HB5457 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB103 38890 RTM 69027 b

103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2023 and 2024
HB5457

Introduced 2/9/2024, by Rep. Barbara Hernandez

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

See Index

Amends the Clinical Social Work and Social Work Practice Act. Provides that a license to practice under the Act shall not be denied an applicant because of the applicant's real or perceived immigration status. Provides that every application for an original license under the Act shall include the applicant's Social Security Number or individual taxpayer identification number. Provides that the Social Work Examining and Disciplinary Board may grant additional examination time to an applicant for whom English is the applicant's second language. Provides that to qualify for consideration, the applicant must submit a request for additional time stating that English is the applicant's second language, and provide additional information. Sets forth what additional information may be provided. Provides that if approved, the applicant shall be allotted extra time when taking the required board-administered examination. Provides that the allowance of the extra time for a required national examination is subject to availability from the exam-administering entity. Provides that the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation may not revoke, suspend, summarily suspend, place on prohibition, reprimand, refuse to issue or renew, or take any other disciplinary or non-disciplinary action against a license or permit issued under the Act based solely upon an immigration violation by the licensed clinical social worker. Provides that the Department may not revoke, suspend, summarily suspend, place on prohibition, reprimand, refuse to issue or renew, or take any other disciplinary or non-disciplinary action against the license or permit issued under the Act to practice as a licensed clinical social worker based upon the licensed clinical social worker's license being revoked or suspended, or the licensed clinical social worker being otherwise disciplined by any other state, if that revocation, suspension, or other form of discipline was based solely upon an immigration violation by the licensed clinical social worker. Amends the Marriage and Family Therapy Licensing Act and Professional Counselor and Clinical Professional Counselor Licensing and Practice Act to make similar changes.

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. Findings. The General Assembly finds the following:

(1) More than one-in-five Illinois households (23.2%) primarily speak a language other than English at home. The most common non-English languages spoken in Illinois are Spanish (1,627,789 or 13.5% of households), Polish (174,381 or 1.44% of households), and dialects of Chinese (including Mandarin and Cantonese at 105,919 or 0.877% of households).

(2) An estimated 1.8 million people, or 14.1% of Illinois residents, were born outside the country. These individuals are more likely to face issues of discrimination, racism, and xenophobia, all of which are social determinants of health and can lead to negative behavioral health outcomes. Additionally, this population is likely to be uniquely traumatized due to sociopolitical turmoil in specific parts of the world, uncertainty about immigration status, and grief over family and homeland separation.

(3) Illinois has a particularly high population of international students. Illinois has the fifth-highest number of international students in the country, with over 55,000 students traveling to Illinois for its educational and vocational opportunities. In 2022, the University of Illinois system announced a record 11,548 international students enrolled in their programs. Additionally, with the recent influx of migrant children attending Chicago public schools, Chicago teachers have highlighted the severe need for bilingual social workers and counselors to address the needs of traumatized children.

(4) Illinois faces an unprecedented mental health emergency. In 2022, 12.7% of Illinois adults reported 14 or more days of poor mental health per month. Even the needs of children, whose mental health conditions have been declared a national emergency, are unable to be met in Illinois.

(5) Drug overdose deaths have reached crisis levels. In 2014, approximately 9.77 people died from drug poisoning per 100,000 people. In 2022, that number has risen to 23.8 people who die per population of 100,000. This represents a 243.6% increase in the number of overdose deaths in the last 10 years.

(6) The ability to express oneself, particularly when trying to explain emotions or analyze/interpret life events, is crucial to the successful provision of behavioral health services. Studies show that the delivery of services in a client's language is crucial to the development of trust and the comfort of the client. The American Psychological Association's official position is that, due to professional ethics and governmental guidelines, behavioral health services "should be provided in the preferred language of clients with limited English proficiency." Every major behavioral health profession highlights the ethical need for practitioners to enhance cultural sensitivity and competency. However, bilingual clients often opt to receive services in English due to severe availability gaps of services in their language of origin, particularly in rural or underserved areas.

(7) The shortage of bilingual therapists prevents communities from adequately addressing issues related to migrant trauma. The lack of bilingual professionals is particularly felt in rural areas. For example, although immigrants account for 7% of the population of McLean County, there are only a handful of clinical professionals who speak Spanish and an even smaller amount who speak other languages. This means clients must rely on translators, which take precious time from the client's therapy session, or wait months and travel great distances for appointments with local bilingual therapists.

Section 10. The Clinical Social Work and Social Work Practice Act is amended by changing Sections 7, 7.5, and 19 and by adding Section 8.3 as follows:

(225 ILCS 20/7) (from Ch. 111, par. 6357)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)

Sec. 7. Applications for original license. Applications for original licenses shall be made to the Department on forms or electronically as prescribed by the Department and accompanied by the required fee which shall not be refundable. All applications shall contain such information which, in the judgment of the Department, will enable the Department to pass on the qualifications of the applicant for a license as a licensed clinical social worker or as a licensed social worker.

