(225 ILCS 20/1) (from Ch. 111, par. 6351)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)

Sec. 1. Declaration of public policy. The purpose of this Act is to protect and to benefit the public by setting standards of qualifications, education, training and experience for those who seek to engage in the independent practice of clinical social work and in the practice of social work and to promote high standards of professional performance for those engaged in the independent practice of clinical social work and in the practice of social work in the State of Illinois. Such practice is hereby declared to affect the public health, safety and welfare and should be subject to regulation in the public interest.

(Source: P.A. 85-1131.)

(225 ILCS 20/2) (from Ch. 111, par. 6352)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)

Sec. 2. Short title. This Act may be cited as the Clinical Social Work and Social Work Practice Act.

(Source: P.A. 85-1131; 86-1475.)

(225 ILCS 20/3) (from Ch. 111, par. 6353)

(Text of Section before amendment by P.A. 103-1048)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)

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

1. "Department" means the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.

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

3. "Board" means the Social Work Examining and Disciplinary Board.

4. "Licensed Clinical Social Worker" means a person who holds a license authorizing the independent practice of clinical social work in Illinois under the auspices of an employer or in private practice or under the auspices of public human service agencies or private, nonprofit agencies providing publicly sponsored human services.

5. "Clinical social work practice" means the providing of mental health services for the evaluation, treatment, and prevention of mental and emotional disorders in individuals, families, and groups based on knowledge and theory of professionally accepted theoretical structures, including, but not limited to, psychosocial development, behavior, psychopathology, unconscious motivation, interpersonal relationships, and environmental stress.

6. "Treatment procedures" means among other things, individual, marital, family, and group psychotherapy.

7. "Independent practice of clinical social work" means the application of clinical social work knowledge and skills by a licensed clinical social worker who regulates and is responsible for her or his own practice or treatment procedures.

8. "License" means that which is required to practice clinical social work or social work under this Act, the qualifications for which include specific education, acceptable experience, and examination requirements.

9. "Licensed social worker" means a person who holds a license authorizing the practice of social work, which includes social services to individuals, groups or communities in any one or more of the fields of social casework, social group work, community organization for social welfare, social work research, social welfare administration, or social work education. Social casework and social group work may also include clinical social work, as long as it is not conducted in an independent practice, as defined in this Section.

10. "Address of record" means the address recorded by the Department in the applicant's application file or the licensee's license file, as maintained by the Department's licensure maintenance unit.

11. "Email address of record" means the designated email address recorded by the Department in the applicant's application file or the licensee's license file, as maintained by the Department's licensure maintenance unit.

(Source: P.A. 100-201, eff. 8-18-17; 100-414, eff. 8-25-17.)

(Text of Section after amendment by P.A. 103-1048)

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

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

1. "Department" means the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.

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

3. "Board" means the Social Work Examining and Disciplinary Board.

4. "Licensed Clinical Social Worker" means a person who holds a license authorizing the independent practice of clinical social work in Illinois under the auspices of an employer or in private practice or under the auspices of public human service agencies or private, nonprofit agencies providing publicly sponsored human services.

5. "Clinical social work practice" means the providing of mental health services for the evaluation, treatment, and prevention of mental and emotional disorders in individuals, families, and groups based on knowledge and theory of professionally accepted theoretical structures, including, but not limited to, psychosocial development, behavior, psychopathology, unconscious motivation, interpersonal relationships, and environmental stress.

6. "Treatment procedures" means among other things, individual, marital, family, and group psychotherapy.

7. "Independent practice of clinical social work" means the application of clinical social work knowledge and skills by a licensed clinical social worker who regulates and the licensed clinical social worker is responsible for the licensed clinical social worker's own practice or treatment procedures.

8. "License" means that which is required to practice clinical social work or social work under this Act, the qualifications for which include specific education, acceptable experience, and examination requirements.

9. "Licensed social worker" means a person who holds a license authorizing the practice of social work, which includes social services to individuals, groups or communities in any one or more of the fields of social casework, social group work, community organization for social welfare, social work research, social welfare administration, or social work education. Social casework and social group work may also include clinical social work, as long as it is not conducted in an independent practice, as defined in this Section.

10. "Address of record" means the address recorded by the Department in the applicant's application file or the licensee's license file, as maintained by the Department's licensure maintenance unit.

11. "Email address of record" means the designated email address recorded by the Department in the applicant's application file or the licensee's license file, as maintained by the Department's licensure maintenance unit.

(Source: P.A. 103-1048, eff. 1-1-25.)

(225 ILCS 20/4) (from Ch. 111, par. 6354)

(Text of Section before amendment by P.A. 103-1048)

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

Sec. 4. Exemptions.

1. This Act does not prohibit any of the following:

(a) Any persons legally regulated in this State under any other Act from engaging in the practice for which they are authorized, provided that they do not represent themselves by any title as being engaged in the independent practice of clinical social work or the practice of social work as defined in this Act, nor does it prohibit the practice of nonregulated professions whose practitioners are engaged in the delivery of human services, provided such practitioners do not represent themselves as or use the title of clinical social worker or social worker.

(b) The practice of clinical social work or social work by a person who is employed by the United States government or by the State of Illinois, unit of local government or any bureau, division or agency thereof while in the discharge of the employee's official duties. Clinical social workers employed by the State of Illinois who are hired after the effective date of this amendatory Act of 1994 shall hold a valid license, issued by this State, to practice as a licensed clinical social worker, except for those clinical social workers employed by the State who obtain their positions through promotion.

(c) The practice of a student pursuing a course of professional education under the terms of this Act, if these activities and services constitute a part of such student's supervised course of study.

(d) A person from practicing social work if the person is obtaining experience for licensure as a clinical social worker or social worker, provided the person is designated by a title that clearly indicates training status.

(e) A person, who is not a resident of this State, from performing social work via telehealth in this State for a nonresident of this State for not more than 5 days in any one month or more than 15 days in any one calendar year, had a previous established therapeutic relationship with the nonresident, and the person is authorized to perform such services under the laws of the state or country in which the person resides.

(f) A person, who is not a resident of this State, from performing social work via telehealth in this State for a nonresident of this State currently attending a university or college in this State, had a previous established therapeutic relationship with the nonresident, and the person is authorized to perform such services under the laws of the state or country in which the person resides.

2. Nothing in this Act shall be construed to apply to any person engaged in the bona fide practice of religious ministry provided the person does not hold himself out to be engaged in the independent practice of clinical social work or the practice of social work.

3. This Act does not prohibit a person serving as a volunteer so long as no representation prohibited by this Section is made.

4. Nothing contained in this Act shall be construed to require any hospital, clinic, home health agency, hospice, or other entity which provides health care to employ or to contract with a licensed clinical social worker to provide clinical social work practice or the independent practice of clinical social work as described in this Act.

(Source: P.A. 102-785, eff. 1-1-23.)

(Text of Section after amendment by P.A. 103-1048)

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

Sec. 4. Exemptions.

