presenting a lawful subpoena to the Department. Information and documents disclosed to a federal, State, county, or local law enforcement agency shall not be disclosed by the agency for any purpose to any other agency or person. A formal complaint filed against a licensee by the Department or any order issued by the Department against a licensee or applicant shall be a public record, except as otherwise prohibited by law.

(225 ILCS 110/10 rep.)

Section 15. The Illinois Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Practice Act is amended by repealing Section 10.

Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon becoming law, except that Sections 10 and 15 take effect on January 1, 2018.".