A license to practice shall not be denied an applicant because of the applicant's race, religion, creed, national origin, real or perceived immigration status, political beliefs or activities, age, sex, sexual orientation, or physical disability that does not affect a person's ability to practice with reasonable judgment, skill, or safety.

Applicants have 3 years from the date of application to complete the application process. If the process has not been completed in 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.

(Source: P.A. 100-414, eff. 8-25-17.)

(225 ILCS 20/7.5)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)

Sec. 7.5. Social Security Number or individual taxpayer identification number on license application. In addition to any other information required to be contained in the application, every application for an original license under this Act shall include the applicant's Social Security Number or individual taxpayer identification number, which shall be retained in the agency's records pertaining to the license. As soon as practical, the Department shall assign a customer's identification number to each applicant for a license.

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

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

(225 ILCS 20/8.3 new)

Sec. 8.3. Additional examination time.

(a) The Board, in its sole discretion, may grant additional examination time to an applicant for whom English is the applicant's second language. To qualify for consideration, the applicant must submit a request for additional time stating that English is the applicant's second language, and provide one of the following:

(1) A Test of English as a Foreign Language certification score of 85 or below, sent by Educational Testing Service directly to the Board. The test must have been taken within the previous 2 years prior to application.

(2) Documentation from the qualifying master's degree program that the program granted the applicant additional examination time or other allowance due to speaking English as a second language while the applicant was enrolled in the program. Acceptable documentation includes, but is not limited to, a letter from the chair of the qualifying master's degree program or from the educational institution's chief academic officer.

(3) Documentation proving that the qualifying master's degree was obtained from an educational institution outside the United States and that at least 50% of the coursework was presented in a language other than English. Acceptable documentation includes, but is not limited to, a letter from the chair of the qualifying master's degree program or from the educational institution's chief academic officer.

(b) If approved, then the applicant shall be allotted up to 2 extra hours when taking the required Board-administered examination. The allowance of this option for a required national examination is subject to availability from the exam-administering entity.

(c) Any individual approved for additional time under this Section may also be allowed use of an approved word-to-word bilingual dictionary without definitions or sentences, which must be provided by the examinee and is subject to inspection by the test administrator.

(d) The Department shall have the authority to issue rules to implement and enforce this Section. The Department shall adopt rules to accept score transfers for test-takers that tested with English as a second language arrangements in another jurisdiction within the 10 years preceding the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 103rd General Assembly and to accept such score transfers indefinitely thereafter.

(225 ILCS 20/19) (from Ch. 111, par. 6369)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)

Sec. 19. Grounds for disciplinary action.

(1) The Department may refuse to issue or renew a license, or may suspend, revoke, place on probation, reprimand, or take any other disciplinary or non-disciplinary action deemed appropriate by the Department, including the imposition of fines not to exceed $10,000 for each violation, with regard to any license issued under the provisions of this Act for any one or a combination of the following grounds:

(a) material misstatements in furnishing information to the Department or to any other State agency or in furnishing information to any insurance company with respect to a claim on behalf of a licensee or a patient;

(b) violations or negligent or intentional disregard of this Act, or any of the rules promulgated hereunder;

(c) conviction of or entry of a 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 clinical social work or social work professions;

(d) fraud or misrepresentation in applying for or procuring a license under this Act or in connection with applying for renewal or restoration of a license under this Act;

(e) professional incompetence;

(f) gross negligence in practice under this Act;

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

(h) failing to provide information within 60 days in response to a written request made by the Department;

(i) engaging in dishonorable, unethical or unprofessional conduct of a character likely to deceive, defraud or harm the public as defined by the rules of the Department, or violating the rules of professional conduct adopted by the Department;

(j) habitual or excessive use or abuse of drugs defined in law as controlled substances, of alcohol, or of any other substances that results in the inability to practice with reasonable judgment, skill, or safety;

(k) adverse action taken by another state or jurisdiction, if at least one of the grounds for the discipline is the same or substantially equivalent to those set forth in this Section;

(l) 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 service not actually rendered. Nothing in this paragraph (l) 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 (l) shall be construed to require an employment arrangement to receive professional fees for services rendered;

(m) a finding by the Department that the licensee, after having the license placed on probationary status, has violated the terms of probation or failed to comply with such terms;

(n) abandonment, without cause, of a client;

(o) willfully making or filing false records or reports relating to a licensee's practice, including, but not limited to, false records filed with Federal or State agencies or departments;

(p) willfully failing to report an instance of suspected child abuse or neglect as required by the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act;

(q) being named as a perpetrator in an indicated report by the Department of Children and Family Services under the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act, and upon proof by clear and convincing evidence that the licensee has caused a child to be an abused child or neglected child as defined in the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act;

(r) physical illness, mental illness, or any other impairment or disability, including, but not limited to, deterioration through the aging process, or loss of motor skills that results in the inability to practice the profession with reasonable judgment, skill or safety;

(s) solicitation of professional services by using false or misleading advertising;

(t) violation of the Health Care Worker Self-Referral Act;

(u) 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; or

(v) 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.

(2) (Blank).