1. This Act does not prohibit any of the following:

(a) Any persons legally regulated in this State under any other Act from engaging in the practice for which they are authorized, provided that they do not represent themselves by any title as being engaged in the independent practice of clinical social work or the practice of social work as defined in this Act, nor does it prohibit the practice of nonregulated professions whose practitioners are engaged in the delivery of human services, provided such practitioners do not represent themselves as or use the title of clinical social worker or social worker.

(b) The practice of clinical social work or social work by a person who is employed by the United States government or by the State of Illinois, unit of local government or any bureau, division or agency thereof while in the discharge of the employee's official duties. Clinical social workers employed by the State of Illinois who are hired after the effective date of this amendatory Act of 1994 shall hold a valid license, issued by this State, to practice as a licensed clinical social worker, except for those clinical social workers employed by the State who obtain their positions through promotion.

(c) The practice of a student pursuing a course of professional education under the terms of this Act, if these activities and services constitute a part of such student's supervised course of study.

(d) A person from practicing social work if the person is obtaining experience for licensure as a clinical social worker or social worker, provided the person is designated by a title that clearly indicates training status.

(e) A person, who is not a resident of this State, from performing social work via telehealth in this State for a nonresident of this State for not more than 5 days in any one month or more than 15 days in any one calendar year, had a previous established therapeutic relationship with the nonresident, and the person is authorized to perform such services under the laws of the state or country in which the person resides.

(f) A person, who is not a resident of this State, from performing social work via telehealth in this State for a nonresident of this State currently attending a university or college in this State, had a previous established therapeutic relationship with the nonresident, and the person is authorized to perform such services under the laws of the state or country in which the person resides.

2. Nothing in this Act shall be construed to apply to any person engaged in the bona fide practice of religious ministry provided the person does not claim to be engaged in the independent practice of clinical social work or the practice of social work.

3. This Act does not prohibit a person serving as a volunteer so long as no representation prohibited by this Section is made.

4. Nothing contained in this Act shall be construed to require any hospital, clinic, home health agency, hospice, or other entity which provides health care to employ or to contract with a licensed clinical social worker to provide clinical social work practice or the independent practice of clinical social work as described in this Act.

(Source: P.A. 102-785, eff. 1-1-23; 103-1048, eff. 1-1-25.)

(225 ILCS 20/4.5)

(This Section may contain text from a Public Act with a delayed effective date)

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

Sec. 4.5. Opioid antagonists.

(a) A licensed clinical social worker or licensed social worker may possess and administer opioid antagonists in the licensed clinical social worker's or licensed social worker's professional capacity.

(b) If a person employs a licensed clinical social worker or licensed social worker and the licensed clinical social worker or licensed social worker possess an opioid antagonist in a professional capacity, then the employer must:

(1) provide training in the administration of opioid antagonists; and

(2) establish a policy to control the acquisition, storage, transportation, and administration of opioid antagonists.

(Source: P.A. 103-1048, eff. 1-1-25.)

(225 ILCS 20/5) (from Ch. 111, par. 6355)

(Text of Section before amendment by P.A. 103-715)

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

Sec. 5. Powers and duties of the Department. Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Department shall exercise the following functions, powers, and duties:

(1) Conduct or authorize examinations or examination alternatives to ascertain the qualifications and fitness of candidates for a license to engage in the independent practice of clinical social work, pass upon the qualifications of applicants for licenses, and issue licenses to those who are found to be fit and qualified.

(2) Adopt rules required for the administration and enforcement of this Act.

(3) Adopt rules for determining approved undergraduate and graduate social work degree programs and prepare and maintain a list of colleges and universities offering such approved programs whose graduates, if they otherwise meet the requirements of this Act, are eligible to apply for a license.

(4) Prescribe forms to be issued for the administration and enforcement of this Act consistent with and reflecting the requirements of this Act and rules adopted pursuant to this Act.

(5) Conduct investigations related to possible violations of this Act.

(6) Maintain rosters of the names and addresses of all persons who hold valid licenses under this Act. These rosters shall be available upon written request and payment of the required fee.

(Source: P.A. 102-326, eff. 1-1-22; 103-433, eff. 1-1-24.)

(Text of Section after amendment by P.A. 103-715)

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

Sec. 5. Powers and duties of the Department. Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Department shall exercise the following functions, powers, and duties:

(1) Conduct or authorize examinations or examination alternatives to ascertain the qualifications and fitness of candidates for a license to engage in the independent practice of clinical social work, pass upon the qualifications of applicants for licenses, and issue licenses to those who are found to be fit and qualified. All examinations, either conducted or authorized, must allow reasonable accommodations for applicants for whom English is not their primary language and a test in their primary language is not available. Further, all examinations either conducted or authorized must comply with all communication access and reasonable modification requirements in Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

(2) Adopt rules required for the administration and enforcement of this Act.

(3) Adopt rules for determining approved undergraduate and graduate social work degree programs and prepare and maintain a list of colleges and universities offering such approved programs whose graduates, if they otherwise meet the requirements of this Act, are eligible to apply for a license.

(4) Prescribe forms to be issued for the administration and enforcement of this Act consistent with and reflecting the requirements of this Act and rules adopted pursuant to this Act.

(5) Conduct investigations related to possible violations of this Act.

(6) Maintain rosters of the names and addresses of all persons who hold valid licenses under this Act. These rosters shall be available upon written request and payment of the required fee.

(Source: P.A. 102-326, eff. 1-1-22; 103-433, eff. 1-1-24; 103-715, eff. 1-1-25.)

(225 ILCS 20/6) (from Ch. 111, par. 6356)

(Text of Section before amendment by P.A. 103-1048)

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

Sec. 6. Social Work Examining and Disciplinary Board.

(1) The Secretary shall appoint a Social Work Examining and Disciplinary Board consisting of 9 persons who shall serve in an advisory capacity to the Secretary. The Board shall be composed of 6 licensed clinical social workers, one of whom shall be employed in a public human service agency, one of whom shall be a certified school social worker, one of whom shall be employed in the private not-for-profit sector and one of whom shall serve as the chairperson, 2 licensed social workers, and one member of the public who is not regulated under this Act or a similar Act and who clearly represents consumer interests.

(2) Members shall serve for a term of 4 years each, except that any person chosen to fill a vacancy shall be appointed only for the unexpired term of the Board member whom he or she shall succeed. Upon the expiration of this term of office, a Board member shall continue to serve until a successor is appointed and qualified. No member shall serve more than 2 consecutive 4-year terms.

(3) The membership of the Board should represent racial and cultural diversity and reasonably reflect representation from different geographic areas of Illinois.

(4) The Secretary may terminate the appointment of any member for cause.

(5) The Secretary may consider the recommendation of the Board on all matters and questions relating to this Act, such as: (i) matters relating to continuing education, including the number of hours necessary for license renewal, waivers for those unable to meet such requirements, and acceptable course content and (ii) rules for administration of this Act.

(6) (Blank).

(7) (Blank).

(8) The Board shall annually elect one of its members as chairperson and one as vice chairperson.

(9) Members of the Board shall be reimbursed for all legitimate, necessary, and authorized expenses.

(10) 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.

