(20 ILCS 2105/Art. 2105 heading) ARTICLE 2105. DEPARTMENT OF PROFESSIONAL REGULATION

(20 ILCS 2105/2105-1)

Sec. 2105-1. Article short title. This Article 2105 of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois may be cited as the Department of Professional Regulation Law.

(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

(20 ILCS 2105/2105-5) (was 20 ILCS 2105/60b)

Sec. 2105-5. Definitions. In this Law:

"Address of record" means the designated 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. An address of record must be a street address, not a post office box or any other similar location.

"Applicant" means an applicant for a license, certification, registration, permit, or other authority issued or conferred by the Department by virtue or authority of which the licensee has or claims the right to engage in a profession, trade, occupation, or operation of which the Department has jurisdiction.

"Department" means the Division of Professional Regulation of the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Any reference in this Article to the "Department of Professional Regulation" shall be deemed to mean the "Division of Professional Regulation of the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation".

"Director" means the Director of Professional Regulation.

"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.

"Board" means the board of persons designated for a profession, trade, or occupation under the provisions of any Act now or hereafter in force whereby the jurisdiction of that profession, trade, or occupation is devolved on the Department.

"License" means a license, registration, certification, permit, or other authority purporting to be issued or conferred by the Department by virtue or authority of which the licensee has or claims the right to engage in a profession, trade, occupation, or operation of which the Department has jurisdiction.

"Licensee" means a person who holds or claims to hold a license. An unlicensed person or entity that holds himself, herself, or itself out as a licensee or engages in a licensed activity shall be deemed to be a licensee for the purposes of investigation or disciplinary action.

"Retiree" means a person who has been duly licensed, registered, or certified in a profession regulated by the Department and who chooses to relinquish or not renew his or her license, registration, or certification.

(Source: P.A. 99-227, eff. 8-3-15; 100-262, eff. 8-22-17.)

(20 ILCS 2105/2105-7)

Sec. 2105-7. Address of record; email address of record. The Department shall require all applicants and licensees:

(1) to 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) to 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. 100-262, eff. 8-22-17.)

(20 ILCS 2105/2105-10) (was 20 ILCS 2105/61d)

Sec. 2105-10. Legislative declaration of public policy. The practice of the regulated professions, trades, and occupations in Illinois is hereby declared to affect the public health, safety, and welfare of the People of this State and in the public interest is subject to regulation and control by the Department of Professional Regulation.

It is further declared to be a matter of public interest and concern that standards of competency and stringent penalties for those who violate the public trust be established to protect the public from unauthorized or unqualified persons representing one of the regulated professions, trades, or occupations; and to that end, the General Assembly shall appropriate the necessary funds for the ordinary and necessary expenses of these public interests and concerns as they may exceed the funding available from the revenues collected from the fees and fines from the regulated professions, trades, and occupations.

(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

(20 ILCS 2105/2105-15)

Sec. 2105-15. General powers and duties.

(a) The Department has, subject to the provisions of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois, the following powers and duties:

(1) To authorize examinations in English to ascertain the qualifications and fitness of applicants to exercise the profession, trade, or occupation for which the examination is held.

(2) To prescribe rules and regulations for a fair and wholly impartial method of examination of candidates to exercise the respective professions, trades, or occupations.

(3) To pass upon the qualifications of applicants for licenses, certificates, and authorities, whether by examination, by reciprocity, or by endorsement.

(4) To prescribe rules and regulations defining, for the respective professions, trades, and occupations, what shall constitute a school, college, or university, or department of a university, or other institution, reputable and in good standing, and to determine the reputability and good standing of a school, college, or university, or department of a university, or other institution, reputable and in good standing, by reference to a compliance with those rules and regulations; provided, that no school, college, or university, or department of a university, or other institution that refuses admittance to applicants solely on account of race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, or national origin shall be considered reputable and in good standing.

(5) To conduct hearings on proceedings to revoke, suspend, refuse to renew, place on probationary status, or take other disciplinary action as authorized in any licensing Act administered by the Department with regard to licenses, certificates, or authorities of persons exercising the respective professions, trades, or occupations and to revoke, suspend, refuse to renew, place on probationary status, or take other disciplinary action as authorized in any licensing Act administered by the Department with regard to those licenses, certificates, or authorities.

The Department shall issue a monthly disciplinary report.

The Department shall refuse to issue or renew a license to, or shall suspend or revoke a license of, any person who, after receiving notice, fails to comply with a subpoena or warrant relating to a paternity or child support proceeding. However, the Department may issue a license or renewal upon compliance with the subpoena or warrant.

The Department, without further process or hearings, shall revoke, suspend, or deny any license or renewal authorized by the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois to a person who is certified by the Department of Healthcare and Family Services (formerly Illinois Department of Public Aid) as being more than 30 days delinquent in complying with a child support order or who is certified by a court as being in violation of the Non-Support Punishment Act for more than 60 days. The Department may, however, issue a license or renewal if the person has established a satisfactory repayment record as determined by the Department of Healthcare and Family Services (formerly Illinois Department of Public Aid) or if the person is determined by the court to be in compliance with the Non-Support Punishment Act. The Department may implement this paragraph as added by Public Act 89-6 through the use of emergency rules in accordance with Section 5-45 of the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act. For purposes of the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act, the adoption of rules to implement this paragraph shall be considered an emergency and necessary for the public interest, safety, and welfare.

(6) To transfer jurisdiction of any realty under the control of the Department to any other department of the State Government or to acquire or accept federal lands when the transfer, acquisition, or acceptance is advantageous to the State and is approved in writing by the Governor.

(7) To formulate rules and regulations necessary for the enforcement of any Act administered by the Department.

(8) To exchange with the Department of Healthcare and Family Services information that may be necessary for the enforcement of child support orders entered pursuant to the Illinois Public Aid Code, the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, the Non-Support of Spouse and Children Act, the Non-Support Punishment Act, the Revised Uniform Reciprocal Enforcement of Support Act, the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act, the Illinois Parentage Act of 1984, or the Illinois Parentage Act of 2015. Notwithstanding any provisions in this Code to the contrary, the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation shall not be liable under any federal or State law to any person for any disclosure of information to the Department of Healthcare and Family Services (formerly Illinois Department of Public Aid) under this paragraph (8) or for any other action taken in good faith to comply with the requirements of this paragraph (8).

(8.3) To exchange information with the Department of Human Rights regarding recommendations received under paragraph (B) of Section 8-109 of the Illinois Human Rights Act regarding a licensee or candidate for licensure who has committed a civil rights violation that may lead to the refusal, suspension, or revocation of a license from the Department.

(8.5) To accept continuing education credit for mandated reporter training on how to recognize and report child abuse offered by the Department of Children and Family Services and completed by any person who holds a professional license issued by the Department and who is a mandated reporter under the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act. The Department shall adopt any rules necessary to implement this paragraph.

(9) To perform other duties prescribed by law.

(a-5) Except in cases involving delinquency in complying with a child support order or violation of the Non-Support Punishment Act and notwithstanding anything that may appear in any individual licensing Act or administrative rule, no person or entity whose license, certificate, or authority has been revoked as authorized in any licensing Act administered by the Department may apply for restoration of that license, certification, or authority until 3 years after the effective date of the revocation.

(b) (Blank).

(c) For the purpose of securing and preparing evidence, and for the purchase of controlled substances, professional services, and equipment necessary for enforcement activities, recoupment of investigative costs, and other activities directed at suppressing the misuse and abuse of controlled substances, including those activities set forth in Sections 504 and 508 of the Illinois Controlled Substances Act, the Director and agents appointed and authorized by the Director may expend sums from the Professional Regulation Evidence Fund that the Director deems necessary from the amounts appropriated for that purpose. Those sums may be advanced to the agent when the Director deems that procedure to be in the public interest. Sums for the purchase of controlled substances, professional services, and equipment necessary for enforcement activities and other activities as set forth in this Section shall be advanced to the agent who is to make the purchase from the Professional Regulation Evidence Fund on vouchers signed by the Director. The Director and those agents are authorized to maintain one or more commercial checking accounts with any State banking corporation or corporations organized under or subject to the Illinois Banking Act for the deposit and withdrawal of moneys to be used for the purposes set forth in this Section; provided, that no check may be written nor any withdrawal made from any such account except upon the written signatures of 2 persons designated by the Director to write those checks and make those withdrawals. Vouchers for those expenditures must be signed by the Director. All such expenditures shall be audited by the Director, and the audit shall be submitted to the Department of Central Management Services for approval.

(d) Whenever the Department is authorized or required by law to consider some aspect of criminal history record information for the purpose of carrying out its statutory powers and responsibilities, then, upon request and payment of fees in conformance with the requirements of Section 2605-400 of the Illinois State Police Law, the Illinois State Police is authorized to furnish, pursuant to positive identification, the information contained in State files that is necessary to fulfill the request.

(e) The provisions of this Section do not apply to private business and vocational schools as defined by Section 15 of the Private Business and Vocational Schools Act of 2012.

(f) (Blank).

(f-5) Notwithstanding anything that may appear in any individual licensing statute or administrative rule, the Department shall allow an applicant to provide his or her individual taxpayer identification number as an alternative to providing a social security number when applying for a license.

