HB4667 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB102 24195 AMQ 33423 b

102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2021 and 2022
HB4667

Introduced 1/21/2022, by Rep. Theresa Mah

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

See Index

Amends the Regulatory Sunset Act. Provides that the Professional Counselor and Clinical Professional Counselor Licensing and Practice Act will be repealed on January 1, 2028 (instead of January 1, 2023). Amends the Professional Counselor and Clinical Professional Counselor Licensing and Practice Act. Defines "email address of record". Provides the definition of "clinical supervision" includes face-to-face video if the session is synchronous and involves verbal and visual interaction during supervision. Provides that licensees shall provide a valid email address to the Department and inform of any change of email address. Removes a provision that provides that nothing in the Act shall be construed to limit licensed professional counselors from providing social services that do not fall within the definition of professional counseling. Provides that no person shall, without a valid license, hold one's self out to the public as a professional counselor by using the credential "L.P.C.". Removes a provision that the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation may maintain names and addresses of all licenses and all persons whose licenses have been suspended, revoked, or denied renewal for cause within the previous calendar year. Provides that the Professional Counselor Licensing and Disciplinary Board shall consist of 7 persons, one (instead of 2) of whom is licensed solely as a professional counselor and 4 (instead of 3) of whom are licensed solely as a clinical professional counselors. Removes a provision that provides for an exception for an applicant who applied for licensure before a specified date where an approved baccalaureate program in human services approved by the Department and 5 years of supervised experience would count as a qualification for licensure. Provides that if the Department finds an individual unable to practice because of a substance-related violation, the Department may require that individual to submit to a substance abuse evaluation or treatment by programs approved by the Department as a condition, term, or restriction for continued, restored, or renewed licensure to practice. Makes other changes. Section 5 and Section 99 take effect upon becoming law.

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning regulation.

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

Section 5. The Regulatory Sunset Act is amended by changing Sections 4.33 and 4.38 as follows:

(5 ILCS 80/4.33)

Sec. 4.33. Acts repealed on January 1, 2023. The following Acts are repealed on January 1, 2023:

The Dietitian Nutritionist Practice Act.

The Elevator Safety and Regulation Act.

The Fire Equipment Distributor and Employee Regulation Act of 2011.

The Funeral Directors and Embalmers Licensing Code.

The Naprapathic Practice Act.

The Pharmacy Practice Act.

The Professional Counselor and Clinical Professional Counselor Licensing and Practice Act.

The Wholesale Drug Distribution Licensing Act.

(Source: P.A. 101-621, eff. 12-20-19.)

(5 ILCS 80/4.38)

Sec. 4.38. Acts repealed on January 1, 2028. The following Acts are repealed on January 1, 2028:

The Acupuncture Practice Act.

The Clinical Social Work and Social Work Practice Act.

The Home Medical Equipment and Services Provider License Act.

The Illinois Petroleum Education and Marketing Act.

The Illinois Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Practice Act.

The Interpreter for the Deaf Licensure Act of 2007.

The Nurse Practice Act.

The Nursing Home Administrators Licensing and Disciplinary Act.

The Physician Assistant Practice Act of 1987.

The Podiatric Medical Practice Act of 1987.

The Professional Counselor and Clinical Professional Counselor Licensing and Practice Act.

(Source: P.A. 100-220, eff. 8-18-17; 100-375, eff. 8-25-17; 100-398, eff. 8-25-17; 100-414, eff. 8-25-17; 100-453, eff. 8-25-17; 100-513, eff. 9-20-17; 100-525, eff. 9-22-17; 100-530, eff. 9-22-17; 100-560, eff. 12-8-17.)

Section 10. The Professional Counselor and Clinical Professional Counselor Licensing and Practice Act is amended by changing Sections 10, 15, 18, 20, 25, 30, 45, 50, 80, 90, 100, 110, 130, 155, and 165 and by adding Section 11 as follows:

(225 ILCS 107/10)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2023)

Sec. 10. Definitions. As used in this Act:

"Address of record" means the designated address recorded by the Department in the applicant's or licensee's application file or license file as maintained by the Department's licensure maintenance unit. It is the duty of the applicant or licensee to inform the Department of any change of address and those changes must be made either through the Department's website or by contacting the Department.

"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.

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

"Board" means the Professional Counselor Licensing and Disciplinary Board as appointed by the Secretary.

"Person" means an individual, association, partnership, or corporation.

"Professional counseling" means the provision of services to individuals, couples, groups, families, and organizations in any one or more of the fields of professional counseling. "Professional counseling" includes the therapeutic process of: (i) conducting assessments and diagnosing for the purpose of establishing treatment goals and objectives and (ii) planning, implementing, and evaluating treatment plans using treatment interventions to facilitate human development and to identify and remediate mental, emotional, or behavioral disorders and associated distresses that interfere with mental health.