(11) Members of the Board shall have no liability in an action based upon a disciplinary proceeding or other activity performed in good faith as a member of the Board.

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

(Text of Section after amendment by P.A. 103-1048)

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

Sec. 6. Social Work Examining and Disciplinary Board.

(1) The Secretary shall appoint a Social Work Examining and Disciplinary Board consisting of 9 persons who shall serve in an advisory capacity to the Secretary. The Board shall be composed of 6 licensed clinical social workers, one of whom shall be employed in a public human service agency, one of whom shall be a certified school social worker, one of whom shall be employed in the private not-for-profit sector and one of whom shall serve as the chairperson, 2 licensed social workers, and one member of the public who is not regulated under this Act or a similar Act and who clearly represents consumer interests.

(2) Members shall serve for a term of 4 years each, except that any person chosen to fill a vacancy shall be appointed only for the unexpired term of the Board member whom the person shall succeed. Upon the expiration of this term of office, a Board member shall continue to serve until a successor is appointed and qualified. No member shall serve more than 2 consecutive 4-year terms.

(3) The membership of the Board should represent racial and cultural diversity and reasonably reflect representation from different geographic areas of Illinois.

(4) The Secretary may terminate the appointment of any member for cause.

(5) The Secretary may consider the recommendation of the Board on all matters and questions relating to this Act, such as: (i) matters relating to continuing education, including the number of hours necessary for license renewal, waivers for those unable to meet such requirements, and acceptable course content and (ii) rules for administration of this Act.

(6) (Blank).

(7) (Blank).

(8) The Board shall annually elect one of its members as chairperson and one as vice chairperson.

(9) Members of the Board shall be reimbursed for all legitimate, necessary, and authorized expenses.

(10) 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.

(11) Members of the Board shall have no liability in an action based upon a disciplinary proceeding or other activity performed in good faith as a member of the Board.

(Source: P.A. 103-1048, eff. 1-1-25.)

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

(Text of Section before amendment by P.A. 103-715)

(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, 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.)

(Text of Section after amendment by P.A. 103-715)

(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. 103-715, eff. 1-1-25.)

(225 ILCS 20/7.3)

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

Sec. 7.3. Address of record; email address of record. All applicants and licensees shall:

(1) provide a valid address and email address to the Department, which shall serve as the address of record and email address of record, respectively, at the time of application for licensure or renewal of a license; and

(2) inform the Department of any change of address of record or email address of record within 14 days after such change either through the Department's website or by contacting the Department's licensure maintenance unit.

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

(225 ILCS 20/7.5)

(Text of Section before amendment by P.A. 103-715)

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

Sec. 7.5. Social Security 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, 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.)

(Text of Section after amendment by P.A. 103-715)

(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. 103-715, eff. 1-1-25.)

(225 ILCS 20/8) (from Ch. 111, par. 6358)

(Text of Section before amendment by P.A. 103-708)

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

Sec. 8. Examination.

(1) The Department shall authorize examinations of applicants at such times and places as it may determine. Each examination shall be of a character to fairly test the competence and qualifications of the applicants to practice as a licensed clinical social worker.

(2) Applicants for examination shall pay, either to the Department or to the designated testing service, a fee covering the cost of determining the applicant's eligibility and of providing the examination. Failure to appear for the examination on the scheduled date at the time and place specified after the applicant's application for examination has been received and acknowledged by the Department or the designated testing service shall result in forfeiture of the examination fee.

(3) (Blank).

(4) The Department may employ consultants for the purpose of preparing and conducting examinations.

(5) An applicant has one year from the date of notification of successful completion of the examination to apply to the Department for a license. If an applicant fails to apply within one year, the examination scores shall be void and the applicant shall be required to take and pass the examination again unless licensed in another jurisdiction of the United States within one year of passing the examination.

(6) (Blank).

(Source: P.A. 101-568, eff. 1-1-20; 102-326, eff. 1-1-22.)

(Text of Section after amendment by P.A. 103-708)

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

Sec. 8. Examination.

(1) The Department shall authorize examinations of applicants at such times and places as it may determine. Each examination shall be of a character to fairly test the competence and qualifications of the applicants to practice as a licensed clinical social worker.

(2) Applicants for examination shall pay, either to the Department or to the designated testing service, a fee covering the cost of determining the applicant's eligibility and of providing the examination. Failure to appear for the examination on the scheduled date at the time and place specified after the applicant's application for examination has been received and acknowledged by the Department or the designated testing service shall result in forfeiture of the examination fee.

(3) (Blank).

(4) The Department may employ consultants for the purpose of preparing and conducting examinations.

(5) (Blank).

(6) (Blank).

(7) The Department shall, upon good faith application and the submission of any required documentation and fees, approve all examination applications and notify the relevant testing authorities of the applicant's authorization to take the exam. Approval to take the examination is not approval of the application.

(Source: P.A. 102-326, eff. 1-1-22; 103-708, eff. 1-1-25.)

(225 ILCS 20/8.1) (from Ch. 111, par. 6358.1)

Sec. 8.1. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 86-1007. Repealed by P.A. 90-150, eff. 12-30-97.)

(225 ILCS 20/8.2)

(Text of Section before amendment by P.A. 103-1048)

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

Sec. 8.2. Examination alternative.

(a) An applicant who, on or after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 103rd General Assembly or within 5 years before the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 103rd General Assembly, has taken but has not successfully completed an examination to ascertain the qualifications and fitness of candidates for a license to engage in the independent practice of clinical social work may use an examination alternative to allow the Department to ascertain the qualifications and fitness of candidates for a license to engage in the independent practice of clinical social work.

(b) The examination alternative shall consist of at least 3,000 hours of supervised professional experience that is obtained within the 10 calendar years immediately preceding the date of application and after the degree is obtained as established by rule. If no supervision by a licensed clinical social worker is available, then supervised professional experience may include supervision by other appropriate disciplines as defined by rule.

(c) The examination alternative supervised professional experience shall be in addition to any other supervised clinical professional experience required for licensure.

(d) Beginning January 1, 2026, an applicant acquiring the examination alternative supervised professional experience must be a licensed social worker or licensed in this State for the practice of school social work prior to acquiring the supervised professional experience.

(Source: P.A. 103-433, eff. 1-1-24.)

(Text of Section after amendment by P.A. 103-1048)

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

Sec. 8.2. Examination alternative.

(a) An applicant who, on or after January 1, 2019, has taken but has not successfully completed an examination to ascertain the qualifications and fitness of candidates for a license to engage in the independent practice of clinical social work may use an examination alternative to allow the Department to ascertain the qualifications and fitness of candidates for a license to engage in the independent practice of clinical social work.

(b) The examination alternative shall consist of at least 3,000 hours of supervised professional experience that is obtained after the degree is obtained and between the time period starting 10 years before the date of application and ending 3 years after the date of application as established by rule. If no supervision by a licensed clinical social worker is available, then supervised professional experience may include supervision by other appropriate disciplines as defined by rule.

(c) The examination alternative supervised professional experience shall be in addition to any other supervised clinical professional experience required for licensure.

