SB0659eng 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SB0659 Engrossed LRB101 04420 JRG 49428 b

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 Section 4.30 and by adding Section 4.40 as follows:

(5 ILCS 80/4.30)

Sec. 4.30. Acts repealed on January 1, 2020. The following Acts are repealed on January 1, 2020:

The Auction License Act.

The Community Association Manager Licensing and Disciplinary Act.

The Illinois Architecture Practice Act of 1989.

The Illinois Landscape Architecture Act of 1989.

The Illinois Professional Land Surveyor Act of 1989.

The Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Pedorthics Practice Act.

The Perfusionist Practice Act.

The Pharmacy Practice Act.

The Professional Engineering Practice Act of 1989.

The Real Estate License Act of 2000.

The Structural Engineering Practice Act of 1989.

(Source: P.A. 100-497, eff. 9-8-17; 100-534, eff. 9-22-17; 100-863, eff. 8-14-18.)

(5 ILCS 80/4.40 new)

Sec. 4.40. Act repealed on January 1, 2030. The following Act is repealed on January 1, 2030:

The Pharmacy Practice Act.

Section 10. The Pharmacy Practice Act is amended by changing Sections 30, 33, 35.3, 35.5, 35.9, 35.10 and 35.21 as follows:

(225 ILCS 85/30) (from Ch. 111, par. 4150)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2020)

Sec. 30. Refusal, revocation, suspension, or other discipline.

(a) The Department may refuse to issue or renew, or may revoke a license, or may suspend, place on probation, fine, or take any 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 licensee for any one or combination of the following causes:

1. Material misstatement in furnishing information to the Department.

2. Violations of this Act, or the rules promulgated hereunder.

3. Making any misrepresentation for the purpose of obtaining licenses.

4. A pattern of conduct which demonstrates incompetence or unfitness to practice.

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

6. Failing, within 60 days, to respond to a written request made by the Department for information.

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

8. Adverse action taken by another state or jurisdiction against a license or other authorization to practice as a pharmacy, pharmacist, registered certified pharmacy technician, or registered pharmacy technician that is the same or substantially equivalent to those set forth in this Section, a certified copy of the record of the action taken by the other state or jurisdiction being prima facie evidence thereof.

9. Directly or indirectly giving to or receiving from any person, firm, corporation, partnership, or association any fee, commission, rebate or other form of compensation for any professional services not actually or personally rendered. Nothing in this item 9 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 item 9 shall be construed to require an employment arrangement to receive professional fees for services rendered.

10. A finding by the Department that the licensee, after having his license placed on probationary status has violated the terms of probation.

11. Selling or engaging in the sale of drug samples provided at no cost by drug manufacturers.

12. Physical illness, 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 or safety.

13. A finding that licensure or registration has been applied for or obtained by fraudulent means.

14. 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 pharmacy.

15. Habitual or excessive use or addiction to alcohol, narcotics, stimulants or any other chemical agent or drug which results in the inability to practice with reasonable judgment, skill or safety.

16. Willfully making or filing false records or reports in the practice of pharmacy, including, but not limited to false records to support claims against the medical assistance program of the Department of Healthcare and Family Services (formerly Department of Public Aid) under the Public Aid Code.

17. Gross and willful overcharging for professional services including filing false statements for collection of fees for which services are not rendered, including, but not limited to, filing false statements for collection of monies for services not rendered from the medical assistance program of the Department of Healthcare and Family Services (formerly Department of Public Aid) under the Public Aid Code.

18. Dispensing prescription drugs without receiving a written or oral prescription in violation of law.

19. Upon a finding of a substantial discrepancy in a Department audit of a prescription drug, including controlled substances, as that term is defined in this Act or in the Illinois Controlled Substances Act.

20. Physical or mental illness or any other impairment or disability, including, without limitation: (A) deterioration through the aging process or loss of motor skills that results in the inability to practice with reasonable judgment, skill or safety; or (B) mental incompetence, as declared by a court of competent jurisdiction.

21. Violation of the Health Care Worker Self-Referral Act.

22. Failing to sell or dispense any drug, medicine, or poison in good faith. "Good faith", for the purposes of this Section, has the meaning ascribed to it in subsection (u) of Section 102 of the Illinois Controlled Substances Act. "Good faith", as used in this item (22), shall not be limited to the sale or dispensing of controlled substances, but shall apply to all prescription drugs.

23. Interfering with the professional judgment of a pharmacist by any licensee under this Act, or the licensee's agents or employees.

24. Failing to report within 60 days to the Department any adverse final action taken against a pharmacy, pharmacist, registered pharmacy technician, or registered certified pharmacy technician by another licensing jurisdiction in any other state or any territory of the United States or any foreign jurisdiction, any governmental agency, any law enforcement agency, or any court for acts or conduct similar to acts or conduct that would constitute grounds for discipline as defined in this Section.

