SB2243 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB102 17262 SPS 22733 b

102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2021 and 2022
SB2243

Introduced 2/26/2021, by Sen. Laura M. Murphy

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

New Act

Creates the Music Therapy Licensing and Practice Act. Provides for licensure of professional music therapists and clinical music therapists by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Establishes the Music Therapy Advisory Committee. Establishes the powers and duties of the advisory committee, including advising the Department on all matters pertaining to licensure, education, and continuing education requirements for licensees. Establishes the powers and duties of the Department, including prescribing rules defining what constitutes an appropriate curriculum for music therapy, reviewing the qualifications of applicants for licenses, investigating alleged violations of the Act, conducting hearings on disciplinary and other matters, and establishing a schedule of fees for the administration and enforcement of the Act. Establishes qualifications for licensure as a professional music therapist and clinical music therapist. Establishes grounds for discipline of a license. Provides for civil and criminal penalties for violations of the Act. Creates provisions concerning formal hearings, including transcripts of proceedings, appointment of hearing officers, subpoenas and depositions, and rehearings. Provides for judicial review of all final administrative decisions of the Department. Preempts home rule. Effective immediately.

CORRECTIONAL BUDGET AND IMPACT NOTE ACT MAY APPLY

FISCAL NOTE ACT MAY APPLY

HOME RULE NOTE ACT MAY APPLY

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning regulation.

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

Section 1. Short title. This Act may be cited as the Music Therapy Licensing and Practice Act.

Section 5. Declaration of public policy. The practice of music therapy is hereby declared to affect the public health, safety, and welfare and to be subject to regulation in the public interest. The purpose of this Act is to ensure the highest degree of professional conduct on the part of music therapists, to guarantee the availability of music therapy services provided by a qualified professional to persons in need of those services, and to protect the public from the practice of music therapy by unqualified individuals.

Section 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.

"Advisory committee" means the Music Therapy Advisory Committee.

"Board-certified music therapist" means an individual who has completed the education and clinical training requirements established by the American Music Therapy Association, has passed the Certification Board for Music Therapists certification examination or transitioned into board certification, and remains actively certified by the Certification Board for Music Therapists.

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

"Licensed clinical music therapist" means a person licensed to practice music therapy, and additionally includes the assessment, evaluation, therapeutic intervention, and the primary, parallel, or adjunctive treatment of mental, emotional, developmental, and behavioral disorders through the use of music.

"Licensed professional music therapist" means a person licensed to practice music therapy.

"Music therapy" means the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals for people of all ages and ability levels within a therapeutic relationship through the development of music therapy treatment plans specific to the needs and strengths of the client who may be seen individually or in groups. Music therapy interventions may include music improvisation, receptive music listening, song writing, lyric discussion, music and imagery, singing, music performance, learning through music, music combined with other arts, music-assisted relaxation, music-based education, electronic music technology, adapted music interventions, and movement to music. The practice of music therapy does not include the screening, diagnosis, or assessment of any physical, mental, or communication disorder.

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

"Secretary" means the Secretary of Financial and Professional Regulation or his or her designee.

Section 15. Music Therapy Advisory Committee. There is created within the Department a Music Therapy Advisory Committee, which shall consist of 5 members. The Secretary shall appoint all members of the advisory committee. The advisory committee shall consist of persons familiar with the practice of music therapy to provide the Secretary with expertise and assistance in carrying out his or her duties pursuant to this Act. The Secretary shall appoint members of the advisory committee to serve for terms of 4 years, and members may serve consecutive terms at the will of the Secretary. Any vacancy shall be filled in the same manner as a regular appointment. The Secretary shall appoint 2 members who practice as clinical music therapists in this State, one member who practices as a professional music therapist in this State, one member who is a licensed health care provider who is not a music therapist, and one member who is a consumer. Members shall serve without compensation.

Section 20. Music Therapy Advisory Committee; powers and duties.

(a) The advisory committee shall meet at least once per year or as otherwise called by the Secretary.

(b) The Secretary shall consult with the advisory committee before setting or changing fees under this Act.

(c) The advisory committee may facilitate the development of materials that the Secretary may utilize to educate the public concerning professional and clinical music therapist licensure, the benefits of music therapy, and the utilization of music therapy by individuals and in facilities or institutional settings.

(d) The advisory committee may act as a facilitator of statewide dissemination of information between music therapists, the American Music Therapy Association or any successor organization, the Certification Board for Music Therapists or any successor organization, and the Secretary.

(e) The advisory committee shall provide an analysis of disciplinary actions, appeals and denials, and license revocations at least once per year.

(f) The Secretary shall seek the advice of the advisory committee for issues related to music therapy.

(g) The advisory committee shall advise the Department on all matters pertaining to the licensure, education, continuing education requirements for, and practice of music therapy in this State.

(h) The advisory committee shall assist and advise the Department in all hearings involving music therapists who are alleged to be in violation of this Act.

Section 25. 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 "music therapist", "licensed professional music therapist", or "licensed clinical music therapist". This Act does not prohibit the practice of unregulated 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 "music therapist", "licensed professional music therapist", or "licensed clinical music therapist".

(b) Nothing in this Act shall be construed to limit the activities and services of a student enrolled in an accredited music therapy program if these activities and services constitute an integral part of the student's supervised course of study as long as the student does not represent himself or herself as a "music therapist", "licensed professional music therapist", or "licensed clinical music therapist".