(d) Beginning January 1, 2026, an applicant acquiring the examination alternative supervised professional experience must be a licensed social worker or licensed in this State for the practice of school social work prior to acquiring the supervised professional experience.

(Source: P.A. 103-433, eff. 1-1-24; 103-1048, eff. 1-1-25.)

(225 ILCS 20/9) (from Ch. 111, par. 6359)

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

Sec. 9. Qualifications for clinical social worker license. A person shall be qualified to be licensed as a clinical social worker if that person:

(1) has applied in writing on the prescribed form;

(2) is of good moral character. In determining good moral character, the Department may take into consideration whether the applicant was engaged in conduct or actions that would constitute grounds for discipline under this Act;

(3)(a) demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Department that subsequent to securing a master's degree in social work from an approved program the applicant has successfully completed at least 3,000 hours of satisfactory, supervised clinical professional experience; or

(b) demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Department that such applicant has received a doctor's degree in social work from an approved program and has completed at least 2,000 hours of satisfactory, supervised clinical professional experience subsequent to the degree;

(4) has passed the examination for the practice of clinical social work as authorized by the Department or has completed the examination alternative set forth in Section 8.2; and

(5) has paid the required fees.

(Source: P.A. 103-433, eff. 1-1-24.)

(225 ILCS 20/9A) (from Ch. 111, par. 6359A)

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

Sec. 9A. Qualifications for license as licensed social worker. A person shall be qualified to be licensed as a licensed social worker if that person:

(1) has applied in writing on the prescribed form;

(2) is of good moral character, as defined in subsection (2) of Section 9;

(3)(a) has a degree from a graduate program of social work approved by the Department; or

(b) has a degree in social work from an undergraduate program approved by the Department and has successfully completed at least 3 years of supervised professional experience subsequent to obtaining the degree as established by rule. If no supervision by a licensed social worker or a licensed clinical social worker is available, then supervised professional experience may include supervision by other appropriate disciplines as defined by rule;

(4) (blank); and

(5) has paid the required fees.

(Source: P.A. 102-326, eff. 1-1-22.)

(225 ILCS 20/9.5)

Sec. 9.5. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 92-254, eff. 1-1-02. Repealed internally, eff. 1-1-05.)

(225 ILCS 20/10) (from Ch. 111, par. 6360)

(Text of Section before amendment by P.A. 103-1048)

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

Sec. 10. License restrictions and limitations.

(a) No person shall, without a currently valid license as a social worker issued by the Department: (i) in any manner hold himself or herself out to the public as a social worker under this Act; (ii) use the title "social worker" or "licensed social worker"; or (iii) offer to render social work services if the words "social work" or "licensed social worker" are used to describe the person offering to render or rendering the services or to describe the services rendered or offered to be rendered.

(b) No person shall, without a currently valid license as a clinical social worker issued by the Department: (i) in any manner hold himself or herself out to the public as a clinical social worker or licensed clinical social worker under this Act; (ii) use the title "clinical social worker" or "licensed clinical social worker"; or (iii) offer to render clinical social work services if the words "licensed clinical social worker" or "clinical social work" are used to describe the person to render or rendering the services or to describe the services rendered or offered to be rendered.

(c) Licensed social workers may not engage in independent practice of clinical social work without a clinical social worker license. In independent practice, a licensed social worker shall practice at all times under the order, control, and full professional responsibility of a licensed clinical social worker, a licensed clinical psychologist, a licensed clinical professional counselor, a licensed marriage and family therapist, or a psychiatrist, as defined in Section 1-121 of the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code.

(d) No business organization shall provide, attempt to provide, or offer to provide social work or clinical social work services unless every member, shareholder, partner, director, officer, holder of any other ownership interest, and employee who renders social work or clinical social work services holds a currently valid license issued under this Act. No business shall be created that (1) has a stated purpose that includes social work or clinical social work, or (2) provides, attempts to provide, or offers to provide social work or clinical social work services unless it is organized under the Professional Service Corporation Act, the Medical Corporation Act, or the Professional Limited Liability Company Act.

(e) Nothing in this Act shall preclude individuals licensed under this Act from practicing directly or indirectly for a physician licensed to practice medicine in all its branches under the Medical Practice Act of 1987 or for any legal entity as provided under subsection (c) of Section 22.2 of the Medical Practice Act of 1987.

(f) Nothing in this Act shall preclude individuals licensed under this Act from practicing directly or indirectly for any hospital licensed under the Hospital Licensing Act or any hospital affiliate as defined in Section 10.8 of the Hospital Licensing Act and any hospital authorized under the University of Illinois Hospital Act.

(Source: P.A. 99-227, eff. 8-3-15; 100-414, eff. 8-25-17.)

(Text of Section after amendment by P.A. 103-1048)

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

Sec. 10. License restrictions and limitations.

(a) No person shall, without a currently valid license as a social worker issued by the Department: (i) in any manner claim to be to the public as a social worker under this Act; (ii) use the title "social worker" or "licensed social worker"; or (iii) offer to render social work services if the words "social work" or "licensed social worker" are used to describe the person offering to render or rendering the services or to describe the services rendered or offered to be rendered.

(b) No person shall, without a currently valid license as a clinical social worker issued by the Department: (i) in any manner claim to be to the public as a clinical social worker or licensed clinical social worker under this Act; (ii) use the title "clinical social worker" or "licensed clinical social worker"; or (iii) offer to render clinical social work services if the words "licensed clinical social worker" or "clinical social work" are used to describe the person to render or rendering the services or to describe the services rendered or offered to be rendered.

(c) Licensed social workers may not engage in independent practice of clinical social work without a clinical social worker license. In independent practice, a licensed social worker shall practice at all times under the order, control, and full professional responsibility of a licensed clinical social worker, a licensed clinical psychologist, a licensed clinical professional counselor, a licensed marriage and family therapist, or a psychiatrist, as defined in Section 1-121 of the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code.

(d) No business organization shall provide, attempt to provide, or offer to provide social work or clinical social work services unless every member, shareholder, partner, director, officer, holder of any other ownership interest, and employee who renders social work or clinical social work services holds a currently valid license issued under this Act. No business shall be created that (1) has a stated purpose that includes social work or clinical social work, or (2) provides, attempts to provide, or offers to provide social work or clinical social work services unless it is organized under the Professional Service Corporation Act, the Medical Corporation Act, or the Professional Limited Liability Company Act.

(e) Nothing in this Act shall preclude individuals licensed under this Act from practicing directly or indirectly for a physician licensed to practice medicine in all its branches under the Medical Practice Act of 1987 or for any legal entity as provided under subsection (c) of Section 22.2 of the Medical Practice Act of 1987.

(f) Nothing in this Act shall preclude individuals licensed under this Act from practicing directly or indirectly for any hospital licensed under the Hospital Licensing Act or any hospital affiliate as defined in Section 10.8 of the Hospital Licensing Act and any hospital authorized under the University of Illinois Hospital Act.

(Source: P.A. 103-1048, eff. 1-1-25.)

(225 ILCS 20/10.5)

(Text of Section before amendment by P.A. 103-1048)

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

Sec. 10.5. Unlicensed practice; violation; civil penalty.