(g) Notwithstanding anything that may appear in any individual licensing statute or administrative rule, the Department shall deny any license application or renewal authorized under any licensing Act administered by the Department to any person who has failed to file a return, or to pay the tax, penalty, or interest shown in a filed return, or to pay any final assessment of tax, penalty, or interest, as required by any tax Act administered by the Illinois Department of Revenue, until such time as the requirement of any such tax Act are satisfied; however, the Department may issue a license or renewal if the person has established a satisfactory repayment record as determined by the Illinois Department of Revenue. For the purpose of this Section, "satisfactory repayment record" shall be defined by rule.

In addition, a complaint filed with the Department by the Illinois Department of Revenue that includes a certification, signed by its Director or designee, attesting to the amount of the unpaid tax liability or the years for which a return was not filed, or both, is prima facie evidence of the licensee's failure to comply with the tax laws administered by the Illinois Department of Revenue. Upon receipt of that certification, the Department shall, without a hearing, immediately suspend all licenses held by the licensee. Enforcement of the Department's order shall be stayed for 60 days. The Department shall provide notice of the suspension to the licensee by mailing a copy of the Department's order to the licensee's address of record or emailing a copy of the order to the licensee's email address of record. The notice shall advise the licensee that the suspension shall be effective 60 days after the issuance of the Department's order unless the Department receives, from the licensee, a request for a hearing before the Department to dispute the matters contained in the order.

Any suspension imposed under this subsection (g) shall be terminated by the Department upon notification from the Illinois Department of Revenue that the licensee is in compliance with all tax laws administered by the Illinois Department of Revenue.

The Department may promulgate rules for the administration of this subsection (g).

(g-5) Notwithstanding anything that may appear in any individual licensing statute or administrative rule, the Department shall refuse the issuance or renewal of a license to, or suspend or revoke the license of, any individual, corporation, partnership, or other business entity that has been found by the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission or the Department of Insurance to have failed to (i) secure workers' compensation obligations in the manner required by subsections (a) and (b) of Section 4 of the Workers' Compensation Act, (ii) pay in full a fine or penalty imposed due to a failure to secure workers' compensation obligations in the manner required by subsections (a) and (b) of Section 4 of the Workers' Compensation Act, or (iii) fulfill all obligations assumed pursuant to a settlement reached with the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission or the Department of Insurance relating to a failure to secure workers' compensation obligations in the manner required by subsections (a) and (b) of Section 4 of the Workers' Compensation Act. No initial or renewal license shall be issued, and no suspended license shall be reinstated, until such time that the Department is notified by the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission or the Department of Insurance that the licensee's or applicant's failure to comply with subsections (a) and (b) of Section 4 of the Workers' Compensation Act has been corrected or otherwise resolved to satisfaction of the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission or the Department of Insurance.

In addition, a complaint filed with the Department by the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission or the Department of Insurance that includes a certification, signed by its Director or Chairman, or the Director or Chairman's designee, attesting to a finding of the failure to secure workers' compensation obligations in the manner required by subsections (a) and (b) of Section 4 of the Workers' Compensation Act or the failure to pay any fines or penalties or to discharge any obligation under a settlement relating to the failure to secure workers' compensation obligations in the manner required by subsections (a) and (b) of Section 4 of the Workers' Compensation Act is prima facie evidence of the licensee's or applicant's failure to comply with subsections (a) and (b) of Section 4 of the Workers' Compensation Act. Upon receipt of that certification, the Department shall, without a hearing, immediately suspend all licenses held by the licensee or the processing of any application from the applicant. Enforcement of the Department's order shall be stayed for 60 days. The Department shall provide notice of the suspension to the licensee by mailing a copy of the Department's order to the licensee's address of record or emailing a copy of the order to the licensee's email address of record. The notice shall advise the licensee that the suspension shall be effective 60 days after the issuance of the Department's order unless the Department receives from the licensee or applicant a request for a hearing before the Department to dispute the matters contained in the order.

Any suspension imposed under this subsection shall be terminated by the Department upon notification from the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission or the Department of Insurance that the licensee's or applicant's failure to comply with subsections (a) and (b) of Section 4 of the Workers' Compensation Act has been corrected or otherwise resolved to the satisfaction of the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission or the Department of Insurance.

No license shall be suspended or revoked until after the licensee is afforded any due process protection guaranteed by statute or rule adopted by the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission or the Department of Insurance.

The Department may adopt rules for the administration of this subsection.

(h) The Department may grant the title "Retired", to be used immediately adjacent to the title of a profession regulated by the Department, to eligible retirees. For individuals licensed under the Medical Practice Act of 1987, the title "Retired" may be used in the profile required by the Patients' Right to Know Act. The use of the title "Retired" shall not constitute representation of current licensure, registration, or certification. Any person without an active license, registration, or certificate in a profession that requires licensure, registration, or certification shall not be permitted to practice that profession.

(i) The Department shall make available on its website general information explaining how the Department utilizes criminal history information in making licensure application decisions, including a list of enumerated offenses that serve as a statutory bar to licensure.

(Source: P.A. 102-538, eff. 8-20-21; 103-26, eff. 1-1-24; 103-605, eff. 7-1-24.)

(20 ILCS 2105/2105-15.5)

Sec. 2105-15.5. Continuing education; sexual harassment prevention training.

(a) The Department shall require each licensee to complete sexual harassment prevention training provided by the licensee's employer, the Department of Human Rights, or any continuing education provider authorized to provide continuing education under an Act administered by the Department in accordance with Section 2-109 of the Illinois Human Rights Act. The training shall be completed, at a minimum, prior to a licensee's renewal of his or her license.

(b) The Department may adopt rules for the implementation of this Section.

(Source: P.A. 102-308, eff. 8-6-21.)

(20 ILCS 2105/2105-15.7)

Sec. 2105-15.7. Implicit bias awareness training.

(a) As used in this Section, "health care professional" means a person licensed or registered by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation under the following Acts: Medical Practice Act of 1987, Nurse Practice Act, Clinical Psychologist Licensing Act, Illinois Dental Practice Act, Illinois Optometric Practice Act of 1987, Pharmacy Practice Act, Illinois Physical Therapy Act, Physician Assistant Practice Act of 1987, Acupuncture Practice Act, Illinois Athletic Trainers Practice Act, Clinical Social Work and Social Work Practice Act, Dietitian Nutritionist Practice Act, Home Medical Equipment and Services Provider License Act, Naprapathic Practice Act, Nursing Home Administrators Licensing and Disciplinary Act, Illinois Occupational Therapy Practice Act, Illinois Optometric Practice Act of 1987, Podiatric Medical Practice Act of 1987, Respiratory Care Practice Act, Professional Counselor and Clinical Professional Counselor Licensing and Practice Act, Sex Offender Evaluation and Treatment Provider Act, Illinois Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Practice Act, Perfusionist Practice Act, Registered Surgical Assistant and Registered Surgical Technologist Title Protection Act, and Genetic Counselor Licensing Act.

(b) For license or registration renewals occurring on or after January 1, 2023, a health care professional who has continuing education requirements must complete at least a one-hour course in training on implicit bias awareness per renewal period. A health care professional may count this one hour for completion of this course toward meeting the minimum credit hours required for continuing education. Any training on implicit bias awareness applied to meet any other State licensure requirement, professional accreditation or certification requirement, or health care institutional practice agreement may count toward the one-hour requirement under this Section.

(c) The Department may adopt rules for the implementation of this Section.

(Source: P.A. 102-4, eff. 4-27-21; 102-674, eff. 11-30-21.)

(20 ILCS 2105/2105-17)

Sec. 2105-17. Volunteer licenses.

(a) For the purposes of this Section:

"Health care professional" means a physician licensed under the Medical Practice Act of 1987, a dentist licensed under the Illinois Dental Practice Act, an optometrist licensed under the Illinois Optometric Practice Act of 1987, a physician assistant licensed under the Physician Assistant Practice Act of 1987, and a nurse or advanced practice registered nurse licensed under the Nurse Practice Act. The Department may expand this definition by rule.

"Volunteer practice" means the practice of a licensed health care professional for the benefit of an individual or the public and without compensation for the health care services provided.

(b) The Department may grant a volunteer license to a health care professional who:

(1) meets all requirements of the State licensing Act that applies to his or her health care profession and the rules adopted under the Act; and

(2) agrees to engage in the volunteer practice of his or her health care profession in a free medical clinic, as defined in the Good Samaritan Act, or in a public health clinic, as defined in Section 6-101 of the Local Governmental and Governmental Employees Tort Immunities Act, and to not practice for compensation.

(c) A volunteer license shall be granted in accordance with the licensing Act that applies to the health care professional's given health care profession, and the licensure fee shall be set by rule in accordance with subsection (f).

(d) No health care professional shall hold a non-volunteer license in a health care profession and a volunteer license in that profession at the same time. In the event that the health care professional obtains a volunteer license in the profession for which he or she holds a non-volunteer license, that non-volunteer license shall automatically be placed in inactive status. In the event that a health care professional obtains a non-volunteer license in the profession for which he or she holds a volunteer license, the volunteer license shall be placed in inactive status. Practicing on an expired volunteer license constitutes the unlicensed practice of the health care professional's profession.