Professional counseling may also include clinical professional counseling as long as it is not conducted in independent private practice as defined in this Act.

"Clinical professional counseling" means the provision of professional counseling and mental health services, which includes, but is not limited to, the application of clinical counseling theory and techniques to prevent and alleviate mental and emotional disorders and psychopathology and to promote optimal mental health, rehabilitation, treatment, testing, assessment, and evaluation. "Clinical professional counseling" may include the practice of professional counseling as defined in this Act. It also includes clinical counseling and psychotherapy in a professional relationship to assist individuals, couples, families, groups, and organizations to alleviate emotional disorders, to understand conscious and unconscious motivation, to resolve emotional, relationship, and attitudinal conflicts, and to modify behaviors that interfere with effective emotional, social, adaptive, and intellectual functioning.

"Licensed professional counselor" and "professional counselor" means a person who holds a license authorizing the practice of professional counseling as defined in this Act.

"Licensed clinical professional counselor" and "clinical professional counselor" means a person who holds a license authorizing the independent practice of clinical professional counseling in private practice as defined in this Act.

"Independent private practice of clinical professional counseling" means the application of clinical professional counseling knowledge and skills by a licensed clinical professional counselor who regulates and is responsible for her or his own practice or treatment procedures.

"Clinical supervision" or "supervision" means the experience is under the order, control, and full professional responsibility of a supervisor who reviews review of aspects of counseling and case management in a face-to-face meeting with the person under supervision. "Face-to-face" means the session is live, interactive, and visual. Video is considered face-to-face if the session is synchronous and involves verbal and visual interaction during supervision.

"Qualified supervisor" or "qualified clinical supervisor" means any person who is a licensed clinical professional counselor, licensed clinical social worker, licensed clinical psychologist, psychiatrist as defined in Section 1-121 of the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code, or other supervisor as defined by rule. A qualified supervisor may be provided at the applicant's place of work, or may be hired by the applicant to provide supervision.

"License" means that which is required to practice professional counseling or clinical professional counseling as defined in this Act.

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

"Volunteer" means a person performing services without compensation for a nonprofit organization, a nonprofit corporation, a hospital, a governmental entity, or a private business, other than reimbursement for actual expenses incurred. "Volunteer" includes a person serving as a director, officer, trustee, or direct service volunteer.

(Source: P.A. 97-706, eff. 6-25-12.)

(225 ILCS 107/11 new)

Sec. 11. Address of record; email address of record. All applicants and licensees shall:

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

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

(225 ILCS 107/15)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2023)

Sec. 15. Exemptions.

(a) This Act does not prohibit any persons legally regulated in this State by any other Act from engaging in the practice for which they are authorized as long as they do not represent themselves by the title of "professional counselor", "licensed professional counselor", "clinical professional counselor", or "licensed clinical professional counselor". This Act does not prohibit the practice of nonregulated professions whose practitioners are engaged in the delivery of human services as long as these practitioners do not represent themselves as or use the title of "professional counselor", "licensed professional counselor", "clinical professional counselor", or "licensed clinical professional counselor".

(b) Nothing in this Act shall be construed to limit the activities and services of a student, intern, or resident in professional counseling or clinical professional counseling seeking to fulfill educational requirements in order to qualify for a license under this Act if (i) these activities and services constitute a part of the student's supervised course of study, (ii) the activities and services are not conducted in an independent practice, as defined in this Act, (iii) the activities and services are supervised as specified in this Act, and (iv) the student, intern, or resident is designated by a title "intern" or "resident" or other designation of trainee status. Nothing contained in this Section shall be construed to permit students, interns, or residents to offer their services as professional counselors or clinical professional counselors to any other person, other than as specifically excepted in this Section, unless they have been licensed under this Act.

(b-5) Nothing in this Act shall be construed to limit the activities and services of individuals seeking to fulfill post-degree experience requirements in order to qualify for licensing as a clinical professional counselor under this Act, so long as the individual is not engaged in the independent private practice of clinical professional counseling as defined in this Act, and is in compliance with all applicable regulations regarding supervision including, but not limited to, the requirement that the supervised experience must be under the order, control, and full professional responsibility of their supervisor. The Department may, by rule, adopt further limitations on individuals practicing under this subsection.

(c) Corporations, partnerships, and associations may employ practicum students, interns, or post-degree candidates seeking to fulfill educational requirements or the professional experience requirements needed to qualify for a license under this Act if their activities and services constitute a part of the student's supervised course of study or post-degree professional experience requirements. Nothing in this paragraph shall prohibit a corporation, partnership, or association from contracting with a licensed health care professional to provide services that they are licensed to provide.