(3) The determination by a court that a licensee is subject to involuntary admission or judicial admission as provided in the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code, will result in an automatic suspension of his license. Such suspension will end upon a finding by a court that the licensee is no longer subject to involuntary admission or judicial admission and issues an order so finding and discharging the patient, and upon the recommendation of the Board to the Secretary that the licensee be allowed to resume professional practice.

(4) The Department shall refuse to issue or renew or may suspend the license of a person who (i) fails to file a return, pay the tax, penalty, or interest shown in a filed return, or pay any final assessment of tax, penalty, or interest, as required by any tax Act administered by the Department of Revenue, until the requirements of the tax Act are satisfied or (ii) has failed to pay any court-ordered child support as determined by a court order or by referral from the Department of Healthcare and Family Services.

(4.5) The Department shall not revoke, suspend, summarily suspend, place on prohibition, reprimand, refuse to issue or renew, or take any other disciplinary or non-disciplinary action against a license or permit issued under this Act based solely upon the licensed clinical social worker authorizing, recommending, aiding, assisting, referring for, or otherwise participating in any health care service, so long as the care was not unlawful under the laws of this State, regardless of whether the patient was a resident of this State or another state.

(4.10) The Department shall not revoke, suspend, summarily suspend, place on prohibition, reprimand, refuse to issue or renew, or take any other disciplinary or non-disciplinary action against the license or permit issued under this Act to practice as a licensed clinical social worker based upon the licensed clinical social worker's license being revoked or suspended, or the licensed clinical social worker being otherwise disciplined by any other state, if that revocation, suspension, or other form of discipline was based solely on the licensed clinical social worker violating another state's laws prohibiting the provision of, authorization of, recommendation of, aiding or assisting in, referring for, or participation in any health care service if that health care service as provided would not have been unlawful under the laws of this State and is consistent with the standards of conduct for a licensed clinical social worker practicing in Illinois.

(4.15) The conduct specified in subsection subsections (4.5), and (4.10), (4.25), or (4.30) shall not constitute grounds for suspension under Section 32.

(4.20) An applicant seeking licensure, certification, or authorization pursuant to this Act who has been subject to disciplinary action by a duly authorized professional disciplinary agency of another jurisdiction solely on the basis of having authorized, recommended, aided, assisted, referred for, or otherwise participated in health care shall not be denied such licensure, certification, or authorization, unless the Department determines that such action would have constituted professional misconduct in this State; however, nothing in this Section shall be construed as prohibiting the Department from evaluating the conduct of such applicant and making a determination regarding the licensure, certification, or authorization to practice a profession under this Act.

(4.25) The Department may not revoke, suspend, summarily suspend, place on prohibition, reprimand, refuse to issue or renew, or take any other disciplinary or non-disciplinary action against a license or permit issued under this Act based solely upon an immigration violation by the licensed clinical social worker.

(4.30) The Department may not revoke, suspend, summarily suspend, place on prohibition, reprimand, refuse to issue or renew, or take any other disciplinary or non-disciplinary action against the license or permit issued under this Act to practice as a licensed clinical social worker based upon the licensed clinical social worker's license being revoked or suspended, or the licensed clinical social worker being otherwise disciplined by any other state, if that revocation, suspension, or other form of discipline was based solely upon an immigration violation by the licensed clinical social worker.

(5)(a) In enforcing this Section, the Department or Board, upon a showing of a possible violation, may compel a person licensed to practice under this Act, or who has applied for licensure under this Act, to submit to a mental or physical examination, or both, which may include a substance abuse or sexual offender evaluation, as required by and at the expense of the Department.

(b) The Department shall specifically designate the examining physician licensed to practice medicine in all of its branches or, if applicable, the multidisciplinary team involved in providing the mental or physical examination or both. The multidisciplinary team shall be led by a physician licensed to practice medicine in all of its branches and may consist of one or more or a combination of physicians licensed to practice medicine in all of its branches, licensed clinical psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, licensed clinical professional counselors, and other professional and administrative staff. Any examining physician or member of the multidisciplinary team may require any person ordered to submit to an examination pursuant to this Section to submit to any additional supplemental testing deemed necessary to complete any examination or evaluation process, including, but not limited to, blood testing, urinalysis, psychological testing, or neuropsychological testing.

(c) 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, record, or other documents in any way related to the examination shall be excluded by reason of any common law or statutory privilege relating to communications between the licensee or applicant and the examining physician or any member of the multidisciplinary team. No authorization is necessary from the licensee or applicant ordered to undergo an examination for the examining physician or any member of the multidisciplinary team to provide information, reports, records, or other documents or to provide any testimony regarding the examination and evaluation.

(d) 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. However, that physician shall be present only to observe and may not interfere in any way with the examination.

(e) Failure of any person to submit to a mental or physical examination without reasonable cause, when ordered, shall result in an automatic suspension of his or her license until the person submits to the examination.

(f) If the Department or Board finds a person unable to practice because of the reasons set forth in this Section, the Department or Board may require that person to submit to care, counseling, or treatment by physicians approved or designated by the Department or Board, as a condition, term, or restriction for continued, reinstated, or renewed licensure to practice; or, in lieu of care, counseling or treatment, the Department may file, or 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 Secretary for a determination as to whether the person shall have his or her license suspended immediately, pending a hearing by the Department.