(e) Nothing in this Section shall be construed to waive or modify any statute, rule, or regulation concerning the licensure or practice of any health care profession. A health care professional who holds a volunteer license shall be subject to all statutes, rules, and regulations governing his or her profession. The Department shall waive the licensure fee for the first 500 volunteer licenses issued and may by rule provide for a fee waiver or fee reduction that shall apply to all licenses issued after the initial 500.

(f) The Department shall determine by rule the total number of volunteer licenses to be issued. The Department shall file proposed rules implementing this Section within 6 months after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 98th General Assembly.

(Source: P.A. 100-513, eff. 1-1-18.)

(20 ILCS 2105/2105-20)

Sec. 2105-20. Criminal history records checks. Licensees or applicants applying for expedited licensure through an interstate compact enacted into law by the General Assembly, including, but not limited to, the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact Act, who have designated Illinois as the principal state of licensure for the purposes of the compact shall have his or her fingerprints submitted to the Illinois State Police in an electronic format that complies with the form and manner for requesting and furnishing criminal history record information as prescribed by the Illinois State Police. These fingerprints shall be checked against the Illinois State Police and Federal Bureau of Investigation criminal history record databases now and hereafter filed. The Illinois State Police shall charge applicants or licensees a fee for conducting the criminal history records check, which shall be deposited into the State Police Services Fund and shall not exceed the actual cost of the records check. The Illinois State Police shall furnish, pursuant to positive identification, records of Illinois convictions to the Department. The Department may require applicants or licensees to pay a separate fingerprinting fee, either to the Department or to a vendor designated or approved by the Department. The Department, in its discretion, may allow an applicant or licensee who does not have reasonable access to a designated vendor to provide his or her fingerprints in an alternative manner. The Department may adopt any rules necessary to implement this Section. Communication between the Department and an interstate compact governing body, including, but not limited to, the Interstate Commission as defined in Section 180 of the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact Act, may not include information received from the Federal Bureau of Investigation relating to a State and federal criminal history records check.

(Source: P.A. 102-538, eff. 8-20-21.)

(20 ILCS 2105/2105-25) (was 20 ILCS 2105/60.01)

Sec. 2105-25. Perjury; penalty. Each document required to be filed under any Act administered by the Department shall be verified or contain a written affirmation that it is signed under the penalties of perjury. An applicant or registrant who knowingly signs a fraudulent document commits perjury as defined in Section 32-2 of the Criminal Code of 2012 and for the purpose of this Section shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.

(Source: P.A. 97-1150, eff. 1-25-13.)

(20 ILCS 2105/2105-30) (was 20 ILCS 2105/60p)

Sec. 2105-30. License forms; notification of abuse. Beginning January 1, 2000, each license or permit application or renewal form the Department provides to a person who is required by law to report child abuse or elder abuse must include a notification that the applicant or licensee is required by law to report that abuse and must include telephone numbers the licensee may call to report the abuse.

(Source: P.A. 91-244, eff. 1-1-00; 92-16, eff. 6-28-01.)

(20 ILCS 2105/2105-35)

Sec. 2105-35. Prohibited uses of roster of information. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, any roster of information including, but not limited to, the licensee's name, address, and profession, shall not be used by a third party for the purpose of marketing goods or services not related to the licensee's profession. Rosters provided by the Department shall comply with the requirements set forth under the Freedom of Information Act.

(Source: P.A. 102-20, eff. 6-25-21.)

(20 ILCS 2105/2105-40) (was 20 ILCS 2105/61)

Sec. 2105-40. Issuance of certificates and licenses. All certificates, licenses, and authorities shall be issued by the Department in the name of the Department, with the seal of the Department attached. Beginning July 1, 2024, the Department shall supplement all paper-based certificates and licenses with a digitally verified electronic credential. The Department may use a third-party electronic credential system. Such electronic credential system shall include a verification system that is operated by the electronic credential agency or its agent on its behalf for the purpose of verifying the authenticity and validity of electronic credentials. As used in this Section, "electronic credential" means an electronic method based on an auditable digital platform by which a person may display or transmit to another person information that instantly verifies information about a person, such as the person's licensure, program completion, and verified skills and competencies.

(Source: P.A. 103-180, eff. 6-30-23.)

(20 ILCS 2105/2105-45)

Sec. 2105-45. Licenses and certificates for display. Starting on the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 98th General Assembly, whenever the Department issues a license or certificate and the holder of the license or certificate is required to display it in his or her place of business, the Department shall provide a license or certificate that is printed without including the address of the licensee or certificate holder on the face of the license. Nothing in this Section affects any duty to display licenses or certificates in the place of business.

(Source: P.A. 98-211, eff. 1-1-14.)

(20 ILCS 2105/2105-55) (was 20 ILCS 2105/61c)

Sec. 2105-55. Interlineation of checks. The Department may reduce by interlineation the amount of any personal check, corporate check, or company check drawn on the account of and delivered by any person applying for any license, certificate, registration, title, or permit that requires payment of a fee. The amount of reduction shall be limited to $50, and the drawer of the check shall be notified in writing of the reduction. Any check for an amount more than $50 in excess of the correct amount shall be returned to the drawer-applicant.

Any check altered under this Section shall be endorsed by the Director as follows: "This check is warranted to subsequent holders and to the drawee to be in the amount of $(insert amount)."

All applications for a license, title, or permit, upon reprinting, shall contain the following authorization statement: "My signature above authorizes the Department of Professional Regulation to reduce the amount of this check if the amount submitted is not correct. I understand this will be done only if the amount submitted is greater than the required fee hereunder, but in no event shall the reduction be made in an amount greater than $50."

(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

(20 ILCS 2105/2105-60)

Sec. 2105-60. Payment by credit card or third-party payment agent.

(a) For the purposes of this Section, "credit card" has the meaning given to it in Section 10 of the Local Governmental Acceptance of Credit Cards Act.

(b) The Department may, but need not, accept payment by credit card for any fee, fine, or other charge that it is authorized by law to collect. The Department may adopt rules and procedures governing the acceptance of payment by credit card and may enter into such agreements as may be necessary to accept payment by credit card.

(c) The Department may, but need not, accept payment through a third-party payment agent of any fee, fine, or other charges to the Department. The Department may adopt rules and procedures governing the acceptance of payments through third-party payment agents.

The Department may enter into agreements with one or more financial institutions, internet companies, or other business entities to act as third-party payment agents for the payment of fees, fines, or other charges to the Department. These agreements may authorize the third-party payment agent to retain a service fee out of the payments collected.

(d) Receipt by the Department of the amount of a fee, fine, or other charge paid by credit card or through a third-party payment agent authorized by the Department, less the amount of any service fee retained under the Department's agreement with the credit card service provider or the third-party payment agent, shall be deemed receipt of the full amount of the fee or other charge and shall discharge the payment obligation in full.

(e) In the event of a conflict between this Section and a provision of any other Act administered by the Department, this Section controls.

(Source: P.A. 97-813, eff. 7-13-12.)

(20 ILCS 2105/2105-75) (was 20 ILCS 2105/61f)

Sec. 2105-75. Design professionals designated employees. There are established within the Department certain design professionals designated employees. These employees shall be devoted primarily to the administration and enforcement of the Illinois Architecture Practice Act, the Illinois Professional Land Surveyor Act of 1989, the Professional Engineering Practice Act of 1989, and the Structural Engineering Practice Act of 1989. The design professionals designated employees that the Director shall employ, in conformity with the Personnel Code, shall include but not be limited to one full-time Design Licensing Manager, one full-time Assistant Licensing Manager, 3 full-time licensing clerks, one full-time attorney, and 3 full-time investigators. These employees shall work primarily in the licensing and enforcement of the design profession Acts set forth in this Section and may be used, when available, for other duties in the Department subject to the authorization of the Department.

(Source: P.A. 93-1009, eff. 1-1-05; 94-543, eff. 8-10-05.)

(20 ILCS 2105/2105-100) (was 20 ILCS 2105/60c)

Sec. 2105-100. Disciplinary action with respect to licenses; notice; hearing.

(a) Licenses may be revoked, suspended, placed on probationary status, reprimanded, fined, or have other disciplinary action taken with regard to them as authorized in any licensing Act administered by the Department in the manner provided by the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois and not otherwise.

(b) The Department may upon its own motion and shall upon the verified complaint in writing of any person, provided the complaint or the complaint together with evidence, documentary or otherwise, presented in connection with the complaint makes a prima facie case, investigate the actions of any person holding or claiming to hold a license.

(c) Before suspending, revoking, placing on probationary status, reprimanding, fining, or taking any other disciplinary action that may be authorized in any licensing Act administered by the Department with regard to any license, the Department shall issue a notice informing the licensee or applicant of the time and place when and where a hearing of the charges shall be had. The notice shall contain a statement of the charges or shall be accompanied by a copy of the written complaint if such complaint shall have been filed. The notice shall be served on the licensee or applicant at least 10 days prior to the date set in the notice for the hearing, either by delivery of the notice personally to the licensee or applicant or by mailing the notice to the licensee's or applicant's address of record; provided that in any case where the licensee or applicant is now or may hereafter be required by law to maintain a place of business in this State and to notify the Department of the location of that place of business, the notice may be served by mailing it to the licensee or applicant at the place of business last described by the licensee or applicant in the notification to the Department. Notwithstanding any provision in any individual licensing statute or administrative rule, the notice may be served by email transmission to the licensee's or applicant's email address of record.