(d) Nothing in this Act shall prevent the employment, by a professional counselor or clinical professional counselor, person, association, partnership, or a corporation furnishing professional counseling or clinical professional counseling services for remuneration, of persons not licensed as professional counselors or clinical professional counselors under this Act to perform services in various capacities as needed if these persons are not in any manner held out to the public or do not hold themselves out to the public by any title or designation stating or implying that they are professional counselors or clinical professional counselors.

(e) Nothing in this Act shall be construed to limit the services of a person, not licensed under the provisions of this Act, in the employ of a federal, State, county, or municipal agency or other political subdivision or not-for-profit corporation providing human services if (1) the services are a part of the duties in his or her salaried position, (2) the services are performed solely on behalf of his or her employer, and (3) that person does not in any manner represent himself or herself as or use the title of "professional counselor", "licensed professional counselor", "clinical professional counselor", or "licensed clinical professional counselor".

(f) Duly recognized members of any religious organization shall not be restricted from functioning in their ministerial capacity provided they do not represent themselves as being professional counselors or clinical professional counselors, or as providing "professional counseling" or "clinical professional counseling". This Act shall not apply or be construed so as to apply to the employees or agents of a church or religious organization or an organization owned, controlled, or affiliated with a church or religious organization, unless the church, religious organization, or owned, controlled, or affiliated organization designates or holds these employees or agents out to the public as professional counselors or clinical professional counselors or holds out their services as being "professional counseling" or "clinical professional counseling".

(g) Nothing in this Act shall prohibit individuals not licensed under the provisions of this Act who work in self-help groups or programs or not-for-profit organizations from providing services in those groups, programs, or organizations, as long as those persons are not in any manner held out to the public as practicing professional counseling or clinical professional counseling, or do not hold themselves out to the public by any title or designation stating or implying that they are professional counselors or clinical professional counselors.

(h) Nothing in this Act shall be construed to limit the activities and use of the official title of "professional counselor" or "clinical professional counselor" on the part of a person not licensed under this Act who is an academic employee of a duly chartered institution of higher education and who holds educational and professional qualifications equivalent to those required for licensing under this Act, insofar as such activities are performed in the person's role as an academic employee, or insofar as such person engages in public speaking with or without remuneration.

(i) Nothing in this Act shall be construed to require licensure under this Act or limit the services of a school counselor licensed certified by the Illinois State Board of Education State Teacher Certification Board and employed as authorized by Section 10-22-24a or any other provision of the School Code as long as that person is not in any manner held out to the public as a "professional counselor" or "clinical professional counselor" or does not hold out his or her services as being "professional counseling" or "clinical professional counseling".

(j) Nothing in this Act shall be construed to require any hospital, clinic, home health agency, hospice, or other entity that provides health care to employ or to contract with a person licensed under this Act to provide professional counseling or clinical professional counseling services. These persons may not hold themselves out or represent themselves to the public as being licensed under this Act.

(k) Nothing in this Act shall be construed to require licensure under this Act or limit the services of a person employed by a private elementary or secondary school who provides counseling within the scope of his or her employment as long as that person is not in any manner held out to the public as a "professional counselor" or "clinical professional counselor" or does not hold out his or her services as being "professional counseling" or "clinical professional counseling".

(l) Nothing in this Act shall be construed to require licensure under this Act or limit the services of a rape crisis counselor who is an employee or volunteer of a rape crisis organization as defined in Section 8-802.1 of the Code of Civil Procedure as long as that person is not in any manner held out to the public as a "professional counselor" or "clinical professional counselor" or does not hold out his or her services as being "professional counseling" or "clinical professional counseling".

(m) Nothing in this Act shall be construed to prevent any licensed social worker, licensed clinical social worker, or licensed clinical psychologist from practicing professional counseling as long as that person is not in any manner held out to the public as a "professional counselor" or "clinical professional counselor" or does not hold out his or her services as being "professional counseling" or "clinical professional counseling".

(n) Nothing in this Act shall be construed to limit the activities and use of the official title of "professional counselor" or "clinical professional counselor" on the part of a person not licensed under this Act who is a physician licensed to practice medicine in all of its branches under the Medical Practice Act of 1987.

(o) Nothing in this Act shall be construed to require licensure under this Act or limit the services of a domestic violence counselor who is an employee or volunteer of a domestic violence program as defined in Section 227 of the Illinois Domestic Violence Act of 1986.

(Source: P.A. 97-706, eff. 6-25-12.)

(225 ILCS 107/18)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2023)

Sec. 18. Provision of clinical services by licensed professional counselors; scope of practice.

(a) Licensed professional counselors may not engage in the independent practice of clinical professional counseling without a clinical professional counselor license.