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

(b) The Department may investigate any actual, alleged, or suspected unlicensed activity.

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

(Source: P.A. 95-687, eff. 10-23-07.)

(Text of Section after amendment by P.A. 103-1048)

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

Sec. 10.5. Unlicensed practice; violation; civil penalty.

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

(b) The Department may investigate any actual, alleged, or suspected unlicensed activity.

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

(Source: P.A. 103-1048, eff. 1-1-25.)

(225 ILCS 20/11) (from Ch. 111, par. 6361)

(Text of Section before amendment by P.A. 103-1048)

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

Sec. 11. 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. The licensee may renew a license during the 60-day period preceding its expiration date by paying the required fee and by demonstrating compliance with any continuing education requirements. The Department shall adopt rules establishing minimum requirements of continuing education and means for verification of the completion of the continuing education requirements. The Department may, by rule, specify circumstances under which the continuing education requirements may be waived.

(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, as defined by rule, to have the license restored, including, if appropriate, evidence which is satisfactory to the Department certifying the active practice of clinical social work or social work in another jurisdiction and by paying the required fee.

(b-5) If the person has not maintained an active practice in another jurisdiction which is satisfactory to the Department, the Department shall determine the person's fitness to resume active status. The Department may also require the person to complete a specific period of evaluated clinical social work or social work experience and may require successful completion of an examination for clinical social workers.

(b-7) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, any person whose license expired while on active duty with the armed forces of the United States, while called into service or training with the State Militia or 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 renewal fees if, within 2 years after the honorable termination of that service, training or education, except under conditions other than honorable, the Department is furnished with satisfactory evidence that the person has been so engaged and that the service, training or education has been so terminated.

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

(d) (Blank).

(e) (Blank).

(f) (Blank).

(g) The Department shall indicate on each license the academic degree of the licensee.

(h) 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) and (b-5) are suspended for any licensed clinical social worker 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 fee or renewal fee. An individual may not restore his or her license in accordance with this subsection more than once.

(Source: P.A. 102-326, eff. 1-1-22; 102-1053, eff. 6-10-22.)

(Text of Section after amendment by P.A. 103-1048)

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

Sec. 11. 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. The licensee may renew a license during the 60-day period preceding its expiration date by paying the required fee and by demonstrating compliance with any continuing education requirements. The Department shall adopt rules establishing minimum requirements of continuing education and means for verification of the completion of the continuing education requirements. The Department may, by rule, specify circumstances under which the continuing education requirements may be waived.

(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, as defined by rule, to have the license restored, including, if appropriate, evidence which is satisfactory to the Department certifying the active practice of clinical social work or social work in another jurisdiction and by paying the required fee.

(b-5) If the person has not maintained an active practice in another jurisdiction which is satisfactory to the Department, the Department shall determine the person's fitness to resume active status. The Department may also require the person to complete a specific period of evaluated clinical social work or social work experience and may require successful completion of an examination for clinical social workers.

(b-7) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, any person whose license expired while on active duty with the armed forces of the United States, while called into service or training with the State Militia or in training or education under the supervision of the United States government prior to induction into the military service may have the person's license restored without paying any renewal fees if, within 2 years after the honorable termination of that service, training or education, except under conditions other than honorable, the Department is furnished with satisfactory evidence that the person has been so engaged and that the service, training or education has been so terminated.

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

(d) (Blank).

(e) (Blank).

(f) (Blank).

(g) The Department shall indicate on each license the academic degree of the licensee.

(h) 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) and (b-5) are suspended for any licensed clinical social worker who has had no disciplinary action taken against the licensed clinical social worker's 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 fee or renewal fee. An individual may not restore the individual's license in accordance with this subsection more than once.

(Source: P.A. 102-326, eff. 1-1-22; 102-1053, eff. 6-10-22; 103-1048, eff. 1-1-25.)

(225 ILCS 20/12) (from Ch. 111, par. 6362)

Sec. 12. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 85-1440. Repealed by P.A. 90-150, eff. 12-30-97.)

(225 ILCS 20/12.5)

(Text of Section before amendment by P.A. 103-1048)

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

Sec. 12.5. Endorsement. The Department may issue a license as a clinical social worker or as a social worker, without the required examination, to an applicant licensed under the laws of another jurisdiction if the requirements for licensure in that jurisdiction are, on the date of licensure, substantially equivalent to the requirements of this Act or to any person who, at the time of his or her licensure, possessed individual qualifications that were substantially equivalent to the requirements then in force in this State. An applicant under this Section shall pay the required fees.

An individual applying for licensure as a clinical social worker who has been licensed at the independent level in another United States jurisdiction for 5 consecutive years without discipline is not required to submit proof of completion of the education and supervised clinical professional experience required in paragraph (3) of Section 9. Individuals with 5 consecutive years of experience must submit certified verification of licensure from the jurisdiction in which the applicant practiced and must comply with all other licensing requirements and pay all required fees.

If the accuracy of any submitted documentation or the relevance or sufficiency of the course work or experience is questioned by the Department or the Board because of a lack of information, discrepancies or conflicts in information given, or a need for clarification, the applicant seeking licensure may be required to provide additional information.

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

(Source: P.A. 102-1053, eff. 6-10-22.)

(Text of Section after amendment by P.A. 103-1048)

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

Sec. 12.5. Endorsement. The Department may issue a license as a clinical social worker or as a social worker, without the required examination, to an applicant licensed under the laws of another jurisdiction if the requirements for licensure in that jurisdiction are, on the date of licensure, substantially equivalent to the requirements of this Act or to any person who, at the time of the person's licensure, possessed individual qualifications that were substantially equivalent to the requirements then in force in this State. An applicant under this Section shall pay the required fees.

An individual applying for licensure as a clinical social worker who has been licensed at the independent level in another United States jurisdiction for 5 consecutive years without discipline is not required to submit proof of completion of the education and supervised clinical professional experience required in paragraph (3) of Section 9. Individuals with 5 consecutive years of experience must submit certified verification of licensure from the jurisdiction in which the applicant practiced and must comply with all other licensing requirements and pay all required fees.

If the accuracy of any submitted documentation or the relevance or sufficiency of the course work or experience is questioned by the Department or the Board because of a lack of information, discrepancies or conflicts in information given, or a need for clarification, the applicant seeking licensure may be required to provide additional information.

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

(Source: P.A. 102-1053, eff. 6-10-22; 103-1048, eff. 1-1-25.)

(225 ILCS 20/13) (from Ch. 111, par. 6363)

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

Sec. 13. Fees.

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

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

(Source: P.A. 90-150, eff. 12-30-97.)

(225 ILCS 20/13.1)

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

Sec. 13.1. Deposit of fees and fines. All of the fees and fines collected under this Act shall be deposited into the General Professions Dedicated Fund.

(Source: P.A. 88-91; 88-683, eff. 1-24-95.)

(225 ILCS 20/13.2)

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

Sec. 13.2. Fee waivers. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, during State fiscal years 2022, 2023, and 2024, the Department shall allow individuals a one-time waiver of fees imposed under subsection (a) of Section 11 or Section 7, 9, 9A, 12.5, or 13 of this Act. No individual may benefit from such waiver more than once.