(d) At the time and place fixed in the notice, the Department shall proceed to a hearing of the charges. The licensee or applicant shall be accorded ample opportunity to present, in person or by counsel, any statements, testimony, evidence, and argument that may be pertinent to the charges or to any defense to the charges. The Department may continue the hearing from time to time.

(Source: P.A. 99-227, eff. 8-3-15; 100-262, eff. 8-22-17.)

(20 ILCS 2105/2105-105) (was 20 ILCS 2105/60d)

Sec. 2105-105. Oaths; subpoenas; penalty.

(a) The Department, by its Director or a person designated by him or her, is empowered, at any time during the course of any investigation or hearing conducted pursuant to any Act administered by the Department, to administer oaths, subpoena witnesses, take evidence, and compel the production of any books, papers, records, or any other documents that the Director, or a person designated by him or her, deems relevant or material to any such investigation or hearing conducted by the Department, with the same fees and mileage and in the same manner as prescribed by law in judicial proceedings in civil cases in circuit courts of this State. Discovery or evidence depositions shall not be taken, except by agreement of the Department and registrant.

(b) Any person who, without lawful authority, fails to appear in response to a subpoena or to answer any question or produce any books, papers, records, or any other documents relevant or material to the investigation or hearing is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor. Each violation shall constitute a separate and distinct offense.

In addition to initiating criminal proceedings, the Department, through the Attorney General, may seek enforcement of any such subpoena by any circuit court of this State.

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

(20 ILCS 2105/2105-110) (was 20 ILCS 2105/60e)

Sec. 2105-110. Court order requiring attendance of witnesses or production of materials. Any circuit court, upon the application of the registrant or of the Department, may by order duly entered enforce a subpoena issued by the Department for the attendance of witnesses and the production of relevant books and papers before the Department in any hearing relative to the application for refusal to renew, suspension, revocation, placing on probationary status, reprimand, fine, or the taking of any other disciplinary action as may be authorized in any licensing Act administered by the Department with regard to any certificate of registration. The court may compel obedience to its order by proceedings for contempt.

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

(20 ILCS 2105/2105-115) (was 20 ILCS 2105/60f)

Sec. 2105-115. Certified shorthand reporter; transcript. The Department, at its expense, shall provide a certified shorthand reporter to take down the testimony and preserve a record of all proceedings at the hearing of any case in which a license may be revoked, suspended, placed on probationary status, reprimanded, fined, or subjected to other disciplinary action with reference to the license when a disciplinary action is authorized in any licensing Act administered by the Department. The notice, complaint, and all other documents in the nature of pleadings and written motions filed in the proceedings, the transcript of testimony, the report of the board, and the orders of the Department shall be the record of the proceedings. The Department shall furnish the record to any person interested in the hearing upon payment therefor of $1 per page. The Department may contract for court reporting services, and, in the event it does so, the Department shall provide the name and contact information for the certified shorthand reporter who transcribed the testimony at a hearing to any person interested, who may obtain a copy of the transcript of any proceedings at a hearing upon payment of the fee specified by the certified shorthand reporter. This charge is in addition to any fee charged by the Department for certifying the record.

(Source: P.A. 99-227, eff. 8-3-15; 100-262, eff. 8-22-17.)

(20 ILCS 2105/2105-117)

Sec. 2105-117. Confidentiality. All information collected by the Department in the course of an examination or investigation of a licensee, registrant, or applicant, including, but not limited to, any complaint against a licensee or registrant 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 Director, 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 or registrant by the Department or any order issued by the Department against a licensee, registrant, or applicant shall be a public record, except as otherwise prohibited by law.

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

(20 ILCS 2105/2105-120) (was 20 ILCS 2105/60g)

Sec. 2105-120. Board's report; licensee's or applicant's motion for rehearing.

(a) The board shall present to the Secretary its written report of its findings and recommendations. A copy of the report shall be served upon the licensee or applicant, either personally or by mail or email as provided in Section 2105-100 for the service of the notice. The Secretary may issue an order that deviates from the board's report and is not required to provide the board with an explanation of the deviation.

(b) Within 20 days after the service required under subsection (a), the licensee or applicant may present to the Department a motion in writing for a rehearing. The written motion shall specify the particular grounds for a rehearing. If the licensee or applicant orders and pays for a transcript of the record as provided in Section 2105-115, the time elapsing thereafter and before the transcript is ready for delivery to the licensee or applicant shall not be counted as part of the 20 days.

(Source: P.A. 102-20, eff. 6-25-21.)

(20 ILCS 2105/2105-125) (was 20 ILCS 2105/60h)

Sec. 2105-125. Restoration of license. At any time after the successful completion of any term of suspension, revocation, placement on probationary status, or other disciplinary action taken by the Department with reference to any license, including payment of any fine, the Department may restore it to the licensee without examination, upon the written recommendation of the appropriate board.

(Source: P.A. 99-227, eff. 8-3-15; 100-262, eff. 8-22-17.)

(20 ILCS 2105/2105-130)

Sec. 2105-130. Determination of disciplinary sanctions.

(a) Following disciplinary proceedings as authorized in any licensing Act administered by the Department, upon a finding by the Department that a person has committed a violation of the licensing Act with regard to licenses, certificates, or authorities of persons exercising the respective professions, trades, or occupations, the Department may revoke, suspend, refuse to renew, place on probationary status, fine, or take any other disciplinary action as authorized in the licensing Act with regard to those licenses, certificates, or authorities. When making a determination of the appropriate disciplinary sanction to be imposed, the Department shall consider only evidence contained in the record. The Department shall consider any aggravating or mitigating factors contained in the record when determining the appropriate disciplinary sanction to be imposed.

(b) When making a determination of the appropriate disciplinary sanction to be imposed on a licensee, the Department shall consider, but is not limited to, the following aggravating factors contained in the record:

(1) the seriousness of the offenses;

(2) the presence of multiple offenses;

(3) prior disciplinary history, including actions taken by other agencies in this State, by other states or jurisdictions, hospitals, health care facilities, residency programs, employers, or professional liability insurance companies or by any of the armed forces of the United States or any state;

(4) the impact of the offenses on any injured party;

(5) the vulnerability of any injured party, including, but not limited to, consideration of the injured party's age, disability, or mental illness;

(6) the motive for the offenses;

(7) the lack of contrition for the offenses;

(8) financial gain as a result of committing the offenses; and

(9) the lack of cooperation with the Department or other investigative authorities.

(c) When making a determination of the appropriate disciplinary sanction to be imposed on a licensee, the Department shall consider, but is not limited to, the following mitigating factors contained in the record:

(1) the lack of prior disciplinary action by the Department or by other agencies in this State, by other states or jurisdictions, hospitals, health care facilities, residency programs, employers, insurance providers, or by any of the armed forces of the United States or any state;

(2) contrition for the offenses;

(3) cooperation with the Department or other investigative authorities;

(4) restitution to injured parties;

(5) whether the misconduct was self-reported; and

(6) any voluntary remedial actions taken.

(Source: P.A. 100-286, eff. 1-1-18.)

(20 ILCS 2105/2105-131)

Sec. 2105-131. Applicants with criminal convictions; notice of denial.

(a) For the purposes of this Section, "mitigating factors" means any information, evidence, conduct, or circumstances before, during, or after the offense or offenses reviewed by the Department that may reflect on an applicant's request for licensure, registration, or certification through the Department, such as 3 years having passed since release from confinement. Mitigating factors are not a bar to licensure, instead they provide guidance for the Department when considering licensure, registration, or certification for an applicant with criminal history.

Except as provided in Section 2105-165 of this Act regarding licensing restrictions based on enumerated offenses for health care workers as defined in the Health Care Worker Self-Referral Act and except as provided in any licensing Act administered by the Department in which convictions of certain enumerated offenses are a bar to licensure, the Department, upon a finding that an applicant for a license, certificate, or registration was previously convicted of a felony or misdemeanor that may be grounds for refusing to issue a license or certificate or to grant a registration, shall consider any mitigating factors and evidence of rehabilitation contained in the applicant's record, including the circumstances surrounding the offense or offenses and any of the following, to determine whether a prior conviction will impair the ability of the applicant to engage in the practice for which a license, certificate, or registration is sought:

(1) the lack of direct relation of the offense for which the applicant was previously convicted to the duties, functions, and responsibilities of the position for which a license is sought;

(2) any mitigating factors from the point of arrest or indictment when determined to be appropriate, unless otherwise specified and including, but not limited to, whether 5 years since a felony conviction or 3 years since release from confinement for the conviction, whichever is later, have passed without a subsequent conviction;

(3) if the applicant was previously licensed or employed in this State or other states or jurisdictions, the lack of prior misconduct arising from or related to the licensed position or position of employment;

(4) the age of the person at the time of the criminal offense;

(4.5) if, due to the applicant's criminal conviction history, the applicant would be explicitly prohibited by federal rules or regulations from working in the position for which a license is sought;

(5) successful completion of sentence and, for applicants serving a term of parole or probation, a progress report provided by the applicant's probation or parole officer that documents the applicant's compliance with conditions of supervision;

(6) evidence of the applicant's present fitness and professional character;

(7) evidence of rehabilitation or rehabilitative effort during or after incarceration, or during or after a term of supervision, including, but not limited to, a certificate of good conduct under Section 5-5.5-25 of the Unified Code of Corrections or certificate of relief from disabilities under Section 5-5.5-10 of the Unified Code of Corrections; and

(8) any other mitigating factors that contribute to the person's potential and current ability to perform the job duties.