(b) In an independent private practice, a licensed professional counselor must practice at all times under the order, control, and full professional responsibility of a licensed clinical professional counselor, a licensed clinical social worker, a licensed clinical psychologist, or a psychiatrist as defined in Section 1-121 of the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code.

(c) When providing clinical professional counseling as set forth in this Act, a licensed professional counselor may not represent himself or herself as a sole or independent practitioner and may not use the title "clinical professional counselor" or "licensed clinical professional counselor". A licensed professional counselor providing clinical professional counseling shall always operate and represent himself or herself as providing services through or as a part of a group practice or through a clinical supervisor's practice, and the licensed professional counselor shall have no ownership interest in either type of practice. Licensed professional counselors providing clinical services shall provide the name and contact information of the licensed professional counselor's supervisor to all clients.

(d) (Blank). Nothing in this Act shall be construed to limit licensed professional counselors from owning or engaging in sole or other type of practice or from using the title "licensed professional counselor" or "professional counselor" when providing social services that do not fall within the definition of professional counseling or clinical professional counseling as set forth in this Act.

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

(Source: P.A. 97-706, eff. 6-25-12.)

(225 ILCS 107/20)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2023)

Sec. 20. Restrictions and limitations.

(a) No person shall, without a valid license as a professional counselor issued by the Department: (i) in any manner hold himself or herself out to the public as a professional counselor under this Act; (ii) attach the title "professional counselor", or "licensed professional counselor", or use the credential "L.P.C."; or (iii) offer to render or render to individuals, corporations, or the public professional counseling services.

(b) No person shall, without a valid license as a clinical professional counselor issued by the Department: (i) in any manner hold himself or herself out to the public as a clinical professional counselor or licensed clinical professional counselor under this Act; (ii) attach the title "clinical professional counselor", or "licensed clinical professional counselor", or use the credential "L.P.C."; or (iii) offer to render to individuals, corporations, or the public clinical professional counseling services.

(c) (Blank).

(d) No association, limited liability company, professional limited liability company, or partnership shall provide, attempt to provide, or offer to provide clinical professional counseling or professional counseling services unless every member, partner, and employee of the association, limited liability company, professional limited liability company, or partnership who practices professional counseling or clinical professional counseling or who renders professional counseling or clinical professional counseling services holds a currently valid license issued under this Act. No business shall provide, attempt to provide, or offer to provide professional counseling or clinical professional counseling services unless it is organized under the Professional Service Corporation Act or Professional Limited Liability Company Act.

(d-5) Nothing in this Act shall preclude individuals licensed under this Act from practicing directly or indirectly for a physician licensed to practice medicine in all its branches under the Medical Practice Act of 1987 or for any legal entity as provided under subsection (c) of Section 22.2 of the Medical Practice Act of 1987.

(e) Nothing in this Act shall be construed as permitting persons licensed as professional counselors or clinical professional counselors to engage in any manner in the practice of medicine in all its branches as defined by law in this State.

(f) When, in the course of providing professional counseling or clinical professional counseling services to any person, a professional counselor or clinical professional counselor licensed under this Act finds indication of a disease or condition that in his or her professional judgment requires professional service outside the scope of practice as defined in this Act, he or she shall refer that person to a physician licensed to practice medicine in all of its branches or another appropriate health care practitioner.

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

(225 ILCS 107/25)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2023)

Sec. 25. Powers and duties of the Department. Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Department may:

(a) Authorize examinations to ascertain the qualifications and fitness of applicants for licensing as professional counselors or clinical professional counselors and pass upon the qualifications of applicants for licensure by endorsement.

(b) Conduct hearings on proceedings to refuse to issue or renew or to revoke licenses or suspend, place on probation, censure, or reprimand or take any other disciplinary or non-disciplinary action with regard to a person licensed under this Act.

(c) Formulate rules and regulations required for the administration of this Act.

(d) (Blank). Maintain rosters of the names and addresses of all licensees, and all persons whose licenses have been suspended, revoked, or denied renewal for cause within the previous calendar year. These rosters shall be available upon written request and payment of the required fee.

(e) Establish rules for determining approved graduate professional counseling, clinical professional counseling, psychology, rehabilitation counseling and similar programs.

(Source: P.A. 97-706, eff. 6-25-12.)

(225 ILCS 107/30) (from Ch. 111, par. 8451-30)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2023)

Sec. 30. Professional Counselor Licensing and Disciplinary Board.