(Source: P.A. 102-699, eff. 4-19-22.)

(225 ILCS 20/14) (from Ch. 111, par. 6364)

(Text of Section before amendment by P.A. 103-1048)

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

Sec. 14. Checks or order to Department dishonored because of insufficient funds. Any person who delivers a check or other payment to the Department that is returned to the Department unpaid by the financial institution upon which it is drawn shall pay to the Department, in addition to the amount already owed to the Department, a fine of $50. 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 Department shall notify the person that payment of fees and fines shall be paid to the Department by certified check or money order within 30 calendar days of 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 Department 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 Department for restoration or issuance of the license and pay all fees and fines due to the Department. The Department may establish a fee for the processing of an application for restoration of a license to pay all expenses of processing this application. The Secretary may waive the fines due under this Section in individual cases where the Secretary finds that the fines would be unreasonable or unnecessarily burdensome.

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

(Text of Section after amendment by P.A. 103-1048)

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

Sec. 14. Checks or order to Department dishonored because of insufficient funds. Any person who delivers a check or other payment to the Department that is returned to the Department unpaid by the financial institution upon which it is drawn shall pay to the Department, in addition to the amount already owed to the Department, a fine of $50. 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 Department shall notify the person that payment of fees and fines shall be paid to the Department by certified check or money order within 30 calendar days of 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 Department shall automatically terminate the license or deny the application, without hearing. If, after termination or denial, the person seeks a license, then the person shall apply to the Department for restoration or issuance of the license and pay all fees and fines due to the Department. The Department may establish a fee for the processing of an application for restoration of a license to pay all expenses of processing this application. The Secretary may waive the fines due under this Section in individual cases where the Secretary finds that the fines would be unreasonable or unnecessarily burdensome.

(Source: P.A. 103-1048, eff. 1-1-25.)

(225 ILCS 20/15) (from Ch. 111, par. 6365)

Sec. 15. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 86-615. Repealed by P.A. 90-150, eff. 12-30-97.)

(225 ILCS 20/16) (from Ch. 111, par. 6366)

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

Sec. 16. Privileged communications and exceptions.

1. No licensed clinical social worker or licensed social worker shall disclose any information acquired from persons consulting the social worker in a professional capacity, except that which may be voluntarily disclosed under the following circumstances:

(a) In the course of formally reporting, conferring or consulting with administrative superiors, colleagues or consultants who share professional responsibility, including a professional responsibility to maintain confidentiality, in which instance all recipients of such information are similarly bound to regard the communication as privileged;

(b) With the written consent of the person who provided the information;

(c) In case of death or disability, with the written consent of a personal representative, other person authorized to sue, or the beneficiary of an insurance policy on the person's life, health or physical condition;

(d) When a communication reveals the intended commission of a crime or harmful act and such disclosure is judged necessary by the licensed clinical social worker or licensed social worker to protect any person from a clear, imminent risk of serious mental or physical harm or injury, or to forestall a serious threat to the public safety;

(e) When the person waives the privilege by bringing any public charges against the licensee; or

(f) When the information is acquired during the course of investigating a report or working on a case of abuse, neglect, financial exploitation, or self-neglect of an eligible adult by a designated adult protective services agency and disclosure of the information is in accordance with the provisions of Section 8 of the Adult Protective Services Act.

2. When the person is a minor under the laws of the State of Illinois and the information acquired by the licensed clinical social worker or licensed social worker indicates the minor was the victim or subject of a crime, the licensed clinical social worker or licensed social worker may be required to testify in any judicial proceedings in which the commission of that crime is the subject of inquiry and when, after in camera review of the information that the licensed clinical social worker or licensed social worker acquired, the court determines that the interests of the minor in having the information held privileged are outweighed by the requirements of justice, the need to protect the public safety or the need to protect the minor, except as provided under the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act.

3. Any person having access to records or any one who participates in providing social work services or who, in providing any human services, is supervised by a licensed clinical social worker or licensed social worker, is similarly bound to regard all information and communications as privileged in accord with this Section.

4. Nothing shall be construed to prohibit a licensed clinical social worker or licensed social worker 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.

5. The Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Confidentiality Act, as now or hereafter amended, is incorporated herein as if all of its provisions were included in this Act.

(Source: P.A. 98-49, eff. 7-1-13.)

(225 ILCS 20/17) (from Ch. 111, par. 6367)

(Text of Section before amendment by P.A. 103-1048)

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

Sec. 17. Advertising.

(A) Persons licensed under this Act may advertise the availability of their professional services as permitted by law, provided that such advertising is true and not misleading. Representing that social work services or clinical social work services are used or made available by individuals who are not licensed under the provisions of this Act is deemed to be false and misleading and is subject to the provisions of Section 35 of this Act.

(B) A licensee shall include in every advertisement for services regulated under this Act his or her title as it appears on the license or the initials authorized under this Act.

(Source: P.A. 91-310, eff. 1-1-00.)

(Text of Section after amendment by P.A. 103-1048)

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

Sec. 17. Advertising.

(A) Persons licensed under this Act may advertise the availability of their professional services as permitted by law, provided that such advertising is true and not misleading. Representing that social work services or clinical social work services are used or made available by individuals who are not licensed under the provisions of this Act is deemed to be false and misleading and is subject to the provisions of Section 35 of this Act.

(B) A licensee shall include in every advertisement for services regulated under this Act the licensee's title as it appears on the license or the initials authorized under this Act.

(Source: P.A. 103-1048, eff. 1-1-25.)

(225 ILCS 20/18)

Sec. 18. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 85-1131. Repealed by P.A. 99-227, eff. 8-3-15.)

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

(Text of Section from P.A. 102-1117)

(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 subsections (4.5) and (4.10) 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.

(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.)

(Text of Section from P.A. 103-715)

(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 (4.5), (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; 103-715, eff. 1-1-25.)

(Text of Section from P.A. 103-1048)

(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 the licensee's 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 subsections (4.5) and (4.10) 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.

(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 the person's own expense, another physician of the person's 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 the person's 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's license shall be 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 the person can resume practice in compliance with acceptable and prevailing standards under the provisions of the person's 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; 103-1048, eff. 1-1-25.)

(225 ILCS 20/19.5)

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

Sec. 19.5. Suspension of license for failure to pay restitution. The Department, without further process or hearing, shall suspend the license or other authorization to practice of any person issued under this Act who has been certified by court order as not having paid restitution to a person under Section 8A-3.5 of the Illinois Public Aid Code or under Section 17-10.5 or 46-1 of the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012. A person whose license or other authorization to practice is suspended under this Section is prohibited from practicing until the restitution is made in full.

(Source: P.A. 96-1551, eff. 7-1-11; 97-1150, eff. 1-25-13.)

(225 ILCS 20/20) (from Ch. 111, par. 6370)

(Text of Section before amendment by P.A. 103-1048)

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

Sec. 20. Violations - Injunction - Cease and desist order.