(b) If the Department refuses to issue a license or certificate or grant registration to an applicant based upon a conviction or convictions, in whole or in part, the Department shall notify the applicant of the denial in writing with the following included in the notice of denial:

(1) a statement about the decision to refuse to grant a license, certificate, or registration, including an explanation of how the conviction directly relates to and would prevent the person from effectively engaging in the position for which a license, registration, or certificate is sought;

(2) a list of convictions that the Department determined will impair the applicant's ability to engage in the position for which a license, registration, or certificate is sought;

(3) a list of convictions that formed the sole or partial basis for the refusal to issue a license or certificate or grant registration; and

(4) a summary of the appeal process or the earliest the applicant may reapply for a license, certificate, or registration, whichever is applicable.

(c) The Department shall post on its website a list of all State licensing restrictions that would prohibit an applicant from working in a position for which a license is sought.

(Source: P.A. 101-388, eff. 1-1-20; 102-105, eff. 1-1-22.)

(20 ILCS 2105/2105-135)

Sec. 2105-135. Qualification for licensure or registration; good moral character; applicant conviction records.

(a) The practice of professions licensed or registered by the Department is hereby declared to affect the public health, safety, and welfare and to be subject to regulation and control in the public interest. It is further declared to be a matter of public interest and concern that persons who are licensed or registered to engage in any of the professions licensed or registered by the Department are of good moral character, which shall be a continuing requirement of licensure or registration so as to merit and receive the confidence and trust of the public. Upon a finding by the Department that a person has committed a violation of the disciplinary grounds of any licensing Act administered by the Department with regard to licenses, certificates, or authorities of persons exercising the respective professions, trades, or occupations, the Department is authorized to revoke, suspend, refuse to renew, place on probationary status, fine, or take any other disciplinary action it deems warranted against any licensee or registrant whose conduct violates the continuing requirement of good moral character.

(b) No application for licensure or registration shall be denied by reason of a finding of lack of good moral character when the finding is based solely upon the fact that the applicant has previously been convicted of one or more criminal offenses. When reviewing a prior conviction of an initial applicant for the purpose of determining good moral character, the Department shall consider evidence of rehabilitation and mitigating factors in the applicant's record, including those set forth in subsection (a) of Section 2105-131 of this Act.

(c) The Department shall not require applicants to report the following information and shall not consider the following criminal history records in connection with an application for licensure or registration:

(1) juvenile adjudications of delinquent minors as defined in Section 5-105 of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 subject to the restrictions set forth in Section 5-130 of that Act;

(2) law enforcement records, court records, and conviction records of an individual who was 17 years old at the time of the offense and before January 1, 2014, unless the nature of the offense required the individual to be tried as an adult;

(3) records of arrest not followed by a charge or conviction;

(4) records of arrest where the charges were dismissed unless related to the practice of the profession; however, applicants shall not be asked to report any arrests, and an arrest not followed by a conviction shall not be the basis of a denial and may be used only to assess an applicant's rehabilitation;

(5) convictions overturned by a higher court; or

(6) convictions or arrests that have been sealed or expunged.

(Source: P.A. 100-286, eff. 1-1-18.)

(20 ILCS 2105/2105-140)

Sec. 2105-140. Licensure; immigration status. No person shall be denied a license, certificate, limited permit, or registration issued by the Department solely based on his or her citizenship status or immigration status. The General Assembly finds and declares that this Section is a State law within the meaning of subsection (d) of Section 1621 of Title 8 of the United States Code. Nothing in this Section shall affect the requirements to obtain a professional license that are not directly related to citizenship status or immigration status. Nothing in this Section shall be construed to grant eligibility for obtaining any public benefit other than a professional license issued by the Department.

(Source: P.A. 100-1078, eff. 1-1-19.)

(20 ILCS 2105/2105-150)

Sec. 2105-150. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 92-16, eff. 6-28-01. Repealed by P.A. 99-227, eff. 8-3-15.)

(20 ILCS 2105/2105-155) (was 20 ILCS 2105/60n)

Sec. 2105-155. Suspension or termination of medical services provider under the Public Aid Code. When the Department receives notice from the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, as required by Section 2205-10 of the Department of Healthcare and Family Services Law (20 ILCS 2205/2205-10), that the authorization to provide medical services under Article V of the Illinois Public Aid Code has been suspended or terminated with respect to any person, firm, corporation, association, agency, institution, or other legal entity licensed under any Act administered by the Department of Professional Regulation, the Department of Professional Regulation shall determine whether there are reasonable grounds to investigate the circumstances that resulted in the suspension or termination. If reasonable grounds are found, the Department of Professional Regulation shall conduct an investigation and take the disciplinary action against the licensee that the Department determines to be required under the appropriate licensing Act.

(Source: P.A. 95-331, eff. 8-21-07.)

(20 ILCS 2105/2105-165)

Sec. 2105-165. Health care worker licensure actions; sex crimes.

(a) When a licensed health care worker, as defined in the Health Care Worker Self-Referral Act, (1) has been convicted of a criminal act that requires registration under the Sex Offender Registration Act; (1.5) has been convicted of involuntary sexual servitude of a minor under subsection (c) of Section 10-9 or subsection (b) of Section 10A-10 of the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012; (2) has been convicted of a criminal battery against any patient in the course of patient care or treatment, including any offense based on sexual conduct or sexual penetration; (3) has been convicted of a forcible felony; or (4) is required as a part of a criminal sentence to register under the Sex Offender Registration Act, then, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, except as provided in this Section, the license of the health care worker shall by operation of law be permanently revoked without a hearing.

(a-1) If a licensed health care worker has been convicted of a forcible felony, other than a forcible felony requiring registration under the Sex Offender Registration Act, involuntary sexual servitude of a minor that is a forcible felony, or a criminal battery against any patient in the course of patient care or treatment, is not required to register as a sex offender, and has had his or her license revoked pursuant to item (3) of subsection (a) of this Section, then the health care worker may petition the Department to restore his or her license if more than 5 years have passed since the conviction or more than 3 years have passed since the health care worker's release from confinement for that conviction, whichever is later. In determining whether a license shall be restored, the Department shall consider, but is not limited to, the following factors:

(1) the seriousness of the offense;

(2) the presence of multiple offenses;

(3) prior disciplinary history, including, but not limited to, actions taken by other agencies in this State or by other states or jurisdictions, hospitals, health care facilities, residency programs, employers, insurance providers, or any of the armed forces of the United States or any state;

(4) the impact of the offense on any injured party;

(5) the vulnerability of any injured party, including, but not limited to, consideration of the injured party's age, disability, or mental illness;

(6) the motive for the offense;

(7) the lack of contrition for the offense;

(8) the lack of cooperation with the Department or other investigative authorities;

(9) the lack of prior disciplinary action, including, but not limited to, action by the Department or by other agencies in this State or by other states or jurisdictions, hospitals, health care facilities, residency programs, employers, insurance providers, or any of the armed forces of the United States or any state;

(10) contrition for the offense;

(11) cooperation with the Department or other investigative authorities;

(12) restitution to injured parties;

(13) whether the misconduct was self-reported;

(14) any voluntary remedial actions taken or other evidence of rehabilitation; and

(15) the date of conviction.

(b) No person who has been convicted of any offense listed in subsection (a) or required to register as a sex offender may receive a license as a health care worker in Illinois. The process for petition and review by the Department provided in subsection (a-1) shall also apply to a person whose application for licensure is denied pursuant to item (3) of subsection (a) of this Section for a conviction of a forcible felony, other than a forcible felony requiring registration under the Sex Offender Registration Act, involuntary sexual servitude of a minor that is a forcible felony, or a criminal battery against any patient in the course of patient care or treatment, who is not required to register as a sex offender.

(c) Immediately after a licensed health care worker, as defined in the Health Care Worker Self-Referral Act, has been charged with any offense for which the sentence includes registration as a sex offender; involuntary sexual servitude of a minor; a criminal battery against a patient, including any offense based on sexual conduct or sexual penetration, in the course of patient care or treatment; or a forcible felony; then the prosecuting attorney shall provide notice to the Department of the health care worker's name, address, practice address, and license number and the patient's name and a copy of the criminal charges filed. Within 5 business days after receiving notice from the prosecuting attorney of the filing of criminal charges against the health care worker, the Secretary shall issue an administrative order that the health care worker shall immediately practice only with a chaperone during all patient encounters pending the outcome of the criminal proceedings. The chaperone must be a licensed health care worker. The chaperone shall provide written notice to all of the health care worker's patients explaining the Department's order to use a chaperone. Each patient shall sign an acknowledgement that they received the notice. The notice to the patient of criminal charges shall include, in 14-point font, the following statement: "The health care worker is presumed innocent until proven guilty of the charges.". The licensed health care worker shall provide a written plan of compliance with the administrative order that is acceptable to the Department within 5 days after receipt of the administrative order. Failure to comply with the administrative order, failure to file a compliance plan, or failure to follow the compliance plan shall subject the health care worker to temporary suspension of his or her professional license until the completion of the criminal proceedings.