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

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 Department within 30 days after the suspension and completed without appreciable delay. The Department and Board shall have the authority to review the subject person'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.

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

(h) The Department may adopt rules to implement the changes made by this amendatory Act of the 102nd General Assembly.

(Source: P.A. 102-1117, eff. 1-13-23.)

Section 15. The Marriage and Family Therapy Licensing Act is amended by changing Sections 30, 32, and 85 and by adding Section 37 as follows:

(225 ILCS 55/30) (from Ch. 111, par. 8351-30)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2027)

Sec. 30. Application.

(a) Applications for original licensure shall be made to the Department in writing on forms or electronically as prescribed by the Department and shall be accompanied by the appropriate documentation and the required fee, which shall not be refundable. Any application shall require such information as, in the judgment of the Department, will enable the Department to pass on the qualifications of the applicant for licensing.

(b) Applicants have 3 years from the date of application to complete the application process. If the application 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.

(c) A license shall not be denied to an applicant because of the applicant's race, religion, creed, national origin, real or perceived immigration status, political beliefs or activities, age, sex, sexual orientation, or physical disability that does not affect a person's ability to practice with reasonable judgment, skill, or safety.

(Source: P.A. 100-372, eff. 8-25-17.)

(225 ILCS 55/32)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2027)

Sec. 32. Social Security Number or individual taxpayer identification number on license application. In addition to any other information required to be contained in the application, every application for an original license under this Act shall include the applicant's Social Security Number or individual taxpayer identification number, which shall be retained in the agency's records pertaining to the license. As soon as practical, the Department shall assign a customer's identification number to each applicant for a license.

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

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

(225 ILCS 55/37 new)

Sec. 37. Additional examination time.

(a) The Department, in its sole discretion, may grant additional examination time to an applicant for whom English is the applicant's second language. To qualify for consideration, the applicant must submit a request for additional time stating that English is the applicant's second language, and provide one of the following:

(1) A Test of English as a Foreign Language certification score of 85 or below, sent by the Educational Testing Service directly to the Department. The test must have been taken within the previous 2 years prior to application.

(2) Documentation from the qualifying master's degree program that the program had granted the applicant additional examination time or other allowance due to speaking English as a second language while the applicant was enrolled in the program. Acceptable documentation includes, but is not limited to, a letter from the chair of the qualifying master's degree program or from the educational institution's chief academic officer.

(3) Documentation providing that the qualifying master's degree was obtained from an educational institution outside the United States, and that at least 50% of the coursework was presented in a language other than English. Acceptable documentation includes, but is not limited to, a letter from the chair of the qualifying master's degree program or from the educational institution's chief academic officer.

(b) If approved, then the applicant shall be allotted either one or 2 extra hours when taking a required Department-authorized examination. Allowance of this option for a required national examination is subject to availability from the exam-administering entity.

(c) Any individual approved for additional time under this Section may also be allowed use of an approved word-to-word bilingual dictionary without definitions or sentences, which must be provided by the examinee and is subject to inspection by the test administrator.

(d) The Department shall have the authority to adopt rules to implement and enforce this Section. The Department shall adopt rules to accept score transfers for test-takers that tested with English as a second language arrangements in another jurisdiction within the 10 years preceding the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 103rd General Assembly and to accept such score transfers indefinitely thereafter.

(225 ILCS 55/85) (from Ch. 111, par. 8351-85)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2027)

Sec. 85. Refusal, revocation, or suspension.

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

(1) Material misstatement in furnishing information to the Department.

(2) Violation of any provision of this Act or its rules.

(3) Conviction of or entry of a 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.

(4) Fraud or misrepresentation in applying for or procuring a license under this Act or in connection with applying for renewal or restoration of a license under this Act or its rules.

(5) Professional incompetence.

(6) Gross negligence in practice under this Act.

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

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

(9) Engaging in dishonorable, unethical, or unprofessional conduct of a character likely to deceive, defraud or harm the public as defined by the rules of the Department, or violating the rules of professional conduct adopted by the Department.

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

(11) Discipline by another jurisdiction if at least one of the grounds for the discipline is the same or substantially equivalent to those set forth in this Act.

(12) 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 paragraph (12) 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 (12) shall be construed to require an employment arrangement to receive professional fees for services rendered.

(13) A finding by the Department that the licensee, after having his or her license placed on probationary status, has violated the terms of probation or failed to comply with the terms.

(14) Abandonment of a patient without cause.

(15) Willfully making or filing false records or reports relating to a licensee's practice, including but not limited to false records filed with State agencies or departments.

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

(17) Being named as a perpetrator in an indicated report by the Department of Children and Family Services under the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act and upon proof by clear and convincing evidence that the licensee has caused a child to be an abused child or neglected child as defined in the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act.

(18) Physical illness or mental illness or impairment, including, but not limited to, deterioration through the aging process or loss of motor skill that results in the inability to practice the profession with reasonable judgment, skill, or safety.