25. Failing to comply with a subpoena issued in accordance with Section 35.5 of this Act.

26. Disclosing protected health information in violation of any State or federal law.

27. 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.

28. Being named as an abuser in a verified report by the Department on Aging under the Adult Protective Services Act, and upon proof by clear and convincing evidence that the licensee abused, neglected, or financially exploited an eligible adult as defined in the Adult Protective Services Act.

(b) 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.

(c) The Department shall revoke any license issued under the provisions of this Act or any prior Act of this State of any person who has been convicted a second time of committing any felony under the Illinois Controlled Substances Act, or who has been convicted a second time of committing a Class 1 felony under Sections 8A-3 and 8A-6 of the Illinois Public Aid Code. A person whose license issued under the provisions of this Act or any prior Act of this State is revoked under this subsection (c) shall be prohibited from engaging in the practice of pharmacy in this State.

(d) Fines may be imposed in conjunction with other forms of disciplinary action, but shall not be the exclusive disposition of any disciplinary action arising out of conduct resulting in death or injury to a patient. Fines shall be paid within 60 days or as otherwise agreed to by the Department. Any funds collected from such fines shall be deposited in the Illinois State Pharmacy Disciplinary Fund.

(e) The entry of an order or judgment by any circuit court establishing that any person holding a license or certificate under this Act is a person in need of mental treatment operates as a suspension of that license. A licensee may resume his or her practice only upon the entry of an order of the Department based upon a finding by the Board that he or she has been determined to be recovered from mental illness by the court and upon the Board's recommendation that the licensee be permitted to resume his or her practice.

(f) The Department shall issue quarterly to the Board a status of all complaints related to the profession received by the Department.

(g) In enforcing this Section, the Board or the Department, upon a showing of a possible violation, may compel any licensee or applicant for licensure under this Act to submit to a mental or physical examination or both, as required by and at the expense of the Department. The examining physician, or multidisciplinary team involved in providing physical and mental examinations led by a physician consisting of one or a combination of licensed physicians, licensed clinical psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, licensed clinical professional counselors, and other professional and administrative staff, shall be those specifically designated by the Department. The Board or the Department may order the examining physician or any member of the multidisciplinary team to present testimony concerning this mental or physical examination of the licensee or applicant. No information, report, or other documents in any way related to the examination shall be excluded by reason of any common law or statutory privilege relating to communication between the licensee or applicant and the examining physician or any member of the multidisciplinary team. The individual to be examined may have, at his or her own expense, another physician of his or her choice present during all aspects of the examination. Failure of any individual to submit to a mental or physical examination when directed shall result in the automatic suspension of his or her license until such time as the individual submits to the examination. If the Board or Department finds a pharmacist, registered certified pharmacy technician, or registered pharmacy technician unable to practice because of the reasons set forth in this Section, the Board or Department shall require such pharmacist, registered certified pharmacy technician, or registered pharmacy technician to submit to care, counseling, or treatment by physicians or other appropriate health care providers approved or designated by the Department as a condition for continued, restored reinstated, or renewed licensure to practice. Any pharmacist, registered certified pharmacy technician, or registered pharmacy technician 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 or to complete a required program of care, counseling, or treatment, as determined by the chief pharmacy coordinator, shall be referred to the Secretary for a determination as to whether the licensee shall have his or her license suspended immediately, pending a hearing by the Board. In instances in which the Secretary immediately suspends a license under this subsection (g), a hearing upon such person's license must be convened by the Board within 15 days after such suspension and completed without appreciable delay. The Department and Board shall have the authority to review the subject pharmacist's, registered certified pharmacy technician's, or registered pharmacy technician's record of treatment and counseling regarding the impairment.

(h) An individual or organization acting in good faith, and not in a willful and wanton manner, in complying with this Section by providing a report or other information to the Board, by assisting in the investigation or preparation of a report or information, by participating in proceedings of the Board, or by serving as a member of the Board shall not, as a result of such actions, be subject to criminal prosecution or civil damages.

(i) Members of the Board shall have no liability in any action based upon any disciplinary proceedings or other activity performed in good faith as a member of the Board be indemnified by the State for any actions occurring within the scope of services on the Board, done in good faith, and not willful and wanton in nature. The Attorney General shall defend all such actions unless he or she determines either that there would be a conflict of interest in such representation or that the actions complained of were not in good faith or were willful and wanton.

If the Attorney General declines representation, the member shall have the right to employ counsel of his or her choice, whose fees shall be provided by the State, after approval by the Attorney General, unless there is a determination by a court that the member's actions were not in good faith or were willful and wanton.

The member must notify the Attorney General within 7 days of receipt of notice of the initiation of any action involving services of the Board. Failure to so notify the Attorney General shall constitute an absolute waiver of the right to a defense and indemnification.

The Attorney General shall determine, within 7 days after receiving such notice, whether he or she will undertake to represent the member.