(d) Nothing contained in this Section shall act in any way to waive or modify the confidentiality of information provided by the prosecuting attorney to the extent provided by law. Any information reported or disclosed shall be kept for the confidential use of the Secretary, Department attorneys, the investigative staff, and authorized clerical staff and shall be afforded the same status as is provided information under Part 21 of Article VIII of the Code of Civil Procedure, except that the Department may disclose information and documents to (1) a federal, State, or local law enforcement agency pursuant to a subpoena in an ongoing criminal investigation or (2) an appropriate licensing authority of another state or jurisdiction pursuant to an official request made by that authority. Any information and documents disclosed to a federal, State, or local law enforcement agency may be used by that agency only for the investigation and prosecution of a criminal offense. Any information or documents disclosed by the Department to a professional licensing authority of another state or jurisdiction may only be used by that authority for investigations and disciplinary proceedings with regards to a professional license.

(e) Any licensee whose license was revoked or who received an administrative order under this Section shall have the revocation or administrative order vacated and completely removed from the licensee's records and public view and the revocation or administrative order shall be afforded the same status as is provided information under Part 21 of Article VIII of the Code of Civil Procedure if (1) the charges upon which the revocation or administrative order is based are dropped; (2) the licensee is not convicted of the charges upon which the revocation or administrative order is based; or (3) any conviction for charges upon which the revocation or administrative order was based have been vacated, overturned, or reversed.

(f) Nothing contained in this Section shall prohibit the Department from initiating or maintaining a disciplinary action against a licensee independent from any criminal charges, conviction, or sex offender registration.

(g) The Department may adopt rules necessary to implement this Section.

(Source: P.A. 99-886, eff. 1-1-17; 100-262, eff. 8-22-17.)

(20 ILCS 2105/2105-170)

Sec. 2105-170. Health care workers; automatic suspension of license. A health care worker, as defined by the Health Care Worker Self-Referral Act, licensed by the Department shall be automatically and indefinitely suspended if the licensee has either been convicted of or has entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere in a criminal prosecution to a criminal health care or criminal insurance fraud offense requiring intent under the laws of the State, the laws of any other state, or the laws of the United States of America, including, but not limited to, criminal Medicare or Medicaid fraud. A certified copy of the conviction or judgment shall be the basis for the suspension. If a licensee requests a hearing, then the sole purpose of the hearing shall be limited to the length of the suspension of the licensee's license, as the conviction or judgment is a matter of record and may not be challenged.

(Source: P.A. 99-211, eff. 1-1-16; 100-262, eff. 8-22-17.)

(20 ILCS 2105/2105-175) (was 20 ILCS 2105/60a in part)

Sec. 2105-175. Reexaminations or rehearings. Whenever the Director is satisfied that substantial justice has not been done either in an examination or in the revocation of, refusal to renew, suspension, placing on probationary status, reprimanding, fining, or taking of other disciplinary action as may be authorized in any licensing Act administered by the Department with regard to a license, certificate, or authority, the Director may order reexaminations or rehearings by the same or other examiners or hearing officers.

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

(20 ILCS 2105/2105-180)

Sec. 2105-180. Licensure; background checks. The Department shall not require self-disclosure of criminal background information in instances where the Department has already stated that the criminal background information cannot be used against an applicant for licensure under the relevant licensing Act.

(Source: P.A. 103-534, eff. 1-1-24.)

(20 ILCS 2105/2105-200) (was 20 ILCS 2105/60.1)

Sec. 2105-200. Index of formal decisions regarding disciplinary action. The Department shall maintain an index of formal decisions regarding the issuance of or refusal to issue licenses, the renewal of or refusal to renew licenses, the revocation or suspension of licenses, and probationary or other disciplinary action taken by the Department after August 31, 1971 (the effective date of Public Act 77-1400). The index shall be available to the public during regular business hours.

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

(20 ILCS 2105/2105-205) (was 20 ILCS 2105/60.3)

Sec. 2105-205. Publication of disciplinary actions; annual report.

(a) The Department shall publish on its website, at least monthly, final disciplinary actions taken by the Department against a licensee or applicant pursuant to any licensing Act administered by the Department. The specific disciplinary action and the name of the applicant or licensee shall be listed.

(b) No later than May 1 of each year, the Department must prepare, publicly announce, and publish a report of summary statistical information relating to new license, certification, or registration applications during the preceding calendar year. Each report shall show at minimum:

(1) the number of applicants for each new license, certificate, or registration administered by the Department in the previous calendar year;

(2) the number of applicants for a new license, certificate, or registration within the previous calendar year who had any criminal conviction;

(3) the number of applicants for a new license, certificate, or registration in the previous calendar year who were granted a license, registration, or certificate;

(4) the number of applicants for a new license, certificate, or registration within the previous calendar year with a criminal conviction who were granted a license, certificate, or registration in the previous calendar year;

(5) the number of applicants for a new license, certificate, or registration in the previous calendar year who were denied a license, registration, or certificate;

(6) the number of applicants for new license, certificate, or registration in the previous calendar year with a criminal conviction who were denied a license, certificate, or registration in part or in whole because of such conviction, including the types of criminal convictions;

(7) the number of licenses issued on probation within the previous calendar year to applicants with a criminal conviction; and

(8) the number of licensees or certificate holders who were granted expungement for a record of discipline based on a conviction predating licensure, certification, or registration or a criminal charge, arrest, or conviction that was dismissed, sealed, or expunged or did not arise from the regulated activity, as a share of the total such expungement requests.

(Source: P.A. 102-105, eff. 1-1-22.)

(20 ILCS 2105/2105-207)

Sec. 2105-207. Records of Department actions.

(a) Any licensee subject to a licensing Act administered by the Department and who has been subject to disciplinary action by the Department may file an application with the Department on forms provided by the Department, along with the required fee of $175, to have the records classified as confidential, not for public release, and considered expunged for reporting purposes if:

(1) the application is submitted more than 3 years after the disciplinary offense or offenses occurred or after restoration of the license, whichever is later;

(2) the licensee has had no incidents of discipline under the licensing Act since the disciplinary offense or offenses identified in the application occurred;

(3) the Department has no pending investigations against the licensee; and

(4) the licensee is not currently in a disciplinary status.

(b) An application to make disciplinary records confidential shall only be considered by the Department for an offense or action relating to:

(1) failure to pay taxes;

(2) continuing education;

(3) failure to renew a license on time;

(4) failure to obtain or renew a certificate of registration or ancillary license;

(5) advertising;

(5.1) discipline based on criminal charges or convictions:

(A) that did not arise from the licensed activity and was unrelated to the licensed activity; or

(B) that were dismissed or for which records have been sealed or expunged;

(5.2) past probationary status of a license issued to new applicants on the sole or partial basis of prior convictions;

(6) any grounds for discipline removed from the licensing Act;

(7) failure to comply with workers' compensation requirements; or

(8) reprimand of a licensee.

(c) An application shall be submitted to and considered by the Director upon submission of an application and the required non-refundable fee. The Department may establish additional requirements by rule. The Department is not required to report the removal of any disciplinary record to any national database. Nothing in this Section shall prohibit the Department from using a previous discipline for any regulatory purpose or from releasing records of a previous discipline upon request from law enforcement, or other governmental body as permitted by law. Classification of records as confidential shall result in removal of records of discipline from records kept pursuant to Sections 2105-200 and 2105-205 of this Act.

(d) Any applicant for licensure or a licensee whose petition for review is granted by the Department pursuant to subsection (a-1) of Section 2105-165 of this Law may file an application with the Department on forms provided by the Department to have records relating to his or her permanent denial or permanent revocation classified as confidential and not for public release and considered expunged for reporting purposes in the same manner and under the same terms as is provided in this Section for the offenses listed in subsection (b) of this Section, except that the requirements of a 3-year waiting period and the $175 application fee do not apply.

(Source: P.A. 103-26, eff. 1-1-24.)

(20 ILCS 2105/2105-210) (was 20 ILCS 2105/60.2)

Sec. 2105-210. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00. Repealed by P.A. 91-827, eff. 6-13-00.)

(20 ILCS 2105/2105-215) (was 20 ILCS 2105/61a)

Sec. 2105-215. Proof of Department records. The papers, entries, and records of the Department or parts thereof may be proved in any legal proceeding by a copy thereof certified under the signature of the keeper thereof in the name of the Department with a seal of the Department attached. A fee of $1.00 shall be paid to the Department for the certification.

(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

(20 ILCS 2105/2105-220) (was 20 ILCS 2105/61b)

Sec. 2105-220. Release of Department records pursuant to subpoena. Prior to the release of any records of the Department pursuant to a subpoena in a civil or criminal proceeding, the party seeking the records shall pay to the Department $1.00 per page for the records.

(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

(20 ILCS 2105/2105-300) (was 20 ILCS 2105/61e)

Sec. 2105-300. Professions Indirect Cost Fund; allocations; analyses.