(19) Solicitation of professional services by using false or misleading advertising.

(20) A pattern of practice or other behavior that demonstrates incapacity or incompetence to practice under this Act.

(21) Practicing under a false or assumed name, except as provided by law.

(22) Gross, willful, and continued overcharging for professional services, including filing false statements for collection of fees or moneys for which services are not rendered.

(23) Failure to establish and maintain records of patient care and treatment as required by law.

(24) Cheating on or attempting to subvert the licensing examinations administered under this Act.

(25) 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.

(26) Being named as an abuser in a verified report by the Department on Aging and 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) (Blank).

(c) 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. The suspension will terminate only upon a finding by a 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 recommendation of the Board to the Secretary that the licensee be allowed to resume his or her practice as a licensed marriage and family therapist or an associate licensed marriage and family therapist.

(d) The Department shall refuse to issue or may suspend the license of any person who fails to file a return, pay the tax, penalty, or interest shown in a filed return or pay any final assessment of tax, penalty, or interest, as required by any tax Act administered by the Illinois Department of Revenue, until the time the requirements of the tax Act are satisfied.

(d-5) The Department shall not revoke, suspend, summarily suspend, place on prohibition, reprimand, refuse to issue or renew, or take any other disciplinary or non-disciplinary action against the license or permit issued under this Act to practice as a marriage and family therapist or associate licensed marriage and family therapist based solely upon the marriage and family therapist or associate licensed marriage and family therapist authorizing, recommending, aiding, assisting, referring for, or otherwise participating in any health care service, so long as the care was not Unlawful under the laws of this State, regardless of whether the patient was a resident of this State or another state.

(d-10) The Department shall not revoke, suspend, summarily suspend, place on prohibition, reprimand, refuse to issue or renew, or take any other disciplinary or non-disciplinary action against the license or permit issued under this Act to practice as a marriage and family therapist or associate licensed marriage and family therapist based upon the marriage and family therapist's or associate licensed marriage and family therapist's license being revoked or suspended, or the marriage and family therapist or associate licensed marriage and family therapist being otherwise disciplined by any other state, if that revocation, suspension, or other form of discipline was based solely on the marriage and family therapist or associate licensed marriage and family therapist violating another state's laws prohibiting the provision of, authorization of, recommendation of, aiding or assisting in, referring for, or participation in any health care service if that health care service as provided would not have been unlawful under the laws of this State and is consistent with the standards of conduct for a marriage and family therapist or an associate licensed marriage and family therapist practicing in Illinois.

(d-15) The conduct specified in subsection subsections (d-5), or (d-10), (d-25), or (d-30) shall not constitute grounds for suspension under Section 145.

(d-20) An applicant seeking licensure, certification, or authorization pursuant to this Act who has been subject to disciplinary action by a duly authorized professional disciplinary agency of another jurisdiction solely on the basis of having authorized, recommended, aided, assisted, referred for, or otherwise participated in health care shall not be denied such licensure, certification, or authorization, unless the Department determines that such action would have constituted professional misconduct in this State; however, nothing in this Section shall be construed as prohibiting the Department from evaluating the conduct of such applicant and making a determination regarding the licensure, certification, or authorization to practice a profession under this Act.

(d-25) The Department may not revoke, suspend, summarily suspend, place on prohibition, reprimand, refuse to issue or renew, or take any other disciplinary or non-disciplinary action against the license or permit issued under this Act to practice as a marriage and family therapist or associate licensed marriage and family therapist based solely upon an immigration violation of the marriage and family therapist or associate licensed marriage and family therapist.

(d-30) The Department may not revoke, suspend, summarily suspend, place on prohibition, reprimand, refuse to issue or renew, or take any other disciplinary or non-disciplinary action against the license or permit issued under this Act to practice as a marriage and family therapist or associate licensed marriage and family therapist based upon the marriage and family therapist's or associate licensed marriage and family therapist's license being revoked or suspended, or the marriage and family therapist or associate licensed marriage and family therapist being otherwise disciplined by any other state, if that revocation, suspension, or other form of discipline was based solely upon an immigration violation of the marriage and family therapist or associate licensed marriage and family therapist.

(e) In enforcing this Section, the Department or Board upon a showing of a possible violation may compel an individual licensed to practice under this Act, or who has applied for licensure under this Act, to submit to a mental or physical examination, or both, which may include a substance abuse or sexual offender evaluation, as required by and at the expense of the Department.

The Department shall specifically designate the examining physician licensed to practice medicine in all of its branches or, if applicable, the multidisciplinary team involved in providing the mental or physical examination or both. The multidisciplinary team shall be led by a physician licensed to practice medicine in all of its branches and may consist of one or more or a combination of physicians licensed to practice medicine in all of its branches, licensed clinical psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, licensed clinical professional counselors, licensed marriage and family therapists, and other professional and administrative staff. Any examining physician or member of the multidisciplinary team may require any person ordered to submit to an examination and evaluation pursuant to this Section to submit to any additional supplemental testing deemed necessary to complete any examination or evaluation process, including, but not limited to, blood testing, urinalysis, psychological testing, or neuropsychological testing.