(Source: P.A. 100-497, eff. 9-8-17.)

(225 ILCS 85/33) (from Ch. 111, par. 4153)

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

Sec. 33. The Secretary may, upon receipt of a written communication from the Secretary of Human Services, the Director of Healthcare and Family Services (formerly Director of Public Aid), or the Director of Public Health that continuation of practice of a person licensed or registered under this Act constitutes an immediate danger to the public, immediately suspend the license of such person without a hearing. In instances in which the Secretary immediately suspends a license under this Act, a hearing upon such person's license must be convened by the Board within 15 days after such suspension and completed without appreciable delay, such hearing held to determine whether to recommend to the Secretary that the person's license be revoked, suspended, placed on probationary status or restored reinstated, or such person be subject to other disciplinary action. In such hearing, the written communication and any other evidence submitted therewith may be introduced as evidence against such person; provided however, the person, or his counsel, shall have the opportunity to discredit or impeach such evidence and submit evidence rebutting same.

(Source: P.A. 100-497, eff. 9-8-17.)

(225 ILCS 85/35.3) (from Ch. 111, par. 4155.3)

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

Sec. 35.3. The Department, at its expense, shall preserve a record of all proceedings at the formal hearing of any case involving the refusal to issue, renew or discipline of a license. The notice of hearing, complaint and all other documents in the nature of pleadings and written motions filed in the proceedings, the transcript of testimony, the report of the Board or hearing officer, exhibits, and orders of the Department shall be the record of such proceeding.

(Source: P.A. 85-796.)

(225 ILCS 85/35.5) (from Ch. 111, par. 4155.5)

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

Sec. 35.5. The Department shall have power to subpoena and bring before it any person in this State and to take testimony, either orally or by deposition or both, with the same fees and mileage and in the same manner as prescribed by law in judicial proceedings in civil cases in circuit courts of this State. The Department may subpoena and compel the production of documents, papers, files, books, and records in connection with any hearing or investigation.

The Secretary, hearing officer, and any member of the Board, shall each have power to administer oaths to witnesses at any hearing which the Department is authorized to conduct under this Act, and any other oaths required or authorized to be administered by the Department hereunder.

(Source: P.A. 100-497, eff. 9-8-17.)

(225 ILCS 85/35.9) (from Ch. 111, par. 4155.9)

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

Sec. 35.9. Whenever the Secretary Director is satisfied that substantial justice has not been done in the revocation, suspension or refusal to issue or renew a license or registration, the Secretary Director may order a rehearing by the same hearing officer and Board.

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

(225 ILCS 85/35.10) (from Ch. 111, par. 4155.10)

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

Sec. 35.10. None of the disciplinary functions, powers and duties enumerated in this Act shall be exercised by the Department except upon the review of the Board.

In all instances, under this Act, in which the Board has rendered a recommendation to the Director with respect to a particular license or certificate, the Director shall, in the event that he or she disagrees with or takes action contrary to the recommendation of the Board, file with the Board his or her specific written reasons of disagreement with the Board.

(Source: P.A. 95-689, eff. 10-29-07.)

(225 ILCS 85/35.21)

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

Sec. 35.21. Citations.

(a) The Department may shall adopt rules to permit the issuance of citations to any licensee for any violation of this Act or the rules. The citation shall be issued to the licensee or other person alleged to have committed one or more violations and shall contain the licensee's or other person's name and address, the licensee's license number, if any, a brief factual statement, the Sections of this Act or the rules allegedly violated, and the penalty imposed, which shall not exceed $1,000. The citation must clearly state that if the cited person wishes to dispute the citation, he or she may request in writing, within 30 days after the citation is served, a hearing before the Department. If the cited person does not request a hearing within 30 days after the citation is served, then the citation shall become a final, non-disciplinary order and any fine imposed is due and payable. If the cited person requests a hearing within 30 days after the citation is served, the Department shall afford the cited person a hearing conducted in the same manner as a hearing provided in this Act for any violation of this Act and shall determine whether the cited person committed the violation as charged and whether the fine as levied is warranted. If the violation is found, any fine shall constitute discipline and be due and payable within 30 days of the order of the Secretary. Failure to comply with any final order may subject the licensed person to further discipline or other action by the Department or a referral to the State's Attorney.

(b) A citation must be issued within 6 months after the reporting of a violation that is the basis for the citation.

(c) Service of a citation shall be made in person, electronically, or by mail to the licensee at the licensee's address of record or email address of record.

(d) Nothing in this Section shall prohibit or limit the Department from taking further action pursuant to this Act and rules for additional, repeated, or continuing violations.

(Source: P.A. 100-497, eff. 9-8-17.)

(225 ILCS 85/2.5 rep.)

(225 ILCS 85/29 rep.)

(225 ILCS 85/35.12 rep.)

Section 15. The Pharmacy Practice Act is amended by repealing Sections 2.5, 29, and 35.12.

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