HB1277eng 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HB1277 Engrossed LRB095 09605 RAS 29805 b

AN ACT concerning regulation.

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

Section 1. Short title. This Act may be cited as the Interpreter for the Deaf Licensure Act of 2007.

Section 5. Purpose. The practice of interpreting for the deaf in the State of Illinois is hereby declared to affect the public health, safety, and welfare and to be subject to regulation in the public interest. It is further declared to be a matter of public interest and concern that the practice of interpreting for the deaf merit and receive the confidence of the public.

The purpose of this Act is to protect and benefit the deaf and hard of hearing consumers by setting standards of qualifications, education, training, and experience for those who represent themselves as interpreters for the deaf and hard of hearing, to promote high standards of professional performance for those licensed as interpreters for the deaf, and to protect the deaf and hard of hearing consumers from unprofessional conduct by persons licensed to practice.

Section 10. Definitions. In this Act:

"Accepted certificate" means a certificate required for licensure that is issued by the Commission, National Association for the Deaf, Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Testing Evaluation and Certification Unit Inc. (TECUnit), or any other certifying entities authorized by rule.

"American Sign Language (ASL)" means a visual-gestural language that is recognized and accepted as linguistically independent from English language and has its own syntax, rhetoric, and grammar that is recognized, accepted, and used by many deaf Americans.

"Board" means the Board of Interpreters for the Deaf as established within the Illinois Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission.

"Commission" means the Illinois Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission.

"Consumer" means any individual with or without a hearing loss who is the recipient of interpreter services.

"Cued speech" means a phonetically based hand supplement to speech reading that is independent of all sign language modalities. It is a system of hand shapes that represents groups of consonant sounds, combined with hand placements that represent groups of vowel sounds, used with natural speech to represent a visual model of spoken language.

"Deaf" means any person who, because of the severity of a hearing loss, is not able to discriminate speech when spoken in a normal conversational tone regardless of the use of amplification devices and whose primary means of receiving spoken communication is through visual input, including but not limited to, American Sign Language, speech reading, sign systems, tactile sign, fingerspelling, reading, or writing.

"Director" means the Director of the Illinois Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission.

"Educational interpreter" means any person, including those with a hearing loss, who provides deaf or hard of hearing interpreting services in all educational environments under the regulatory authority of the State Board of Education.

"Hard of hearing" means any person who, because of a hearing loss, finds hearing difficult, but does not preclude the understanding of spoken communication through the ear alone, regardless of the use of amplification devices or assistive devices, and whose primary means of receiving spoken communication is through visual or auditory input, including, but not limited to, assistive devices, speech reading, sign language, fingerspelling, reading, or writing.

"Hearing" means any person who does not have a hearing loss.

"Interpreter for the deaf" means any person who offers to render deaf or hard of hearing interpreting services implying that he or she is trained and experienced in interpreting for the deaf and holds a license to practice interpreting for the deaf in this State.

"Interpreting" means the interpreting or transliterating of English language concepts to any communication modes of the deaf or hard of hearing consumer or the interpreting or transliterating of the communication modes of the deaf and hard of hearing consumers to English language concepts. Communication modes include, but are not limited to, American Sign Language, cued speech, oral, tactile sign, and persons with language deficient skills.

"Language deficient" means modes of communication used by deaf individuals who lack crucial language components, including, but not limited to, vocabulary, language concepts, expressive skills, language skills, and receptive skills.

"License" or "licensure" means the authorization to practice interpreting by the Commission under the provisions of this Act.

"Oral" means the mode of communication having characteristics of speech, speech reading, and residual hearing as a primary means of communication using situational and culturally appropriate gestures, without the use of sign language.

"Practice of interpreting" means rendering or offering to render or supervise those who render to individuals, couples, groups, organizations, institutions, corporations, schools, government agencies, or the general public any interpreting service involving the interpreting of any mode of communication used by a deaf or hard of hearing consumer to English language concepts or of an English language consumer to a mode of communication used by a deaf or hard of hearing consumer.

"Tactile sign" means mode of communication, used by deaf and blind individuals, using any one or a combination of tactile sign or constricted space signing.

"Transliterating" means the process of conveying a message from either spoken language into a manually coded language or from a manually coded language into a spoken language.

Section 15. Licensure requirement.