(a) Appropriations for the direct and allocable indirect costs of licensing and regulating each regulated profession, trade, occupation, or industry are intended to be payable from the fees and fines that are assessed and collected from that profession, trade, occupation, or industry, to the extent that those fees and fines are sufficient. In any fiscal year in which the fees and fines generated by a specific profession, trade, occupation, or industry are insufficient to finance the necessary direct and allocable indirect costs of licensing and regulating that profession, trade, occupation, or industry, the remainder of those costs shall be financed from appropriations payable from revenue sources other than fees and fines. The direct and allocable indirect costs of the Department identified in its cost allocation plans that are not attributable to the licensing and regulation of a specific profession, trade, or occupation, or industry or group of professions, trades, occupations, or industries shall be financed from appropriations from revenue sources other than fees and fines.

(b) The Professions Indirect Cost Fund is hereby created as a special fund in the State Treasury. The Fund may receive transfers of moneys authorized by the Department from the cash balances in special funds that receive revenues from the fees and fines associated with the licensing of regulated professions, trades, occupations, and industries by the Department. Moneys in the Fund shall be invested and earnings on the investments shall be retained in the Fund. Subject to appropriation, the Department shall use moneys in the Fund to pay the ordinary and necessary allocable indirect expenses associated with each of the regulated professions, trades, occupations, and industries.

(c) Before the beginning of each fiscal year, the Department shall prepare a cost allocation analysis to be used in establishing the necessary appropriation levels for each cost purpose and revenue source. At the conclusion of each fiscal year, the Department shall prepare a cost allocation analysis reflecting the extent of the variation between how the costs were actually financed in that year and the planned cost allocation for that year. Variations between the planned and actual cost allocations for the prior fiscal year shall be adjusted into the Department's planned cost allocation for the next fiscal year.

Each cost allocation analysis shall separately identify the direct and allocable indirect costs of each regulated profession, trade, occupation, or industry and the costs of the Department's general public health and safety purposes. The analyses shall determine whether the direct and allocable indirect costs of each regulated profession, trade, occupation, or industry and the costs of the Department's general public health and safety purposes are sufficiently financed from their respective funding sources. The Department shall prepare the cost allocation analyses in consultation with the respective regulated professions, trades, occupations, and industries and shall make copies of the analyses available to them in a timely fashion.

(d) The Department may direct the State Comptroller and Treasurer to transfer moneys from the special funds that receive fees and fines associated with regulated professions, trades, occupations, and industries into the Professions Indirect Cost Fund in accordance with the Department's cost allocation analysis plan for the applicable fiscal year. For a given fiscal year, the Department shall not direct the transfer of moneys under this subsection from a special fund associated with a specific regulated profession, trade, occupation, or industry (or group of professions, trades, occupations, or industries) in an amount exceeding the allocable indirect costs associated with that profession, trade, occupation, or industry (or group of professions, trades, occupations, or industries) as provided in the cost allocation analysis for that fiscal year and adjusted for allocation variations from the prior fiscal year. No direct costs identified in the cost allocation plan shall be used as a basis for transfers into the Professions Indirect Cost Fund or for expenditures from the Fund.

(e) (Blank).

(Source: P.A. 103-363, eff. 7-28-23.)

(20 ILCS 2105/2105-325) (was 20 ILCS 2105/60a in part)

Sec. 2105-325. Board member expenses. Except as otherwise provided in any licensing Act, from amounts appropriated for expenses of boards, each member of each board shall be reimbursed for the member's expenses necessarily incurred in relation to that service in accordance with the travel regulations applicable to the Department at the time the expenses are incurred.

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

(20 ILCS 2105/2105-330)

Sec. 2105-330. Badges. The Director must authorize to each agent, officer, investigator, and peace officer and to any other employee of the Department exercising the powers of a peace officer a distinct badge that, on its face, (i) clearly states that the badge is authorized by the Department and (ii) contains a unique identifying number. No other badge shall be authorized by the Department.

(Source: P.A. 91-883, eff. 1-1-01.)

(20 ILCS 2105/2105-350)

Sec. 2105-350. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 96-7, eff. 4-3-09. Repealed by P.A. 99-227, eff. 8-3-15.)

(20 ILCS 2105/2105-355)

Sec. 2105-355. Licensing exemptions related to free medical clinics.

(a) Any health care professional authorized by law to provide services at a free medical clinic may do so without being licensed under any Act administered by the Department, provided that the health care professional:

(1) is duly licensed by, or otherwise authorized to practice the profession by, any state or territory of the United States;

(2) restricts his, her, or its licensed or authorized services and duties solely to the provision of care or service at a free medical clinic;

(3) provides only the care or services that the individual or entity is licensed or otherwise authorized to provide by any state or territory of the United States; and

(4) provides a copy of his or her current out-of-state license or authorization to practice to the free medical clinic, which shall retain the copy for 2 years.

(b) The requirements of this Section 2105-355 do not apply to the exemptions authorized by the Department pursuant to Section 2105-400 of this Act.

(Source: P.A. 96-931, eff. 6-21-10.)

(20 ILCS 2105/2105-360)

Sec. 2105-360. Licensing exemptions for athletic team health care professionals.

(a) Definitions. For purposes of this Section:

"Athletic team" means any professional or amateur level group from outside the State of Illinois organized for the purpose of engaging in athletic events that employs the services of a health care professional.

"Health care professional" means a physician, physician assistant, physical therapist, athletic trainer, or acupuncturist.

(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a health care professional who is licensed to practice in another state or country shall be exempt from licensure requirements under the applicable Illinois professional Act while practicing his or her profession in this State if all of the following conditions are met:

(1) The health care professional has an oral or written agreement with an athletic team to provide health care services to the athletic team members, coaching staff, and families traveling with the athletic team for a specific sporting event to take place in this State.

(2) The health care professional may not provide care or consultation to any person residing in this State other than a person described in paragraph (1) of this subsection (b) unless the care is covered under the Good Samaritan Act.

(c) The exemption from licensure shall remain in force while the health care professional is traveling with the athletic team, but shall be no longer than 10 days per individual sporting event.

(d) The Secretary, upon prior written request by the health care professional, may grant the health care professional additional time of up to 20 additional days per sporting event. The total number of days the health care professional may be exempt, including additional time granted upon request, may not exceed 30 days per sporting event.

(e) A health care professional who is exempt from licensure requirements under this Section is not authorized to practice at a health care clinic or facility, including an acute care facility.

(Source: P.A. 99-206, eff. 9-1-15; 99-581, eff. 1-1-17.)

(20 ILCS 2105/2105-365)

Sec. 2105-365. Continuing education; Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.

(a) As used in this Section, "health care professional" means a person licensed or registered by the Department under the following Acts: the Medical Practice Act of 1987, the Nurse Practice Act, the Clinical Psychologist Licensing Act, the Illinois Optometric Practice Act of 1987, the Illinois Physical Therapy Act, the Physician Assistant Practice Act of 1987, the Clinical Social Work and Social Work Practice Act, the Nursing Home Administrators Licensing and Disciplinary Act, the Illinois Occupational Therapy Practice Act, the Podiatric Medical Practice Act of 1987, the Respiratory Care Practice Act, the Professional Counselor and Clinical Professional Counselor Licensing and Practice Act, and the Illinois Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Practice Act.

(b) For license or registration renewals occurring on or after January 1, 2023, a health care professional who has continuing education requirements must complete at least a one-hour course in training on the diagnosis, treatment, and care of individuals with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias per renewal period. This training shall include, but not be limited to, assessment and diagnosis, effective communication strategies, and management and care planning. This requirement shall only apply to health care professionals who provide health care services to, and have direct patient interactions with, adult populations age 26 or older in the practice of their profession. A health care professional may count this one hour for completion of this course toward meeting the minimum credit hours required for continuing education. Any training on Alzheimer's disease and other dementias applied to meet any other State licensure requirement, professional accreditation or certification requirement, or health care institutional practice agreement may count toward the continuing education requirement under this Section.

(c) The Department may adopt rules for the implementation of this Section.

(Source: P.A. 102-399, eff. 8-16-21.)

(20 ILCS 2105/2105-368)

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

Sec. 2105-368. Data on applications. In conjunction with applications for licensure, the Department shall request, and applicants may voluntarily provide, demographic information that includes sex, ethnicity, race, and disability. On or before March 1 of each calendar year, the Department shall publish a report on the Department's website that contains the demographic information it collected the preceding calendar year, the number of applications for licensure and renewal of licensure it received in the preceding calendar year, and the number of applicants who were denied licensure in the preceding calendar year regardless of whether application was made in that calendar year.

(Source: P.A. 103-522, eff. 1-1-25; 103-605, eff. 7-1-24.)

(20 ILCS 2105/2105-370)

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

Sec. 2105-370. Continuing education; cultural competency.

(a) As used in this Section:

"Cultural competency" means a set of integrated attitudes, knowledge, and skills that enables a health care professional or organization to care effectively for patients from diverse cultures, groups, and communities.

"Health care professional" means a person licensed or registered by the Department under the following Acts: the Medical Practice Act of 1987, the Nurse Practice Act, the Clinical Psychologist Licensing Act, the Illinois Optometric Practice Act of 1987, the Illinois Physical Therapy Act, the Pharmacy Practice Act, the Physician Assistant Practice Act of 1987, the Clinical Social Work and Social Work Practice Act, the Nursing Home Administrators Licensing and Disciplinary Act, the Illinois Occupational Therapy Practice Act, the Podiatric Medical Practice Act of 1987, the Respiratory Care Practice Act, the Professional Counselor and Clinical Professional Counselor Licensing and Practice Act, the Illinois Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Practice Act, the Illinois Dental Practice Act, the Illinois Dental Practice Act, or the Behavior Analyst Licensing Act.