The Department may order the examining physician or any member of the multidisciplinary team to provide to the Department any and all records, including business records, that relate to the examination and evaluation, including any supplemental testing performed.

The Department or Board may order the examining physician or any member of the multidisciplinary team to present testimony concerning the mental or physical examination of the licensee or applicant. No information, report, record, or other documents in any way related to the examination shall be excluded by reason of any common law or statutory privilege relating to communications between the licensee or applicant and the examining physician or any member of the multidisciplinary team. No authorization is necessary from the licensee or applicant ordered to undergo an examination for the examining physician or any member of the multidisciplinary team to provide information, reports, records, or other documents or to provide any testimony regarding the examination and evaluation.

The individual to be examined may have, at his or her own expense, another physician of his or her choice present during all aspects of this examination. However, that physician shall be present only to observe and may not interfere in any way with the examination.

Failure of an individual to submit to a mental or physical examination, when ordered, shall result in an automatic suspension of his or her license until the individual submits to the examination.

If the Department or Board finds an individual unable to practice because of the reasons set forth in this Section, the Department or Board may require that individual to submit to care, counseling, or treatment by physicians approved or designated by the Department or Board, as a condition, term, or restriction for continued, reinstated, or renewed licensure to practice; or, in lieu of care, counseling, or treatment, the Department may file, or the Board may recommend to the Department to file, a complaint to immediately suspend, revoke, or otherwise discipline the license of the individual. An individual 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 Secretary for a determination as to whether the individual shall have his or her license suspended immediately, pending a hearing by the Department.

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 Department within 30 days after the suspension and completed without appreciable delay. The Department and 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 Department or Board that he or she can resume practice in compliance with acceptable and prevailing standards under the provisions of his or her license.

(f) A fine shall be paid within 60 days after the effective date of the order imposing the fine or in accordance with the terms set forth in the order imposing the fine.

(g) The Department may adopt rules to implement the changes made by this amendatory Act of the 102nd General Assembly.

(Source: P.A. 102-1117, eff. 1-13-23.)

Section 20. The Professional Counselor and Clinical Professional Counselor Licensing and Practice Act is amended by changing Sections 37, 50, and 80 and by adding Section 43 as follows:

(225 ILCS 107/37)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)

Sec. 37. Social Security Number or individual taxpayer identification number on license application. In addition to any other information required to be contained in the application, every application for an original license under this Act shall include the applicant's Social Security Number or individual taxpayer identification number, which shall be retained in the agency's records pertaining to the license. As soon as practical, the Department shall assign a customer's identification number to each applicant for a license.

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

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

(225 ILCS 107/43 new)

Sec. 43. Additional examination time.

(a) The Department, in its sole discretion, may grant additional examination time to an applicant for whom English is the applicants second language. To qualify for consideration, the applicant must submit a request for additional time stating that English is the applicant's second language, and provide one of the following:

(1) A Test of English as a Foreign Language certification score of 85 or below, sent by the Educational Testing Service directly to the Department. The test must have been taken within the previous 2 years prior to application.

(2) Documentation from the qualifying master's degree program that the program had granted the applicant additional examination time or other allowance due to speaking English as a second language while the applicant was enrolled in the program. Acceptable documentation includes, but is not limited to, a letter from the chair of the qualifying master's degree program or from the educational institution's chief academic officer.

(3) Documentation providing that the qualifying master's degree was obtained from an educational institution outside the United States, and that at least 50% of the coursework was presented in a language other than English. The acceptable documentation includes, but is not limited to, a letter from the chair of the qualifying master's degree program or from the educational institution's chief academic officer.

(b) If approved, then the applicant shall be allotted 150% of the standard testing time when taking the required Department-authorized examination. Allowance of this option for a required national examination is subject to availability from the exam-administering entity.

(c) An individual approved for additional time under this Section may be allowed to use an approved word-to-word bilingual dictionary without definitions or sentences, which must be provided by the examinee and is subject to inspection by the test administrator.

(d) The Department shall have the authority to adopt rules to implement and enforce this Section. The Department shall adopt rules to accept score transfers for test-takers that tested with English as a second language arrangements in another jurisdiction within the 10 years preceding the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 103rd General Assembly and to accept score transfers.

(225 ILCS 107/50)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)

Sec. 50. Licenses; renewal; restoration; person in military service; inactive status.

(a) The expiration date and renewal period for each license issued under this Act shall be set by rule. As a condition for renewal of a license, the licensee shall be required to complete continuing education in accordance with rules established by the Department and pay the current renewal fee.

(b) Any person who has permitted a license to expire or who has a license on inactive status may have it restored by submitting an application to the Department and filing proof of fitness acceptable to the Department, to have the license restored, including, if appropriate, evidence which is satisfactory to the Department certifying the active practice of professional counseling or clinical professional counseling in another jurisdiction and by paying the required fee.