(a) On or after the date of January 1, 2009, no person shall practice as an interpreter for the deaf or hold herself or himself out as being an interpreter for the deaf or render deaf or hard of hearing interpreting services in this State unless he or she is licensed in accordance with the provisions of this Act.

(b) The provisions of the Act shall not be construed to invalidate the requirement that interpreters continue to register pursuant to the Interpreters for the Deaf Act prior to the effective date of this Act.

(c) Beginning January 1, 2009, the Commission shall cease to register interpreters pursuant to the Interpreters for the Deaf Act. After that date, applicants shall apply for a license to practice as an interpreter for the deaf and shall meet the requirements set forth in this Act.

Section 20. Unlicensed practice; violation; administrative fine.

(a) Any person who practices, offers to practice, attempts to practice, or holds himself or herself out to practice as an interpreter for the deaf without being licensed or exempt under this Act shall, in addition to any other penalty provided by law, pay an administrative fine to the Commission in an amount not to exceed $2,500 for each offense as determined by the Commission. The administrative fine shall be assessed by the Commission after a hearing is held in accordance with the provisions set forth in this Act regarding the provision of a hearing for the discipline of a licensee and shall be deposited in the Interpreters for the Deaf Fund.

(b) The Commission has the authority and power to investigate any and all actual, alleged, or suspected unlicensed activity.

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

Section 25. Exemptions. The following do not constitute violations of this Act:

(1) Persons interpreting in religious activities.

(2) Persons rendering interpreting services in cases of emergency, as provided in the Good Samaritan Act.

(3) Persons currently enrolled in a course of study leading to a certificate or degree in interpreting, provided that such persons engage only in activities and services that constitute a part of a supervised course of study and clearly designate themselves as student, trainee, or intern.

(4) Persons working as an educational interpreter in compliance with the rules established by the State Board of Education.

(5) Persons interpreting pro bono where circumstances do not allow for the fulfillment of the requirements for licensure under this Act and where the services of a qualified interpreter are not required under State or federal law, including, but not limited to, the Illinois Human Rights Act, the federal Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, or the regulations adopted under those Acts.

Section 30. Application for licensure.

(a) An application for licensure as an interpreter for the deaf shall be made to the Commission on forms prescribed by the Commission and accompanied by the appropriate documentation and the required non-refundable fee. All applications shall contain information that, in the judgment of the Commission, shall enable the Commission to determine an applicant's qualifications.

(b) Applicants have one year from the date the application is initially submitted to the Commission to complete the application process. If the process has not been completed in the one-year period, the application shall be denied and the fee forfeited and the applicant must reapply and meet the requirements in effect at the time of application.

(c) A license shall not be denied to an applicant because of the applicant's race, religion, creed, national origin, political beliefs or activities, age, sex, sexual orientation, or physical disability.

Section 35. Examination and evaluation.

(a) The Commission, by rule, may establish a written examination and performance evaluation of applicants for licensure as interpreters for the deaf at such times and places as it may determine. The written examination shall test knowledge of interpreting and the performance evaluation shall test the competence and skills of interpreting and transliterating.

(b) Applicants for examination or evaluation shall pay to the Commission a fee covering the cost of providing the examination or evaluation. Failure to appear for the examination or evaluation on the scheduled date at the time and place specified shall result in the forfeiture of the examination or evaluation fee.

Section 40. Social security number. In addition to any other information required to be contained in the application, every application for an original, renewal, or restored license under this Act shall include the applicant's Social Security Number.

Section 45. Qualifications for licensure. A person shall be qualified to be licensed as an interpreter for the deaf and the Commission shall issue a license to an applicant who:

(1) has applied in writing on the prescribed forms and paid the required fees;

(2) is of good moral character; in determining good moral character, the Commission may take into consideration whether the applicant has engaged in conduct or activities that would constitute grounds for discipline under Section 110 of this Act;

(3) is an accepted certificate holder;

(4) has high school diploma or equivalent; and

(5) has met any other requirements established by the Commission by rule.

Section 50. Powers and duties of the Commission.

(a) The Commission shall exercise the powers and duties prescribed by the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois for the administration of licensing acts.

(b) The Commission shall adopt rules consistent with the provisions and purposes of this Act for the administration and enforcement thereof, and for the payment of fees connected therewith, and may prescribe forms, which shall be issued in connection therewith.