1. If any person violates the provisions of this Act, the Secretary may, in the name of the People of the State of Illinois, through the Attorney General, petition for an order enjoining such 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 such violation. If it is established that such person has violated or is violating the injunction, the court may punish the offender for contempt of court. Proceedings under this Section shall be in addition to all other remedies and penalties provided by this Act.

2. If any person shall hold herself or himself out as a licensed clinical social worker or licensed social worker and is not licensed under this Act, then any licensed clinical social worker, licensed social worker, interested party or any person injured thereby may petition for relief as provided in subsection (1) of this Section.

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

(Source: P.A. 95-687, eff. 10-23-07.)

(Text of Section after amendment by P.A. 103-1048)

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

Sec. 20. Violations - Injunction - Cease and desist order.

1. If any person violates the provisions of this Act, the Secretary may, in the name of the People of the State of Illinois, through the Attorney General, petition for an order enjoining such 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 such violation. If it is established that such person has violated or is violating the injunction, the court may punish the offender for contempt of court. Proceedings under this Section shall be in addition to all other remedies and penalties provided by this Act.

2. If any person claims to be a licensed clinical social worker or licensed social worker and is not licensed under this Act, then any licensed clinical social worker, licensed social worker, interested party or any person injured thereby may petition for relief as provided in subsection (1) of this Section.

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

(Source: P.A. 103-1048, eff. 1-1-25.)

(225 ILCS 20/21) (from Ch. 111, par. 6371)

(Text of Section before amendment by P.A. 103-1048)

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

Sec. 21. Investigations; notice and hearing.

(a) The Department may investigate the actions of any applicant or of any person holding or claiming to hold a license under this Act.

(b) The Department shall, before disciplining an applicant or licensee, at least 30 days prior to the date set for the hearing: (i) notify, in writing, the accused of the charges made and the time and place for the hearing on the charges, (ii) direct him or her to file a written answer to the charges under oath within 20 days after the service of the notice, and (iii) inform the applicant or licensee that failure to file an answer will result in a default being entered against the applicant or licensee.

(c) Written or electronic notice, and any notice in the subsequent proceeding, may be served by personal delivery, by email, or by mail to the applicant or licensee at his or her address of record or email address of record.

(d) At the time and place fixed in the notice, the Board or hearing officer appointed by the Secretary shall proceed to hear the charges and the parties or their counsel shall be accorded ample opportunity to present any statements, testimony, evidence and argument as may be pertinent to the charges or to their defense. The Board or hearing officer may continue the hearing from time to time.

(e) In case the person, after receiving the notice, fails to file an answer, his or her license may, in the discretion of the Secretary, having first received the recommendation of the Board, be suspended, revoked, or placed on probationary status, or be subject to whatever disciplinary action the Secretary considers proper, including limiting the scope, nature, or extent of the person's practice or the imposition of a fine, without hearing, if the act or acts charged constitute sufficient grounds for that action under this Act.

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

(Text of Section after amendment by P.A. 103-1048)

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

Sec. 21. Investigations; notice and hearing.

(a) The Department may investigate the actions of any applicant or of any person holding or claiming to hold a license under this Act.

(b) The Department shall, before disciplining an applicant or licensee, at least 30 days prior to the date set for the hearing: (i) notify, in writing, the accused of the charges made and the time and place for the hearing on the charges, (ii) direct the applicant or licensee to file a written answer to the charges under oath within 20 days after the service of the notice, and (iii) inform the applicant or licensee that failure to file an answer will result in a default being entered against the applicant or licensee.

(c) Written or electronic notice of the hearing and any notice in a subsequent proceeding may be served by personal delivery, email to the applicant's or licensee's email address of record, or mail to the applicant's or licensee's address of record.

(d) At the time and place fixed in the notice, the Board or hearing officer appointed by the Secretary shall proceed to hear the charges and the parties or their counsel shall be accorded ample opportunity to present any statements, testimony, evidence and argument as may be pertinent to the charges or to their defense. The Board or hearing officer may continue the hearing from time to time.

(e) In case the person, after receiving the notice, fails to file an answer, the person's license may, in the discretion of the Secretary, having first received the recommendation of the Board, be suspended, revoked, or placed on probationary status, or be subject to whatever disciplinary action the Secretary considers proper, including limiting the scope, nature, or extent of the person's practice or the imposition of a fine, without hearing, if the act or acts charged constitute sufficient grounds for that action under this Act.

(Source: P.A. 103-1048, eff. 1-1-25.)

(225 ILCS 20/22) (from Ch. 111, par. 6372)

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

Sec. 22. Record of proceedings; transcript. The Department, at its expense, shall preserve a record of all proceedings at the formal hearing of any case. The notice of hearing, complaint, all other documents in the nature of pleadings, written motions filed in the proceedings, the transcript of testimony, the report of the Board and orders of the Department shall be in the record of such proceeding. The Department shall furnish a copy of the record to any person upon payment of the fee required under Section 2105-115 of the Department of Professional Regulation Law (20 ILCS 2105/2105-115).

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

(225 ILCS 20/23) (from Ch. 111, par. 6373)

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

Sec. 23. Subpoenas - Depositions - Oaths. The Department shall have the power to subpoena and to 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 in civil cases in the courts of this State.

The Secretary, the designated hearing officer and every member of the Board shall have power to administer oaths to witnesses at any hearing which the Department is authorized to conduct, and any other oaths authorized in any Act administered by the Department.

(Source: P.A. 95-687, eff. 10-23-07.)

(225 ILCS 20/24) (from Ch. 111, par. 6374)

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

Sec. 24. Compelling testimony. Any court, upon application of the Department, designated hearing officer or the applicant or licensee against whom proceedings under Section 19 of this 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.

(Source: P.A. 95-687, eff. 10-23-07.)

(225 ILCS 20/25) (from Ch. 111, par. 6375)

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

Sec. 25. Findings and recommendations. At the conclusion of the hearing the Board shall present to the Secretary a written report of its findings of fact, conclusions of law and recommendations. The report shall contain a finding whether or not 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 Secretary.

The report of findings of fact, conclusions of law, and recommendation of the Board shall be the basis for the Department's order or refusal or for the granting of the license.

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

(225 ILCS 20/26) (from Ch. 111, par. 6376)

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

Sec. 26. Hearing; motion for rehearing.

(a) The Board or hearing officer appointed by the Secretary shall hear evidence in support of the formal charges and evidence produced by the licensee. At the conclusion of the hearing, the Board shall present to the Secretary a written report of its findings of fact, conclusions of law, and recommendations. If the Board fails to present its report, the applicant or licensee may request in writing a direct appeal to the Secretary, in which case the Secretary may issue an order based upon the report of the hearing officer and the record of the proceedings or issue an order remanding the matter back to the hearing officer for additional proceedings in accordance with the order.