(a) The Secretary shall appoint a Board which shall serve in an advisory capacity to the Secretary. The Board shall consist of 7 persons, one 2 of whom is are licensed solely as a professional counselor counselors, 4 3 of whom are licensed solely as clinical professional counselors, one full-time faculty member of an accredited college or university that is engaged in training professional counselors or clinical professional counselors who possesses the qualifications substantially equivalent to the education and experience requirements for a professional counselor or clinical professional counselor, and one member of the public who is not a licensed health care provider. In appointing members of the Board, the Secretary shall give due consideration to the adequate representation of the various fields of counseling. In appointing members of the Board, the Secretary shall give due consideration to recommendations by members of the professions of professional counseling and clinical professional counseling, the Statewide organizations representing the interests of professional counselors and clinical professional counselors, organizations representing the interests of academic programs, rehabilitation counseling programs, and approved counseling programs in the State of Illinois.

(b) Members shall be appointed for and shall serve 4 year terms and until their successors are appointed and qualified. No member of the Board shall serve more than 2 full consecutive terms. Any appointment to fill a vacancy shall be for the unexpired portion of the term.

(c) The membership of the Board should reasonably reflect representation from different geographic areas of Illinois.

(d) (Blank).

(e) The Secretary shall have the authority to remove or suspend any member for cause at any time prior to the expiration of his or her term. The Secretary shall be the sole arbiter of cause.

(f) The Board shall annually elect one of its members as chairperson.

(g) The members of the Board shall be reimbursed for all legitimate, necessary, and authorized expenses incurred in attending the meetings of the Board.

(h) The Board may make recommendations on matters relating to approving graduate counseling, rehabilitation counseling, psychology, and related programs.

(i) The Board may make recommendations on matters relating to continuing education including the number of hours necessary for license renewal, waivers for those unable to meet such requirements, and acceptable course content. These recommendations shall not impose an undue burden on the Department or an unreasonable restriction on those seeking license renewal.

(j) The Secretary shall give due consideration to all recommendations of the Board.

(k) Four members of the Board shall constitute a quorum. A quorum is required for all Board decisions.

(l) Members of the Board shall have no criminal, civil, or professional liability in an action based upon a disciplinary proceeding or other activity performed in good faith as a member of the Board, except for willful or wanton misconduct.

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

(225 ILCS 107/45)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2023)

Sec. 45. Qualifications for a license.

(a) Professional counselor. A person is qualified to be licensed as a licensed professional counselor, and the Department shall issue a license authorizing the practice of professional counseling to an applicant who:

(1) has applied in writing on the prescribed form and has paid the required fee;

(2) is at least 21 years of age and has not engaged in conduct or activities which would constitute grounds for discipline under this Act;

(3) is a graduate of: (A) a master's or doctoral level program in the field of counseling, rehabilitation counseling, psychology, or similar degree program approved by the Department; or

(B) in the case of an applicant who applied for licensure before the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 96th General Assembly, an approved baccalaureate program in human services or similar degree program approved by the Department and can document the equivalent of 5 years of full-time satisfactory supervised experience, as established by rule, under a qualified supervisor;

(4) has passed an examination for the practice of professional counseling as authorized by the Department; and

(5) has paid the fees required by this Act.

Any person who has received certification by any State or national organization whose standards are accepted by the Department as being substantially similar to the standards in this Act may apply for a professional counselor license and need not be examined further.

(b) Clinical professional counselor. A person is qualified to be licensed as a clinical professional counselor, and the Department shall issue a license authorizing the practice of clinical professional counseling to an applicant who:

(1) has applied in writing on the prescribed form and has paid the required fee;

(2) is at least 21 years of age and has not engaged in conduct or activities which would constitute grounds for discipline under this Act;

(3) is a graduate of:

(A) a master's level program in the field of counseling, rehabilitation counseling, psychology, or similar degree program approved by the Department and has completed the equivalent of 2 years full-time satisfactory supervised employment or experience working as a clinical counselor under the direction of a qualified supervisor subsequent to the degree; or

(B) a doctoral program in the field of counseling, rehabilitation counseling, psychology, or similar program approved by the Department and has completed the equivalent of 2 years full-time satisfactory supervised employment or experience working as a clinical counselor under the direction of a qualified supervisor, at least one year of which is subsequent to the degree;

(4) has passed the examination for the practice of clinical professional counseling as authorized by the Department; and

(5) has paid the fees required by this Act.

Any person who has received certification or licensure by any State or national organization whose standards are accepted by the Department as being substantially similar to the standards in this Act may apply for a clinical professional counselor license, and need not be examined further.

(c) Examination for applicants under this Act shall be held at the discretion of the Department from time to time but not less than once each year. The examination used shall be authorized by the Department.

(d) Upon application and payment of the required fee, an applicant who has an active license as a clinical psychologist or a clinical social worker licensed under the laws of this State may, without examination, be granted registration as a licensed clinical professional counselor by the Department.

(Source: P.A. 96-1139, eff. 7-21-10; 97-706, eff. 6-25-12.)