(c) The Commission may seek the advice and the expert knowledge of the Board on any matter relating to the administration of this Act.

(d) The Commission shall conduct hearings on proceedings to refuse to issue or renew or to revoke a license or to suspend, place on probation, censure, or reprimand a person licensed under this Act.

(e) The Commission may develop, contract, purchase, or authorize examination and evaluation materials necessary to license interpreters for the deaf that are cost effective and accessible.

Section 55. Interpreter Coordinator. The Director may employ, pursuant to the Personnel Code, an Interpreter Coordinator and any other necessary staff. The Interpreter Coordinator shall be a professional interpreter for the deaf licensed in this State. The Interpreter Coordinator hired initially must hold an accepted certification and must qualify for and obtain licensure within 6 months after the effective date of this Act. All Interpreter Coordinators hired thereafter must be licensed at the time of hire. The Interpreter Coordinator shall perform such administrative functions as may be delegated by the Director.

Section 60. Illinois Board of Interpreters.

(a) The Director shall appoint an Illinois Board of Interpreters for the Deaf consisting of 7 voting members who shall serve in an advisory capacity to the Director. The Board shall be composed of 4 licensed interpreters for the deaf, 3 deaf or hard of hearing consumers, and the Interpreter Coordinator who shall serve as a non-voting member.

(b) The Board shall meet no less than 2 times per year and may hold additional meetings as required in the performance of its duties.

(c) The members shall be appointed to serve 4-year terms and shall serve until successors are appointed and qualified, except that initial appointments shall be staggered with one member appointed to serve for one year, 2 members appointed to serve for 2 years, 2 members appointed to serve for 3 years, and 2 members appointed to serve for 4 years. No member shall be eligible to serve more than 2 consecutive terms. A vacancy in the Board shall be filled by appointment by the Director for the remainder of the unexpired term. Those interpreter members appointed initially must qualify for and obtain licensure under this Act within 6 months after the effective date of this Act.

(d) The membership of the Board must reasonably reflect representation from different geographic areas of the State.

(e) The membership of the Board shall reflect the differences in certification, experience, education, and background and knowledge of interpreting for the deaf and evaluation.

(f) The Director may terminate the appointment of any member for misconduct, inefficiency, incompetence, or neglect of his or her official duties.

(g) The Director shall consider the recommendation of the Board on all matters and questions relating to this Act.

(h) The Board shall annually elect from its membership a chairperson, vice chairperson, and a secretary.

(i) Members of the Board shall be reimbursed for all authorized legitimate and necessary expenses incurred in attending the meetings of the Board.

(j) 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 perform all of the duties of the Board.

(k) Members shall be immune from suit in any action based upon any disciplinary proceedings or other acts performed in good faith as members of the Illinois Board of Interpreters for the Deaf.

Section 65. Privileged communications. Interpreters for the deaf licensed under this Act shall be subject to the provisions concerning privileged communications between interpreters for the deaf and hard of hearing and consumers set forth in Section 8-912 of the Code of Civil Procedure.

Section 70. Provisional licensure. The Commission may, at its discretion, issue a provisional license to an applicant who has not met all of the requirements for full licensure under this Act, but has met the requirements for provisional licensure as established by the Commission.

Provisional licenses must be renewed as set by rule and shall not be renewed for a period exceeding 2 years. If, at the end of 2 years, a provisional licensee still does not meet the requirements for full licensure under this Act, he or she shall be unable to practice interpreting under this Act until granted a license by the Commission.

Section 75. Expiration, renewal, and restoration of license.

(a) The expiration date and renewal period for each license issued under this Act shall be determined by the Commission and set by rule. Every holder of a license under this Act may renew his or her license during the 60-day period preceding the expiration date thereof upon payment of the required renewal fees.

(b) Any person who has permitted his or her license to expire or who has had his or her license placed on inactive status may have his or her license restored by making application to the Commission and filing proof acceptable to the Commission, as defined by the Commission by rule, of his or her fitness to have the license restored, if applicable, including evidence attesting to active practice in another jurisdiction satisfactory to the Commission and by paying the required restoration fee.

(c) If an interpreter for the deaf has not maintained an active practice in another jurisdiction satisfactory to the Commission, the Commission shall determine his or her fitness to resume active status and may require satisfactory evaluation of skills.

