Section 515.740  Emergency Communications Registered Nurse

a)         To be licensed as an ECRN, an individual shall:

1)         Be an RN in accordance with the Nurse Practice Act;

2)         Complete an education curriculum formulated by an EMS System and approved by the Department, which consists of at least 40 hours of classroom and practical education for both the adult and pediatric population, including telecommunications, System standing medical orders, and the procedures and protocols established by the EMS MD (Section 3.80(c)(1)(B) of the Act);

3)         Complete eight hours of field experience supervised by a Paramedic, only as authorized by the EMS MD.

b)         The EMS MD shall electronically submit to the Department, using the Department's Electronic Transaction Form, a recommendation for licensure for an ECRN candidate who has completed and passed all components of the education program and passed the final examination.  The application will include demographic information, social security number, child support statement, felony conviction statement, applicable fees, and EMS System authorization.

c)         To apply for a four year renewal:

1)         The ECRN shall submit proof of the following no less than 60 days, but not more than 90 days, before the license expiration:

A)        Is an RN with an unencumbered license in the state in which he or she practices; and

B)        Has completed 32 hours of continuing education in a four-year period.

2)         The ECRN shall submit a written or electronic application for renewal with the Department no less than 30 days before the license expiration.  Incomplete license applications submitted less than 30 days before the expiration may not be processed by the expiration date and shall be subject to a late fee.

3)         An ECRN whose license has expired may, within 60 days after the license expiration, submit all relicensure requirements and submit the required relicensure fees, including a late fee, online or by a certified check or money order.  Cash or personal check will not be accepted.  If all relicensure requirements have been met, and there are no pending disciplinary actions against the ECRN, the Department will relicense the ECRN.

d)         Inactive Status

1)         Prior to the expiration of the current ECRN license, the ECRN may request to be placed on inactive status.  The request shall be made in writing to the EMS MD and shall contain the following information:

A)        Name of individual;

B)        Date of approval;

C)        Circumstances requiring inactive status;

D)        A statement that recertification requirements have been met by the date of the application for inactive status.

2)         The EMS MD shall review and grant or deny requests for inactive status.

3)         For the ECRN to return to active status, the EMS MD shall document that the ECRN has been examined (physically and mentally) and found capable of functioning within the EMS System, that the ECRN's knowledge and clinical skills are at the active ECRN level, and that the ECRN has completed any refresher education deemed necessary by the EMS System. If the inactive status was based on a temporary disability, the EMS System shall also verify that the disability has ceased.

4)         During inactive status, the individual shall not function as an ECRN at any level.

5)         The EMS MD shall notify the Department in writing of the ECRN's approval, reapproval or granting or denying inactive status within 10 days after any change in an ECRN's approval status.

e)         An ECRN shall notify the Department within 30 days after any change in name or address.  Notification may be in person, or by mail, phone, fax or electronic mail. Addresses may be changed through the Department's Division of EMS website.  Name and gender changes require legal documents, i.e., marriage license or court documents.

(Source:  Amended at 48 Ill. Reg. 16159, effective November 1, 2024)