(225 ILCS 107/50)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2023)

Sec. 50. Licenses; renewal; restoration; person in military service; inactive status.

(a) The expiration date and renewal period for each license issued under this Act shall be set by rule. As a condition for renewal of a license, the licensee shall be required to complete continuing education in accordance with rules established by the Department and pay the current renewal fee.

(b) Any person who has permitted a license to expire or who has a license on inactive status may have it restored by submitting an application to the Department and filing proof of fitness acceptable to the Department, to have the license restored, including, if appropriate, evidence which is satisfactory to the Department certifying the active practice of professional counseling or clinical professional counseling in another jurisdiction and by paying the required fee.

(c) If the person has not maintained an active practice in another jurisdiction which is satisfactory to the Department, the Department shall determine, by an evaluation program established by rule, the person's fitness to resume active status and shall establish procedures and requirements for restoration.

(d) However, any person whose license expired while he or she was (i) in federal service on active duty with the armed forces of the United States or the State Militia or (ii) in training or education under the supervision of the United States government prior to induction into the military service may have his or her license restored without paying any lapsed renewal fees if, within 2 years after the honorable termination of such service, training, or education, the Department is furnished with satisfactory evidence that the person has been so engaged and that such service, training, or education has been so terminated.

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

(f) (Blank). Any person requesting restoration from inactive status shall (i) be required to pay the current renewal fee, (ii) meet continuing education requirements, and (iii) be required to restore his or her license as provided in this Act.

(Source: P.A. 97-706, eff. 6-25-12.)

(225 ILCS 107/80)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2023)

Sec. 80. Grounds for discipline.

(a) The Department may refuse to issue, renew, or may revoke, suspend, place on probation, reprimand, or take other disciplinary or non-disciplinary action as the Department deems appropriate, including the issuance of fines not to exceed $10,000 for each violation, with regard to any license for any one or more of the following:

(1) Material misstatement in furnishing information to the Department or to any other State agency.

(2) Violations or negligent or intentional disregard of this Act or rules adopted under this Act.

(3) Conviction by plea of guilty or nolo contendere, finding of guilt, jury verdict, or entry of judgment or by sentencing of any crime, including, but not limited to, convictions, preceding sentences of supervision, conditional discharge, or first offender probation, under the laws of any jurisdiction of the United States: (i) that is a felony or (ii) that is a misdemeanor, an essential element of which is dishonesty, or that is directly related to the practice of the profession.

(4) Fraud or any misrepresentation in applying for or procuring a license under this Act or in connection with applying for renewal of a license under this Act.

(5) Professional incompetence or gross negligence in the rendering of professional counseling or clinical professional counseling services.

(6) Malpractice.

(7) Aiding or assisting another person in violating any provision of this Act or any rules.

(8) Failing to provide information within 60 days in response to a written request made by the Department.

(9) Engaging in dishonorable, unethical, or unprofessional conduct of a character likely to deceive, defraud, or harm the public and violating the rules of professional conduct adopted by the Department.

(10) Habitual or excessive use or abuse of drugs as defined in law as controlled substances, alcohol, or any other substance which results in inability to practice with reasonable skill, judgment, or safety.

(11) Discipline by another jurisdiction, the District of Columbia, territory, county, or governmental agency, if at least one of the grounds for the discipline is the same or substantially equivalent to those set forth in this Section.

(12) Directly or indirectly giving to or receiving from any person, firm, corporation, partnership, or association any fee, commission, rebate or other form of compensation for any professional service not actually rendered. Nothing in this paragraph (12) affects any bona fide independent contractor or employment arrangements among health care professionals, health facilities, health care providers, or other entities, except as otherwise prohibited by law. Any employment arrangements may include provisions for compensation, health insurance, pension, or other employment benefits for the provision of services within the scope of the licensee's practice under this Act. Nothing in this paragraph (12) shall be construed to require an employment arrangement to receive professional fees for services rendered.

(13) A finding by the Board that the licensee, after having the license placed on probationary status, has violated the terms of probation.

(14) Abandonment of a client.

(15) Willfully filing false reports relating to a licensee's practice, including but not limited to false records filed with federal or State agencies or departments.

(16) Willfully failing to report an instance of suspected child abuse or neglect as required by the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act and in matters pertaining to suspected abuse, neglect, financial exploitation, or self-neglect of adults with disabilities and older adults as set forth in the Adult Protective Services Act.

(17) Being named as a perpetrator in an indicated report by the Department of Children and Family Services pursuant to the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act, and upon proof by clear and convincing evidence that the licensee has caused a child to be an abused child or neglected child as defined in the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act.

(18) Physical or mental illness or disability, including, but not limited to, deterioration through the aging process or loss of abilities and skills which results in the inability to practice the profession with reasonable judgment, skill, or safety.