(b) For health care professional license or registration renewals occurring on or after January 1, 2025, a health care professional who has continuing education requirements must complete at least a one-hour course in training on cultural competency. A health care professional may count this one hour for completion of this course toward meeting the minimum credit hours required for continuing education.

(c) The Department may adopt rules for the implementation of this Section.

(Source: P.A. 103-531, eff. 1-1-25; 103-605, eff. 7-1-24.)

(20 ILCS 2105/2105-375)

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

Sec. 2105-375. Limitation on specific statutorily mandated training requirements.

(a) As used in this Section:

"Health care professional" means a person licensed or registered by the Department under the following Acts: the Medical Practice Act of 1987, the Nurse Practice Act, the Clinical Psychologist Licensing Act, the Illinois Optometric Practice Act of 1987, the Illinois Physical Therapy Act, the Pharmacy Practice Act, the Physician Assistant Practice Act of 1987, the Clinical Social Work and Social Work Practice Act, the Nursing Home Administrators Licensing and Disciplinary Act, the Illinois Occupational Therapy Practice Act, the Podiatric Medical Practice Act of 1987, the Respiratory Care Practice Act, the Professional Counselor and Clinical Professional Counselor Licensing and Practice Act, the Illinois Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Practice Act, the Illinois Dental Practice Act, the Illinois Dental Practice Act, or the Behavior Analyst Licensing Act.

"Statutorily mandated topics" means continuing education training as specified by statute, including, but not limited to, training required under Sections 2105-365 and 2105-370.

(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, for health care professional license or registration renewals occurring on or after January 1, 2025, a health care professional whose license or registration renewal occurs every 2 years must complete all statutorily mandated topics within 3 renewal periods. If any additional statutorily mandated topics are added by law after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 103rd General Assembly, then a health care professional whose license or registration renewal occurs every 2 years must complete all statutorily mandated topics within 4 renewal periods.

(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, for health care professional license or registration renewals occurring on or after January 1, 2025, a health care professional whose license or registration renewal occurs every 3 years must complete all statutorily mandated topics within 2 renewal periods. If any additional statutorily mandated topics are added by law after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 103rd General Assembly, then a health care professional whose license or registration renewal occurs every 3 years must complete all statutorily mandated topics within 3 renewal periods.

(d) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section to the contrary, the implicit bias awareness training required under Section 2105-15.7 and the sexual harassment prevention training required under Section 2105-15.5 must be completed as provided by law.

(d-5) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section to the contrary, the Alzheimer's disease and other dementias training required under Section 2105-365 must be completed prior to the end of the health care professional's first license renewal period, and thereafter in accordance with this Section.

(e) The Department shall maintain on its website information regarding the current requirements for the specific statutorily mandated topics.

(f) Each license or permit application or renewal form the Department provides to a health care professional must include a notification regarding the current specific statutorily mandated topics.

(Source: P.A. 103-531, eff. 1-1-25.)

(20 ILCS 2105/2105-380)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2026)

Sec. 2105-380. Extension of expiration dates or renewal periods for specified licenses, registrations, or certificates.

(a) If the Secretary finds that there is a significant operational need to do so or that it is necessary to do so to avoid undue hardship on a class of individuals whose professional licenses, registrations, or certificates are issued by the Department, then the Secretary shall extend the expiration date or renewal period of the license, registration, or certificate of those individuals for a period not to exceed the standard renewal period for those licenses, registrations, or certificates. Factors that may be considered by the Secretary when determining whether to extend the expiration date or renewal period shall include, but are not limited to:

(1) the number of applications pending;

(2) the percentage of applicants or licensees, registrants, or certificate holders waiting for Department action on their applications compared to the number of licensees, registrants, or certificate holders in the profession;

(3) the number of licenses, registrations, or certificates that have expired while pending Department action on renewal;

(4) whether there is a shortage of licensees, registrants, or certificate holders providing the professional service;

(5) the potential impact on the Department's operational budget; and

(6) any other licensing-related factors that are deemed relevant by the Department and are prescribed by rule.

(b) The Secretary shall waive the payment of late fees for a licensee, registrant, or certificate holder in a profession whose expiration date or renewal period has been extended under this Section and in those cases where Department processing delays result in the expiration of a license, registration, or certificate.

(c) The Department may adopt rules or emergency rules to implement and administer this Section.

(d) This Section is repealed January 1, 2026.

(Source: P.A. 103-568, eff. 12-8-23; 103-601, eff. 7-1-24.)

(20 ILCS 2105/2105-400)

Sec. 2105-400. Emergency powers.

(a) Upon proclamation of a disaster by the Governor, as provided for in the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act, the Secretary of Financial and Professional Regulation shall have the following powers, which shall be exercised only in coordination with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and the Department of Public Health:

(1) The power to suspend the requirements for permanent or temporary licensure of persons who are licensed in another state and are working pursuant to a declared disaster.

(2) The power to modify the scope of practice restrictions under any licensing act administered by the Department for any person working under the direction of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and the Illinois Department of Public Health pursuant to the declared disaster.

(3) The power to expand the exemption in Section 4(a) of the Pharmacy Practice Act to those licensed professionals whose scope of practice has been modified, under paragraph (2) of subsection (a) of this Section, to include any element of the practice of pharmacy as defined in the Pharmacy Practice Act for any person working under the direction of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and the Illinois Department of Public Health pursuant to the declared disaster.

(b) Persons exempt from licensure under paragraph (1) of subsection (a) of this Section and persons operating under modified scope of practice provisions under paragraph (2) of subsection (a) of this Section shall be exempt from licensure or be subject to modified scope of practice only until the declared disaster has ended as provided by law. For purposes of this Section, persons working under the direction of an emergency services and disaster agency accredited by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and a local public health department, pursuant to a declared disaster, shall be deemed to be working under the direction of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and the Department of Public Health.

(c) The Secretary or the Director, as his or her designee, shall exercise these powers by way of proclamation.

(d) Any person who was issued a temporary out-of-state permit by the Department pursuant to a proclamation issued by the Secretary or related action by the Director in response to the COVID-19 pandemic may continue to practice under his or her temporary out-of-state permit if he or she submits an application for licensure by endorsement to the Department on or before May 11, 2023. Any such person may continue to practice under his or her temporary out-of-state permit until the Department issues the license or denies the application, at which time the temporary out-of-state permit shall expire. If the Department does not issue the license or does not deny the application by May 11, 2024, the temporary out-of-state permit shall expire. If the person holding a temporary out-of-state permit does not submit an application for licensure by endorsement to the Department on or before May 11, 2023, the temporary out-of-state COVID permit shall expire on that date. The Secretary may extend the May 11, 2023 deadline under this subsection for an additional 60 days. This subsection applies to the following licensed professions: physician; registered nurse; practical nurse; advanced practice registered nurse; full practice advanced practice registered nurse; pharmacist; occupational therapist; occupational therapy assistant; physical therapist; physical therapist assistant; clinical psychologist; physician assistant; clinical social worker; social worker; dietitian nutritionist; professional counselor; clinical professional counselor; and respiratory care practitioner.

(e) Any person who was issued a temporary reinstatement permit by the Department pursuant to a proclamation issued by the Secretary or related action by the Director in response to the COVID-19 pandemic may continue to practice under his or her temporary reinstatement permit if he or she submits an application for restoration or reinstatement of his or her license to the Department on or before May 11, 2023. Any such person may continue to practice under his or her temporary reinstatement permit until the Department restores or reinstates the license or denies the application, at which time the temporary reinstatement permit shall expire. If the Department does not restore or reinstate the license or does not deny the application by May 11, 2024, the temporary reinstatement permit shall expire. If the person holding a temporary reinstatement permit does not submit an application for restoration or reinstatement to the Department on or before May 11, 2023, the temporary reinstatement permit shall expire on that date. The Secretary may extend the May 11, 2023 deadline under this subsection for an additional 60 days. This subsection applies to the following licensed professions: physician; registered nurse; practical nurse; advanced practice registered nurse; full practice advanced practice registered nurse; pharmacist; occupational therapist; occupational therapy assistant; physical therapist; physical therapist assistant; clinical psychologist; physician assistant; clinical social worker; social worker; dietitian nutritionist; professional counselor; clinical professional counselor; and respiratory care practitioner.

(Source: P.A. 103-1, eff. 4-27-23.)

(20 ILCS 2105/2105-405)

Sec. 2105-405. Licensing liaison for international applicants.

(a) The Division of Professional Regulation shall employ one full-time employee as the licensing liaison for international applicants. The licensing liaison shall assist international applicants in answering questions and providing information regarding the foreign education requirements for licenses administered by the Division of Professional Regulation.

(b) The additional duties of the licensing liaison shall include, but not be limited to: (i) coordinating with personnel of the Department in processing applications from international applicants and (ii) providing education and information resources to community organizations that assist international applicants.

(Source: P.A. 103-537, eff. 1-1-24.)