(c) If the person has not maintained an active practice in another jurisdiction which is satisfactory to the Department, the Department shall determine, by rule, the person's fitness to resume active status and shall establish procedures and requirements for restoration.

(d) However, any person whose license expired while he or she was (i) in federal service on active duty with the armed forces of the United States or the State Militia or (ii) in training or education under the supervision of the United States government prior to induction into the military service may have his or her license restored without paying any lapsed renewal fees if, within 2 years after the honorable termination of such service, training, or education, the Department is furnished with satisfactory evidence that the person has been so engaged and that such service, training, or education has been so terminated.

(e) A license to practice shall not be denied any applicant because of the applicant's race, religion, creed, national origin, real or perceived immigration status, political beliefs or activities, age, sex, sexual orientation, or physical impairment.

(f) (Blank).

(g) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the following requirements for restoration of an inactive or expired license of 5 years or less as set forth in subsections (b), (c), and (f) are suspended for any licensed clinical professional counselor who has had no disciplinary action taken against his or her license in this State or in any other jurisdiction during the entire period of licensure: proof of fitness, certification of active practice in another jurisdiction, and the payment of a renewal fee. An individual may not restore his or her license in accordance with this subsection more than once.

(Source: P.A. 102-878, eff. 1-1-23; 102-1053, eff. 6-10-22; 103-154, eff. 6-30-23.)

(225 ILCS 107/80)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)

Sec. 80. Grounds for discipline.

(a) The Department may refuse to issue, renew, or may revoke, suspend, place on probation, reprimand, or take other disciplinary or non-disciplinary action as the Department deems appropriate, including the issuance of fines not to exceed $10,000 for each violation, with regard to any license for any one or more of the following:

(1) Material misstatement in furnishing information to the Department or to any other State agency.

(2) Violations or negligent or intentional disregard of this Act or rules adopted under this Act.

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

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

(5) Professional incompetence or gross negligence in the rendering of professional counseling or clinical professional counseling services.

(6) Malpractice.

(7) Aiding or assisting another person in violating any provision of this Act or any rules.

(8) Failing to provide information within 60 days in response to a written request made by the Department.

(9) Engaging in dishonorable, unethical, or unprofessional conduct of a character likely to deceive, defraud, or harm the public and violating the rules of professional conduct adopted by the Department.

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

(11) Discipline by another jurisdiction, the District of Columbia, territory, county, or governmental agency, if at least one of the grounds for the discipline is the same or substantially equivalent to those set forth in this Section.

(12) 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 service not actually rendered. Nothing in this paragraph (12) 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 (12) shall be construed to require an employment arrangement to receive professional fees for services rendered.

(13) A finding by the Board that the licensee, after having the license placed on probationary status, has violated the terms of probation.

(14) Abandonment of a client.

(15) Willfully filing false reports relating to a licensee's practice, including but not limited to false records filed with federal or State agencies or departments.

(16) Willfully failing to report an instance of suspected child abuse or neglect as required by the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act and in matters pertaining to suspected abuse, neglect, financial exploitation, or self-neglect of adults with disabilities and older adults as set forth in the Adult Protective Services Act.

(17) Being named as a perpetrator in an indicated report by the Department of Children and Family Services pursuant to the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act, and upon proof by clear and convincing evidence that the licensee has caused a child to be an abused child or neglected child as defined in the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act.

(18) Physical or mental illness or disability, including, but not limited to, deterioration through the aging process or loss of abilities and skills which results in the inability to practice the profession with reasonable judgment, skill, or safety.

(19) Solicitation of professional services by using false or misleading advertising.

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

(21) A finding that licensure has been applied for or obtained by fraudulent means.

(22) Practicing under a false or, except as provided by law, an assumed name.

(23) Gross and willful overcharging for professional services including filing statements for collection of fees or moneys monies for which services are not rendered.

(24) Rendering professional counseling or clinical professional counseling services without a license or practicing outside the scope of a license.

(25) Clinical supervisors failing to adequately and responsibly monitor supervisees.

All fines imposed under this Section shall be paid within 60 days after the effective date of the order imposing the fine.

(b) (Blank).

(b-5) The Department may refuse to issue or may suspend without hearing, as provided for in the Code of Civil Procedure, the license of any person who fails to file a return, pay the tax, penalty, or interest shown in a filed return, or pay any final assessment of the tax, penalty, or interest as required by any tax Act administered by the Illinois Department of Revenue, until such time as the requirements of any such tax Act are satisfied in accordance with subsection (g) of Section 2105-15 of the Department of Professional Regulation Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois.

(b-10) In cases where the Department of Healthcare and Family Services has previously determined a licensee or a potential licensee is more than 30 days delinquent in the payment of child support and has subsequently certified the delinquency to the Department, the Department may refuse to issue or renew or may revoke or suspend that person's license or may take other disciplinary action against that person based solely upon the certification of delinquency made by the Department of Healthcare and Family Services in accordance with item (5) of subsection (a) of Section 2105-15 of the Department of Professional Regulation Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois.

(c) The determination by a court that a licensee is subject to involuntary admission or judicial admission as provided in the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code will result in an automatic suspension of his or her license. The suspension will end upon a finding by a court that the licensee 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 Secretary that the licensee be allowed to resume professional practice.