(d) Any interpreter for the deaf whose license expires while he or she is (i) in federal service on active duty with the Armed Forces of the United States, or the State Militia called into service or training, or (ii) in training or education under the supervision of the United States preliminary to induction into the military service, may have his or her license renewed or restored without paying any lapsed renewal fees if, within 2 years after honorable termination of such service, training, or education, and he or she furnishes the Commission with satisfactory evidence to the effect that he or she has been so engaged.

(e) Any licensee who practices interpreting while his or her license is expired shall be considered to be practicing without a license, which constitutes grounds for discipline under this Act.

Section 80. Inactive status.

(a) Any interpreter for the deaf who notifies the Commission, on forms prescribed by the Commission, may place his or her license on inactive status and shall be exempt from payment of renewal fees until he or she notifies the Commission, in writing, of the intention to restore his or her license, pays the current renewal fee, and demonstrates compliance with any requisite continuing education.

(b) Any interpreter for the deaf requesting restoration from inactive status must pay the current renewal fee and restore his or her license as provided in Section 75 of this Act.

(c) Any interpreter for the deaf whose license is placed on inactive status shall not practice in this State. Any licensee who practices interpreting while his or her license is placed on inactive status shall be considered to be practicing without a license, which constitutes grounds for discipline under this Act.

Section 85. Continuing education. The Commission may adopt rules of continuing education for persons licensed under this Act. These rules shall be consistent with the requirements of relevant professional associations and training programs and address variances for illness or hardship. In establishing these rules, the Commission may consider continuing education requirements as a condition of membership in organizations in order to assure that licensees are given the opportunity to participate in those programs sponsored by or through the professional associations or interpreter training programs that are relevant to their practice.

The Commission shall establish by rule a means for verifying the completion of the continuing education required by this Section. This verification may be accomplished through audits of records maintained by licensees, the filing of continuing education certificates with the Commission, or any other means established by the Commission.

Section 90. Roster. The Commission shall maintain a list of licensed interpreters for the deaf authorized to practice in the State. The list shall show the name of every licensee, type of certification, county, areas of specialty, and a form of contact. This list shall be available for public distribution upon request and payment of the required fee.

The Commission shall maintain rosters of the names of all persons whose licenses have been suspended, revoked, or denied renewal for cause within the previous calendar year. This list shall be available for public distribution upon request and payment of the required fee.

Section 95. Fees. The Commission may charge fees for the administration and enforcement of this Act, including, but not limited to, application, administration of an examination or evaluation, licensure renewal and restoration, and provision of duplicate licenses. The fees shall be in an amount sufficient to cover the cost of the licensure program and shall be set by rule.

Section 100. Checks or order dishonored. Any person who delivers a check or other payment to the Commission that is returned to the Commission unpaid by the financial institution upon which it is drawn shall pay to the Commission, in addition to the amount already owed to the Commission, a fine of $50. If the check or other payment was for a renewal or issuance fee and that person practices without paying the renewal fee or issuance fee and the fine due, an additional fine of $100 shall be imposed. The fines imposed by this Section are in addition to any other discipline provided under this Act for unlicensed practice or practice on a nonrenewed license. The Commission shall notify the person that payment of fees and fines shall be paid to the Commission by certified check or money order within 30 calendar days after the notification. If, after the expiration of 30 days from the date of the notification, the person has failed to submit the necessary remittance, the Commission shall automatically terminate the license or deny the application, without hearing. If, after termination or denial, the person seeks a license, he or she shall apply to the Commission for restoration or issuance of the license and pay all fees and fines due to the Commission. The Commission may establish a fee for the processing of an application for restoration of a license to pay all expenses of processing the application. The Director may waive the fines due under this Section in individual cases where the Director finds that the fines would be unreasonable or unnecessarily burdensome.

Section 105. Interpreters for the Deaf Fund. The moneys received as fees and fines by the Commission under this Act shall be deposited in the Interpreters for the Deaf Fund, which is hereby created as a special fund in the State treasury, and shall be used only for the administration and enforcement of this Act, including (i) for costs directly related to the regulating of persons under this Act, (ii) by the Board and Commission in the exercise of its powers and performance of its duties, and (iii) for direct and allocable indirect cost related to the public purposes of the Commission. All moneys deposited in the Fund shall be appropriated to the Commission for expenses of the Commission and the Board in the administration and enforcement of this Act. Moneys in the Fund may be invested and reinvested, with all earnings deposited in the Fund and used for the purposes set forth in this Act. The Fund shall comply with the Illinois State Auditing Act.