(19) Solicitation of professional services by using false or misleading advertising.

(20) Allowing one's license under this Act to be used by an unlicensed person in violation of this Act.

(21) A finding that licensure has been applied for or obtained by fraudulent means.

(22) Practicing under a false or, except as provided by law, an assumed name.

(23) Gross and willful overcharging for professional services including filing statements for collection of fees or monies for which services are not rendered.

(24) Rendering professional counseling or clinical professional counseling services without a license or practicing outside the scope of a license.

(25) Clinical supervisors failing to adequately and responsibly monitor supervisees.

All fines imposed under this Section shall be paid within 60 days after the effective date of the order imposing the fine.

(b) (Blank).

(b-5) The Department may refuse to issue or may suspend without hearing, as provided for in the Code of Civil Procedure, the license of any person who fails to file a return, pay the tax, penalty, or interest shown in a filed return, or pay any final assessment of the tax, penalty, or interest as required by any tax Act administered by the Illinois Department of Revenue, until such time as the requirements of any such tax Act are satisfied in accordance with subsection (g) of Section 2105-15 of the Department of Professional Regulation Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois.

(b-10) In cases where the Department of Healthcare and Family Services has previously determined a licensee or a potential licensee is more than 30 days delinquent in the payment of child support and has subsequently certified the delinquency to the Department, the Department may refuse to issue or renew or may revoke or suspend that person's license or may take other disciplinary action against that person based solely upon the certification of delinquency made by the Department of Healthcare and Family Services in accordance with item (5) of subsection (a) of Section 2105-15 of the Department of Professional Regulation Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois.

(c) The determination by a court that a licensee is subject to involuntary admission or judicial admission as provided in the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code will result in an automatic suspension of his or her license. The suspension will end upon a finding by a court that the licensee is no longer subject to involuntary admission or judicial admission, the issuance of an order so finding and discharging the patient, and the recommendation of the Board to the Secretary that the licensee be allowed to resume professional practice.

(c-5) In enforcing this Act, the Department, upon a showing of a possible violation, may compel an individual licensed to practice under this Act, or who has applied for licensure under this Act, to submit to a mental or physical examination, or both, as required by and at the expense of the Department. The Department may order the examining physician to present testimony concerning the mental or physical examination of the licensee or applicant. No information shall be excluded by reason of any common law or statutory privilege relating to communications between the licensee or applicant and the examining physician. The examining physicians shall be specifically designated by the Department. The individual to be examined may have, at his or her own expense, another physician of his or her choice present during all aspects of this examination. The examination shall be performed by a physician licensed to practice medicine in all its branches. Failure of an individual to submit to a mental or physical examination, when directed, shall result in an automatic suspension without hearing.

All substance-related violations shall mandate an automatic substance abuse assessment. Failure to submit to an assessment by a licensed physician who is certified as an addictionist or an advanced practice registered nurse with specialty certification in addictions may be grounds for an automatic suspension.

If the Department finds an individual unable to practice or unfit for duty because of the reasons set forth in this subsection (c-5), the Department may require that individual to submit to a substance abuse evaluation or treatment by individuals or programs approved or designated by the Department, as a condition, term, or restriction for continued, restored, or renewed licensure to practice; or, in lieu of evaluation or treatment, the Department may file, or the Board may recommend to the Department to file, a complaint to immediately suspend, revoke, or otherwise discipline the license of the individual. An individual whose license was granted, continued, restored, renewed, disciplined, or supervised subject to such terms, conditions, or restrictions, and who fails to comply with such terms, conditions, or restrictions, shall be referred to the Secretary for a determination as to whether the individual shall have his or her license suspended immediately, pending a hearing by the Department.

A person holding a license under this Act or who has applied for a license under this Act who, because of a physical or mental illness or disability, including, but not limited to, deterioration through the aging process or loss of motor skill, is unable to practice the profession with reasonable judgment, skill, or safety, may be required by the Department to submit to care, counseling, or treatment by physicians approved or designated by the Department as a condition, term, or restriction for continued, reinstated, or renewed licensure to practice. Submission to care, counseling, or treatment as required by the Department shall not be considered discipline of a license. If the licensee refuses to enter into a care, counseling, or treatment agreement or fails to abide by the terms of the agreement, the Department may file a complaint to revoke, suspend, or otherwise discipline the license of the individual. The Secretary may order the license suspended immediately, pending a hearing by the Department. Fines shall not be assessed in disciplinary actions involving physical or mental illness or impairment.

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

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

(d) (Blank).

(Source: P.A. 100-201, eff. 8-18-17; 100-872, eff. 8-14-18.)

(225 ILCS 107/90)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2023)

Sec. 90. Investigations; notice and hearing.

