Public Act 100-0908
 
HB4936 EnrolledLRB100 18558 RLC 33777 b

    AN ACT concerning State government.
 
    Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois,
represented in the General Assembly:
 
    Section 5. The Illinois Public Aid Code is amended by
adding Section 5-5.09 as follows:
 
    (305 ILCS 5/5-5.09 new)
    Sec. 5-5.09. Mental health professionals; veterans.
    (a) The General Assembly is proud of and grateful to
members of all branches of the United States Armed Forces. The
General Assembly recognizes that returning veterans may have
unique and specific needs that are better understood and
addressed by persons with military exposure. The Department of
Healthcare and Family Services shall seek federal approval of
an amendment to the Illinois Title XIX State Plan for the
purpose of allowing a person who has completed a psychiatric
training certification program from any branch of the United
States Armed Forces and who has at least one year of experience
in a mental health setting to be recognized as a mental health
professional.
    (b) Upon receipt of federal approval of an amendment to the
Illinois Title XIX State Plan for this purpose, the Department
of Healthcare and Family Services, in collaboration with all
necessary partners including the Department of Human Services,
shall adopt within 180 days after the date upon which federal
approval is received any necessary rules that would allow a
person who has completed a psychiatric training certification
program from any branch of the United States Armed Forces and
who has at least one year of experience in a mental health
setting to be recognized as a mental health professional for
purposes of programs authorized or funded by the Department of
Healthcare and Family Services under the standards of practice
as authorized by the Department.