Section 110. Grounds for disciplinary action.

(a) The Commission may refuse to issue, refuse to renew, suspend, or revoke any license, or may place on probation, censure, reprimand, or take other disciplinary action deemed appropriate by the Commission, including the imposition of administrative fines not to exceed $2,500 for each violation, with regard to any license issued under the provisions of this Act for any one or more of the following reasons:

(1) Material deception in furnishing information to the Commission.

(2) Violations or negligent or intentional disregard of any provision of this Act or its rules.

(3) Conviction of any crime under the laws of any jurisdiction of the United States that is a felony or a misdemeanor, an essential element of which is dishonesty, or of any crime that is directly related to the practice of the profession.

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

(5) Knowingly aiding or assisting another person in violating any provision of this Act or rules adopted thereunder.

(6) Failing, within 60 days, to provide a response to a request for information in response to a written request made by the Commission by certified mail.

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

(8) Conviction for the unlawful sale or distribution of any drug, narcotic, or prescription device, or unlawful conversion of any drug, narcotic, or prescription device.

(9) Being under the influence or habitual use of or addiction to alcohol, narcotics, stimulants, or any other chemical agent or drug, which results in a licensee's inability to practice with reasonable judgment, skill, or safety.

(10) Discipline by another jurisdiction or foreign nation, if at least one of the grounds for the discipline is the same or substantially equivalent to those set forth in this Section.

(11) A finding that the licensee, after having his or her license placed on probationary status, has violated the terms of probation.

(12) Being named as a perpetrator in an indicated report by the Department of Children and Family Services and 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.

(13) Gross negligence in the practice of interpreting.

(14) Holding oneself out to be a practicing interpreter for the deaf under any name other than one's own.

(15) Fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation in applying for or procuring a license under this Act or in connection with applying for renewal of a license under this Act.

(16) Allowing another person or organization to use the licensee's license to deceive the public.

(17) Attempting to subvert or cheat on an interpreter-related examination or evaluation.

(18) Immoral conduct in the commission of an act, such as sexual abuse, sexual misconduct, or sexual exploitation, related to the licensee's practice.

(19) Willfully or negligently violating the confidentiality between an interpreter and client, except as required by law.

(20) Practicing or attempting to practice interpreting under a name other than the name listed on the license.

(21) The use of any false, fraudulent, or deceptive statement in any document connected with the licensee's practice.

(22) Failure of a licensee to report to the Commission any adverse final action taken against him or her by another licensing jurisdiction, any peer review body, any professional deaf or hard of hearing interpreting association, any governmental Commission, by law enforcement Commission, or any court for a deaf or hard of hearing interpreting liability claim related to acts or conduct similar to acts or conduct that would constitute grounds for action as provided in this Section.

(23) Failure of a licensee to report to the Commission surrender by the licensee of his or her license or authorization to practice interpreting in another state or jurisdiction or current surrender by the licensee of membership in any deaf or hard of hearing interpreting association or society while under disciplinary investigation by any of those authorities or bodies for acts or conduct similar to acts or conduct that would constitute grounds for action as provided by this Section.

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

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

(c) The Commission may refuse to issue or may suspend the license of any person who fails to file a return, to pay the tax, penalty, or interest shown in a filed return, or to pay any final assessment of 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.

(d) In enforcing this Section, the Commission, upon a showing of a possible violation, may compel an individual licensed 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 Commission. The Commission 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 Commission shall specifically designate the examining physicians. 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. Failure of an 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 Commission finds, after notice and hearing, that the refusal to submit to the examination was without reasonable cause.

If the Commission finds an individual unable to practice because of the reasons set forth in this subsection (d), the Commission may require that individual to submit to care, counseling, or treatment by physicians approved or designated by the Commission as a condition, term, or restriction for continued, reinstated, or renewed licensure to practice or, in lieu of care, counseling, or treatment, the Commission may 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 Director for a determination as to whether the individual shall have his or her license suspended immediately, pending a hearing by the Commission.