(c-1) The Department shall not revoke, suspend, summarily suspend, place on prohibition, reprimand, refuse to issue or renew, or take any other disciplinary or non-disciplinary action against the license or permit issued under this Act to practice as a professional counselor or clinical professional counselor based solely upon the professional counselor or clinical professional counselor authorizing, recommending, aiding, assisting, referring for, or otherwise participating in any health care service, so long as the care was not unlawful under the laws of this State, regardless of whether the patient was a resident of this State or another state.

(c-2) The Department shall not revoke, suspend, summarily suspend, place on prohibition, reprimand, refuse to issue or renew, or take any other disciplinary or non-disciplinary action against the license or permit issued under this Act to practice as a professional counselor or clinical professional counselor based upon the professional counselor's or clinical professional counselor's license being revoked or suspended, or the professional counselor or clinical professional counselor being otherwise disciplined by any other state, if that revocation, suspension, or other form of discipline was based solely on the professional counselor or clinical professional counselor violating another state's laws prohibiting the provision of, authorization of, recommendation of, aiding or assisting in, referring for, or participation in any health care service if that health care service as provided would not have been unlawful under the laws of this State and is consistent with the standards of conduct for a professional counselor or clinical professional counselor practicing in Illinois.

(c-3) The conduct specified in subsection subsections (c-1), and (c-2), (c-6), or (c-7) shall not constitute grounds for suspension under Section 145.

(c-4) An applicant seeking licensure, certification, or authorization pursuant to this Act who has been subject to disciplinary action by a duly authorized professional disciplinary agency of another jurisdiction solely on the basis of having authorized, recommended, aided, assisted, referred for, or otherwise participated in health care shall not be denied such licensure, certification, or authorization, unless the Department determines that such action would have constituted professional misconduct in this State; however, nothing in this Section shall be construed as prohibiting the Department from evaluating the conduct of such applicant and making a determination regarding the licensure, certification, or authorization to practice a profession under this Act.

(c-5) In enforcing this Act, the Department, upon a showing of a possible violation, may compel an individual licensed to practice under this Act, or who has applied 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 Department may order the examining physician to present testimony concerning the 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 examining physicians shall be specifically designated by the Department. 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 this examination. The examination shall be performed by a physician licensed to practice medicine in all its branches. Failure of an individual to submit to a mental or physical examination, when directed, shall result in an automatic suspension without hearing.

All substance-related violations shall mandate an automatic substance abuse assessment. Failure to submit to an assessment by a licensed physician who is certified as an addictionist or an advanced practice registered nurse with specialty certification in addictions may be grounds for an automatic suspension.

If the Department finds an individual unable to practice or unfit for duty because of the reasons set forth in this subsection (c-5), the Department may require that individual to submit to a substance abuse evaluation or treatment by individuals or programs approved or designated by the Department, as a condition, term, or restriction for continued, restored, or renewed licensure to practice; or, in lieu of evaluation or treatment, the Department may file, or the Board may recommend to the Department to file, a complaint to immediately suspend, revoke, or otherwise discipline the license of the individual. An individual whose license was granted, continued, restored, 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 Department.

A person holding a license under this Act or who has applied for a license under this Act who, because of a physical or mental illness or disability, including, but not limited to, deterioration through the aging process or loss of motor skill, is unable to practice the profession with reasonable judgment, skill, or safety, may be required by the Department 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. Submission to care, counseling, or treatment as required by the Department shall not be considered discipline of a license. If the licensee refuses to enter into a care, counseling, or treatment agreement or fails to abide by the terms of the agreement, the Department may file a complaint to revoke, suspend, or otherwise discipline the license of the individual. The Secretary may order the license suspended immediately, pending a hearing by the Department. Fines shall not be assessed in disciplinary actions involving physical or mental illness or impairment.

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 Department within 15 days after the suspension and completed without appreciable delay. The Department 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 Department that he or she can resume practice in compliance with acceptable and prevailing standards under the provisions of his or her license.

(c-6) The Department may not revoke, suspend, summarily suspend, place on prohibition, reprimand, refuse to issue or renew, or take any other disciplinary or non-disciplinary action against the license or permit issued under this Act to practice as a professional counselor or clinical professional counselor based solely upon an immigration violation by the counselor.

(c-7) The Department may not revoke, suspend, summarily suspend, place on prohibition, reprimand, refuse to issue or renew, or take any other disciplinary or non-disciplinary action against the license or permit issued under this Act to practice as a professional counselor or clinical professional counselor based upon the professional counselor's or clinical professional counselor's license being revoked or suspended, or the professional counselor or clinical professional counselor being otherwise disciplined by any other state, if that revocation, suspension, or other form of discipline was based solely upon an immigration violation by the counselor.

(d) (Blank).

(e) The Department may adopt rules to implement the changes made by this amendatory Act of the 102nd General Assembly.

(Source: P.A. 102-878, eff. 1-1-23; 102-1117, eff. 1-13-23.)