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

(b) The Department shall, before refusing to issue or renew a license or disciplining a licensee under Section 80 of this Act, at least 30 days prior to the date set for the hearing, (i) notify the accused, in writing, of any charges made and the time and place for the hearing on the charges, (ii) direct him or her to file a written answer to the charges with the Board under oath within 20 days after the service of the notice, and (iii) inform the applicant or licensee that failure to file an answer shall result in default being taken against the applicant or licensee. At the time and place fixed in the notice, the Department shall proceed to hear the charges, and the parties or their counsel shall be accorded ample opportunity to present any pertinent statements, testimony, evidence, and arguments. The Department may continue the hearing from time to time. In case the person, after receiving the notice, fails to answer, his or her license, may, in the discretion of the Department, be revoked, suspended, placed on probationary status, or the Department may take whatever disciplinary action considered proper, including limiting the scope, nature, or extent of the person's practice or the imposition of a fine, without a hearing, if the act or acts charged constitute sufficient grounds for that action under the Act. The written notice and any notice in the subsequent proceeding may be served by registered or certified mail or email to the licensee's address of record.

(Source: P.A. 97-706, eff. 6-25-12.)

(225 ILCS 107/100)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2023)

Sec. 100. Subpoenas; oaths.

(a) The Department has the power to subpoena and bring before it any person to take the oral or written testimony or compel the production of any books, papers, records, or any other documents that the Secretary or his or her designee deems relevant or material to any investigation or hearing conducted by the Department, with the same fees and mileage and in the same manner as prescribed in civil cases in the courts of this State.

(b) The Secretary, the designated hearing officer, any member of the Board, or a certified shorthand court reporter may administer oaths at any hearing which the Department conducts, and any other oaths authorized in any Act administered by the Department. Notwithstanding any other statute or Department rules to the contrary, all requests for testimony, production of documents, or records shall be in accordance with this Act.

(Source: P.A. 97-706, eff. 6-25-12.)

(225 ILCS 107/110)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2023)

Sec. 110. Findings and recommendations.

(a) At the conclusion of the hearing, the Board shall present to the Secretary a written report of its findings of fact, conclusions of law, and recommendations. The report shall contain a finding whether the licensee violated this Act or failed to comply with the conditions required in this Act. The Board shall specify the nature of the violation or failure to comply, and shall make its recommendations to the Secretary.

(b) The report of findings of fact, conclusions of law, and recommendation of the Board shall be the basis for the Department's order for refusing to issue, restore, or renew a license, or otherwise discipline a licensee. If the Secretary disagrees with the recommendations of the Board, the Secretary may issue an order in contravention of the Board recommendations. The finding is not admissible in evidence against the person in a criminal prosecution brought for the violation of this Act, but the hearing and findings are not a bar to a criminal prosecution brought for the violation of this Act.

(Source: P.A. 97-706, eff. 6-25-12.)

(225 ILCS 107/130)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2023)

Sec. 130. Order or certified copy; prima facie proof. An order or certified copy thereof, over the seal of the Department and purporting to be signed by the Secretary, is prima facie proof that:

(a) the signature is the genuine signature of the Secretary; and

(b) the Secretary is duly appointed and qualified; and .

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

Such proof may be rebutted.

(Source: P.A. 97-706, eff. 6-25-12.)

(225 ILCS 107/155)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2023)

Sec. 155. Certification of record; costs. The Department shall not be required to certify any record to the court, to file an answer in court, or to otherwise appear in any court in a judicial review proceeding, unless and until the Department has received from the plaintiff payment of the costs of furnishing and certifying the record, which costs shall be determined by the Department. Exhibits shall be certified without cost. Failure on the part of the plaintiff to file the receipt in court is grounds for dismissal of the action.

(Source: P.A. 97-706, eff. 6-25-12.)

(225 ILCS 107/165)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2023)

Sec. 165. Administrative Procedure Act; application. The Illinois Administrative Procedure Act is hereby expressly adopted and incorporated in this Act as if all of the provisions of such Act were included in this Act, except that the provisions of subsection (d) of Section 10-65 of the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act that provides that at hearings the clinical professional counselor or professional counselor has the right to show compliance with all lawful requirements for retention, continuation, or renewal of the license is specifically excluded. For the purposes of this Act the notice required under Section 10-25 of the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act is deemed sufficient when mailed or emailed to the last known address of record of a party.

(Source: P.A. 97-706, eff. 6-25-12.)

(225 ILCS 107/55 rep.)

(225 ILCS 107/125 rep.)

Section 15. The Professional Counselor and Clinical Professional Counselor Licensing and Practice Act is amended by repealing Sections 55 and 125.

Section 99. Effective date. This Section and Section 5 take effect upon becoming law.