In instances in which the Director immediately suspends a person's license under this subsection (d), a hearing on that person's license must be convened by the Commission within 15 days after the suspension and completed without appreciable delay. The Commission shall have the authority to review the subject individual's record of treatment and counseling regarding the impairment to the extent permitted by applicable State and federal statutes and regulations safeguarding the confidentiality of medical records.

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

Section 115. Violations; injunction; cease and desist order.

(a) If any person violates the provisions of this Act, the Director may, in the name of the People of the State of Illinois, through the Attorney General, petition for an order enjoining the violation or for an order enforcing compliance with this Act. Upon the filing of a verified petition, the court with appropriate jurisdiction may issue a temporary restraining order without notice or bond, and may preliminarily and permanently enjoin the violation. If it is established that the person has violated or is violating the injunction, the court may punish the offender for contempt of court. Proceedings under this Section are in addition to all other remedies and penalties provided by this Act.

(b) If any person holds himself or herself out as being a licensed interpreter for the deaf under this Act and is not licensed to do so, then any licensed interpreter for the deaf, interested party, or any person injured thereby may petition for relief as provided in subsection (a) of this Section.

(c) Whenever, in the opinion of the Commission, a person violates any provision of this Act, the Commission may issue an order to show cause why an order to cease and desist should not be entered against that person. The order shall clearly set forth the grounds relied upon by the Commission and shall allow at least 7 days from the date of the order to file an answer satisfactory to the Commission. Failure to answer to the satisfaction of the Commission shall cause an order to cease and desist to be issued.

Section 120. Investigations; notice and hearing. The Commission may investigate the actions of any applicant or any person holding or claiming to hold a license under this Act. The Commission shall, before revoking, suspending, placing on probation, reprimanding, or taking any other disciplinary action under Section 110 of this Act, at least 30 days prior to the date set for the hearing, (i) notify the accused, in writing, of any charges made and the time and place for the hearing, (ii) direct him or her to file a written answer to the charges with the Commission under oath within 20 days after the service on him or her of the notice, and (iii) inform the accused that, if he or she fails to answer, default will be taken against him or her or that his or her license may be suspended, revoked, placed on probationary status, or other disciplinary action taken with regard to the license, including limiting the scope, nature, or extent of his or her practice, as the Commission may deem proper. In case the person, after receiving notice, fails to file an answer, his or her license may, in the discretion of the Commission, be suspended, revoked, placed on probationary status, or the Commission 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 Director shall proceed to hear the charges and the parties or their counsel shall be accorded ample opportunity to represent such statements, testimony, evidence, and argument as may be pertinent to the charges or to their defense. The Director may continue the hearing from time to time.

Section 125. Disposition by consent order. Disposition may be made of any charge by consent order between the Commission and the licensee. The Board shall be apprised of the consent order at its next meeting.

Section 130. Record of proceedings; transcript. The Commission, at its expense, shall preserve a record of all proceedings at any formal hearing of any case. 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, the report of the hearing officer, and the orders of the Commission shall be the record of the proceedings.

Section 135. Subpoenas; depositions; oaths. The Commission shall have power to subpoena and bring before it any person 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 courts in this State. The Director, the designated hearing officer, and any member of the Board shall each have power to administer oaths to witnesses at any hearings which the Commission is authorized to conduct and any other oaths authorized in the Act.

Section 140. Compelling testimony. Any circuit court, upon the application of the Commission, designated hearing officer, applicant, or licensee against whom proceedings under Section 110 of the Act are pending, may enter an order requiring the attendance of witnesses and their testimony and the production of documents, papers, files, books, and records in connection with any hearing or investigation. The court may compel obedience to its order by proceedings for contempt.

Section 145. Findings and recommendations. At the conclusion of the hearing, the Board shall present to the Director a written report of its findings of fact, conclusions of law, and recommendations. The report shall contain a finding of whether the licensee violated this Act or failed to comply with the conditions required in this Act. The Board shall specify the nature of the violation or failure to comply, and shall make its recommendations to the Director. The report of findings of fact, conclusions of law, and recommendation of the Board shall be the basis for the Commission's order for refusal or for the granting of the license. If the Director disagrees with the recommendations of the Board, the Director may issue an order in contravention of the Board recommendations. The Director shall provide a written report to the Board on any disagreement and shall specify the reasons for the action in the final order. The finding is not admissible in evidence against the person in a criminal prosecution brought for the violation of this Act, but the hearing and findings is not a bar to a criminal prosecution brought for the violation of this Act.