(b) At the conclusion of the hearing, a copy of the hearing officer's or Board's report shall be served upon the applicant or licensee by the Department, either personally or as provided in this Act for the service of the notice of hearing. Within 20 calendar days after service, the applicant or licensee may present to the Department a motion in writing for a rehearing which shall specify the particular grounds for rehearing. The Department may respond to the motion for rehearing within 20 calendar days after its service on the Department. If no motion for a rehearing is filed, then upon the expiration of the time specified for filing such a motion, or upon denial of a motion for rehearing, the Secretary may enter an order in accordance with recommendations of the Board or hearing officer. If the applicant or licensee orders from the reporting service 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.

(c) If the Secretary disagrees in any regard with the report of the Board, the Secretary may issue an order contrary to the report.

(d) Whenever the Secretary is not satisfied that substantial justice has been done, the Secretary may order a rehearing by the same or another hearing officer.

(e) At any point in any investigation or disciplinary proceeding provided for in this Act, both parties may agree to a negotiated consent order. The consent order shall be final upon signature of the Secretary.

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

(225 ILCS 20/27)

Sec. 27. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 95-687, eff. 10-23-07. Repealed by P.A. 100-414, eff. 8-25-17.)

(225 ILCS 20/28) (from Ch. 111, par. 6378)

(Text of Section before amendment by P.A. 103-1048)

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

Sec. 28. Appointment of a hearing officer. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, the Secretary has 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 refusal to issue or renew a license or to discipline a licensee. 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 to the Secretary.

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

(Text of Section after amendment by P.A. 103-1048)

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

Sec. 28. Appointment of a hearing officer. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, the Secretary has 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 refusal to issue or renew a license or to discipline a licensee. The hearing officer shall have full authority to conduct the hearing. The hearing officer shall report findings of fact, conclusions of law, and recommendations to the Board and to the Secretary.

(Source: P.A. 103-1048, eff. 1-1-25.)

(225 ILCS 20/29) (from Ch. 111, par. 6379)

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

Sec. 29. Order or certified copy thereof - prima facie proof. An order or a certified copy thereof, over the seal of the Department and purporting to be signed by the Secretary, shall be prima facie proof that:

(1) Such signature is the genuine signature of the Secretary;

(2) Such Secretary is duly appointed and qualified; and

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

(Source: P.A. 95-687, eff. 10-23-07.)

(225 ILCS 20/30) (from Ch. 111, par. 6380)

(Text of Section before amendment by P.A. 103-1048)

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

Sec. 30. Restoration. At any time after the successful completion of a term of probation, suspension, or revocation of any license, the Department may restore the license to the licensee upon the written recommendation of the Board unless after an investigation and hearing the Board or Department determines that restoration is not in the public interest. Where circumstances of suspension or revocation so indicate, the Department may require an examination of the licensee prior to restoring his or her license. No person whose license has been revoked as authorized in this Act may apply for restoration of that license or permit until such time as provided for in the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois.

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

(Text of Section after amendment by P.A. 103-1048)

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

Sec. 30. Restoration. At any time after the successful completion of a term of probation, suspension, or revocation of any license, the Department may restore the license to the licensee upon the written recommendation of the Board unless after an investigation and hearing the Board or Department determines that restoration is not in the public interest. Where circumstances of suspension or revocation so indicate, the Department may require an examination of the licensee prior to restoring the licensee's license. No person whose license has been revoked as authorized in this Act may apply for restoration of that license or permit until such time as provided for in the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois.

(Source: P.A. 103-1048, eff. 1-1-25.)

(225 ILCS 20/31) (from Ch. 111, par. 6381)

(Text of Section before amendment by P.A. 103-1048)

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

Sec. 31. Surrender of license. Upon the revocation or suspension of any license, the licensee shall immediately surrender his or her license to the Department. If the licensee fails to do so, the Department shall have the right to seize the license.

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

(Text of Section after amendment by P.A. 103-1048)

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

Sec. 31. Surrender of license. Upon the revocation or suspension of any license, the licensee shall immediately surrender the licensee's license to the Department. If the licensee fails to do so, the Department shall have the right to seize the license.

(Source: P.A. 103-1048, eff. 1-1-25.)

(225 ILCS 20/32) (from Ch. 111, par. 6382)

(Text of Section before amendment by P.A. 103-1048)

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

Sec. 32. Summary suspension of a license. The Secretary may summarily suspend the license of a licensed clinical social worker or licensed social worker without a hearing simultaneously with the institution of proceedings for a hearing provided for in this Act if the Secretary finds that evidence in his or her possession indicates that a licensee's continuation in practice would constitute an imminent danger to the public. In the event the Secretary summarily suspends such license without a hearing, a hearing by the Board or Department shall be held within 30 calendar days after the suspension has occurred.

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

(Text of Section after amendment by P.A. 103-1048)

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

Sec. 32. Summary suspension of a license. The Secretary may summarily suspend the license of a licensed clinical social worker or licensed social worker without a hearing simultaneously with the institution of proceedings for a hearing provided for in this Act if the Secretary finds that evidence in the Secretary's possession indicates that a licensee's continuation in practice would constitute an imminent danger to the public. In the event the Secretary summarily suspends such license without a hearing, a hearing by the Board or Department shall be held within 30 calendar days after the suspension has occurred.

(Source: P.A. 103-1048, eff. 1-1-25.)

(225 ILCS 20/33) (from Ch. 111, par. 6383)

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

Sec. 33. Administrative review.

1. All final administrative decisions of the Department are subject to judicial review pursuant to the Administrative Review Law and all rules adopted pursuant thereto. The term "Administrative decision" is defined as in Section 3-101 of the Code of Civil Procedure.

2. 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.

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

(225 ILCS 20/34) (from Ch. 111, par. 6384)

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

Sec. 34. Certification of record; costs. The Department shall not be required to certify any record to the court, to file an answer in court or to otherwise appear in any court in a judicial review proceeding, unless and until the Department has received from the plaintiff payment of the costs of furnishing and certifying the record, which costs shall be determined by the Department. Failure on the part of the plaintiff to file a receipt in court shall be grounds for dismissal of the action.

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

(225 ILCS 20/34.1)

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

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

(Source: P.A. 99-227, eff. 8-3-15.)

(225 ILCS 20/35) (from Ch. 111, par. 6385)

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

Sec. 35. Violations. Unless as otherwise specified, any person found to have violated any provision of this Act is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor. On conviction of a second or subsequent offense the violator shall be guilty of a Class 4 felony.

(Source: P.A. 86-615.)

(225 ILCS 20/36) (from Ch. 111, par. 6386)

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

Sec. 36. Illinois Administrative Procedure Act. The Illinois Administrative Procedure Act is hereby expressly adopted and incorporated herein as if all of the provisions of that Act were included in this Act, except that the provision of subsection (d) of Section 10-65 of the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act that provides that at hearings the licensee has the right to show compliance with all lawful requirements for retention, continuation or renewal of the license is specifically excluded.

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

(225 ILCS 20/37) (from Ch. 111, par. 6387)

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

Sec. 37. Home rule. It is declared to be the public policy of this State, pursuant to paragraphs (h) and (i) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970, that any power or function set forth in this Act to be exercised by the State is an exclusive State power or function. Such power or function shall not be exercised concurrently, either directly or indirectly, by any unit of local government, including home rule units, except as otherwise provided in this Act.

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