Section 150. Appointment of hearing officer. The Director shall have the authority to appoint any attorney duly licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois to serve as the hearing officer in any action for discipline of a license. The hearing officer shall have full authority to conduct the hearing. The hearing officer shall report his or her findings of fact, conclusions of law, and recommendations to the Board and the Director. The Board shall have 60 days after receipt of the report to review the report of the hearing officer and to present its findings of fact, conclusions of law and recommendations to the Director. If the Board fails to present its report within the 60-day period, the Director may issue an order based on the report of the hearing officer.

Section 155. Board; rehearing. At the conclusion of the hearing, a copy of the Board's report shall be served upon the applicant or licensee by the Commission, either personally or as provided in this Act for the service of the notice of hearing. Within 20 days after such service, the applicant or licensee may present to the Commission a motion in writing for a rehearing, which shall specify the particular grounds for rehearing. If no motion for a rehearing is filed, then upon the expiration of the time specified for filing such a motion, or if a motion for rehearing is denied, then upon such denial, the Director may enter an order in accordance with recommendations of the Board, except as provided in Section 170 of this Act. If the applicant or licensee requests and pays for a transcript of the record within the time for filing a motion for rehearing, the 20-day period within which a motion may be filed shall commence upon the delivery of the transcript to the applicant or licensee.

Section 160. Director; rehearing. Whenever the Director believes justice has not been done in the revocation, suspension, or refusal to issue or renew a license or the discipline of a licensee, he or she may order a rehearing.

Section 165. Order or certified copy; prima facie proof. An order of revocation, suspension, placing the license on probationary status, or other formal disciplinary action as the Commission may deem proper, or a certified copy thereof, over the seal of the Commission and purporting to be signed by the Director, is prima facie proof that:

(1) the signature is the genuine signature of the Director;

(2) the Director is duly appointed and qualified; and

(3) the Board and the members thereof are qualified to act.

Section 170. Restoration of suspended or revoked license. At any time after the suspension or revocation of any license, the Commission may restore it to the licensee upon the written recommendation of the Board, unless after an investigation and hearing the Board determines that restoration is not in the public interest.

Section 175. Surrender of license. Upon the revocation or suspension of a license, the licensee shall immediately surrender his or her license to the Commission. If the licensee fails to do so, the Commission has the right to seize the license.

Section 180. Summary suspension of license. The Director may summarily suspend the license of an interpreter for the deaf without a hearing, simultaneously with the institution of proceedings for a hearing provided for in Section 110 of this Act, if the Director finds that evidence in the possession of the Director indicates that the continuation of practice by the interpreter for the deaf would constitute an imminent danger to the public. In the event that the Director summarily suspends the license of an individual without a hearing, a hearing must be held within 30 days after the suspension has occurred.

Section 185. Administrative review; venue.

(a) All final administrative decisions of the Commission are subject to judicial review pursuant to the Administrative Review Law and its rules. The term "administrative decision" is defined as in Section 3-101 of the Code of Civil Procedure.

(b) Proceedings for judicial review shall be commenced in the circuit court of the county in which the party applying for review resides, but if the party is not a resident of Illinois, the venue shall be in Sangamon County.

Section 190. Certification of record; costs. The Commission 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 there is filed in the court, with the complaint, a receipt from the Commission acknowledging payment of the costs of furnishing and certifying the record. Failure on the part of the plaintiff to file the receipt in court is grounds for dismissal of the action.

Section 195. Offenses and punishment. Unless otherwise specified, any person found to have violated any provision of this Act is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.

Section 200. Administrative Procedure Act. The Illinois Administrative Procedure Act is hereby expressly adopted and incorporated in this Act as if all of the provisions of such Act were included in this Act.

Section 205. Home rule. The regulation and licensing of the practice of interpreting are exclusive powers and functions of the State. A home rule unit may not regulate or license interpreters for the deaf. This Section is a denial and limitation of home rule powers and functions under subsection (h) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution.

Section 210. Savings provision.

(a) This Act is intended to replace the Interpreters for the Deaf Act in all respects.

(b) Beginning on January 1, 2009, the rights, powers, and duties exercised by the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission under the Interpreters for the Deaf Act shall continue to be vested in, be the obligation of, and shall be exercised by the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission under the provisions of this Act.

(c) This Act does not affect any act done, ratified, or cancelled, or any right occurring or established, or any action or proceeding had or commenced in an administrative, civil, or criminal cause before the effective date of this Act, by the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission under the Interpreters for the Deaf Act, and those actions or proceedings may be prosecuted and continued by the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission under this Act.

(d) The rules adopted by the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission relating to the Interpreters for the Deaf Act, unless inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, are not affected by this Act, and on the effective date of this Act, those rules become the rules under this Act. The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission shall, as soon as practicable, adopt new or amended rules consistent with the provisions of this Act.

Section 900. Severability. The provisions of this Act are severable under Section 1.31 of the Statute on Statutes.

Section 905. The Regulatory Sunset Act is amended by adding Sections 4.19b and 4.28 as follows:

(5 ILCS 80/4.19b new)

Sec. 4.19b. Act repealed on January 1, 2009. The following Act is repealed on January 1, 2009:

The Interpreters for the Deaf Act.

(5 ILCS 80/4.28 new)

Sec. 4.28. Act repealed on January 1, 2018. The following Act is repealed on January 1, 2018:

The Interpreter for the Deaf Licensure Act of 2007.

Section 910. The State Finance Act is amended by adding Section 5.675 as follows:

(30 ILCS 105/5.675 new)

Sec. 5.675. The Interpreters for the Deaf Fund.

Section 915. The Code of Civil Procedure is amended by changing Section 8-911 and by adding Section 8-912 as follows:

(735 ILCS 5/8-911) (from Ch. 110, par. 8-911)

Sec. 8-911. Language interpreter's Interpreter's privilege.

(a) A "language interpreter" An "interpreter" is a person who aids a communication when at least one party to the communication has a hearing or speaking impairment or a language difficulty.

(b) If a communication is otherwise privileged, that underlying privilege is not waived because of the presence of the language interpreter.

(c) The language interpreter shall not disclose the communication without the express consent of the person who has the right to claim the underlying privilege.

(Source: P.A. 87-409.)

(735 ILCS 5/8-912 new)

Sec. 8-912. Interpreter for the deaf and hard of hearing's privilege.

(a) An "interpreter for the deaf and hard of hearing" is a person who aids a communication when at least one party to the communication has a hearing loss.

(b) An interpreter for the deaf and hard of hearing who interprets a conversation between a hearing person and a deaf person is deemed a conduit for the conversation and may not disclose or be compelled to disclose by subpoena the contents of the conversation that he or she facilitated without the written consent of all persons involved who received his or her professional services.

(c) All communications that are recognized by law as privileged shall remain privileged even in cases where an interpreter for the deaf and hard of hearing is utilized to facilitate such communications.

(d) Communications may be voluntarily disclosed under the following circumstances:

(1) the formal reporting, conferring, or consulting with administrative superiors, colleagues, or consultants who share similar professional responsibility, in which instance all recipients of such information are similarly bound to regard the communication as privileged;

(2) a person waives the privilege by bringing any public charges against an interpreter for the deaf and hard of hearing, including a person licensed under the Interpreter for the Deaf Licensure Act of 2007; and

(3) a communication reveals the intended commission of a crime or harmful act and such disclosure is judged necessary by the interpreter for the deaf and hard of hearing to protect any person from a clear, imminent risk of serious mental or physical harm or injury or to forestall a serious threat to public safety.

(e) Nothing in this Section shall be construed to prohibit a person licensed under the Interpreter for the Deaf Licensure Act of 2007 from voluntarily testifying in court hearings concerning matters of adoption, child abuse, child neglect, or other matters pertaining to children, except as provided under the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act.

Section 920. The Good Samaritan Act is amended by adding Section 63 as follows:

(745 ILCS 49/63 new)

Sec. 63. Sign language interpreters; exemption from civil liability for emergency assistance. Any person who in good faith and without compensation provides sign language interpreting services to a person in an emergency shall not be liable for civil damages as a result of his or her acts or omissions, except for willful or wanton misconduct on the part of the person in providing the services.

Section 999. Effective date. This Act takes effect July 1, 2007.