Section 30. Restrictions and limitations. No person shall, without a valid license as a professional music therapist or clinical music therapist issued by the Department, (i) in any manner hold himself or herself out to the public as a music therapist under this Act; (ii) use in connection with his or her name or place of business the title "music therapist", "licensed professional music therapist", "licensed clinical music therapist", or any words, letters, abbreviations, or insignia indicating or implying a person has met the qualifications for or has the license issued under this Act; or (iii) offer to render or render to individuals, corporations, or the public music therapy services if the words "music therapist", "licensed professional music therapist", or "licensed clinical music therapist" are used to describe the person offering to render or rendering them or "music therapy" is used to describe the services rendered or offered to be rendered.

Section 35. Collaboration. Before a licensed professional music therapist provides music therapy services to a client for an identified clinical or developmental need, the licensee shall review the client's diagnosis, treatment needs, and treatment plan with the health care providers involved in the client's care. Before a licensed professional music therapist provides music therapy services to a student for an identified educational need in a special education setting, the licensee shall review with the individualized family service plan or individualized education program team the student's diagnosis, treatment needs, and treatment plan. During the provision of music therapy services to a client, the licensed professional music therapist shall collaborate, as applicable, with the client's treatment team, including the client's physician, psychologist, licensed clinical social worker, or other mental health professional. During the provision of music therapy services to a client with a communication disorder, the licensed professional music therapist shall collaborate and discuss the music therapy treatment plan with the client's audiologist or speech-language pathologist.

Section 40. Unlicensed practice; violation; civil penalty.

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

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

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

Section 45. Powers and duties of the Department. Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Department shall:

(1) adopt rules defining what constitutes a curriculum for music therapy that is reputable and in good standing;

(2) adopt rules providing for the establishment of a uniform and reasonable standard of instruction and maintenance to be observed by all curricula for music therapy that are approved by the Department and determine the reputability and good standing of such curricula for music therapy by reference to compliance with the rules, provided that no school of music therapy that refuses admittance to applicants solely on account of race, color, creed, sex, or national origin shall be considered reputable and in good standing;

(3) adopt and publish rules for a method of examination of candidates for licensed professional music therapists and licensed clinical music therapists and for issuance of licenses authorizing candidates upon passing examination to practice as licensed professional music therapists and licensed clinical music therapists;

(4) review applications to ascertain the qualifications of applicants for licenses;

(5) authorize examinations to ascertain the qualifications of those applicants who require such examinations as a component of a license;

(6) conduct hearings on proceedings to refuse to issue or renew or to revoke licenses or suspend, place on probation, censure, or reprimand persons licensed under this Act and to refuse to issue or renew or to revoke licenses or suspend, place on probation, censure, or reprimand persons licensed under this Act;

(7) adopt rules necessary for the administration of this Act; and

(8) maintain a list of licensed professional music therapists and licensed clinical music therapists authorized to practice in this State; this list shall show the name of every licensee, his or her last known place of residence, and the date and number of his or her license; any interested person in this State may obtain a copy of that list on application to the Department and payment of the required fee.

Section 50. Application for original license. Applications for original licenses shall be made to the Department on forms prescribed by the Department and accompanied by the required fee, which is not refundable. All applications shall contain such information that, in the judgment of the Department, will enable the Department to approve or disapprove of the qualifications of the applicant for a license to practice as a professional music therapist or clinical music therapist. If an applicant fails to obtain a license under this Act within 3 years after filing his or her application, the application shall be denied. The applicant may make a new application, which shall be accompanied by the required nonrefundable fee. The applicant shall be required to meet the qualifications required for licensure at the time of reapplication.

Section 55. Social Security Number on license application. In addition to any other information required to be contained in the application, every application for an original license under this Act shall include the applicant's Social Security Number, which shall be retained in the Department's records pertaining to the license. As soon as practical, the Department shall assign a customer's identification number to each applicant for a license. Every application for a renewal, reinstated, or restored license shall require the applicant's customer identification number.

Section 60. Qualifications for licensure.

(a) The Secretary shall issue a license to an applicant for a professional music therapist license if such applicant has completed and submitted an application form in such manner as the Secretary prescribes, accompanied by applicable fees, and evidence satisfactory to the Secretary that:

(1) the applicant has received a baccalaureate degree in music therapy, or its equivalent, from a program approved by the American Music Therapy Association or any successor organization within an accredited college or university;

(2) the applicant has completed at least 1,200 hours of supervised clinical training experience in music therapy, with not less than 180 hours of pre-internship experience and not less than 900 hours of internship experience, provided that the internship is approved by an academic institution or the American Music Therapy Association or any successor organization;

(3) the applicant is at least 18 years of age;

(4) the applicant is in good standing based on a review of any music therapy licensure history the applicant may have in other jurisdictions, including any alleged misconduct or neglect in the practice of music therapy; and

(5) the applicant provides proof of passing the examination for board certification offered by the Certification Board for Music Therapists or any successor organization, provides proof of being transitioned into board certification, and provides proof that the applicant is currently a board-certified music therapist.

(b) The Secretary shall issue a license to an applicant for a clinical music therapist license if such applicant has completed and submitted an application form in such manner as the Secretary prescribes, accompanied by applicable fees, and evidence satisfactory to the Secretary that:

(1) the applicant has received a master's degree or higher in music therapy or a related field from an accredited college or university;

(2) the applicant has completed at least 300 hours of master's level supervised experience in music therapy;

(3) the applicant provides proof of passing the examination for board certification offered by the Certification Board for Music Therapists or any successor organization, provides proof of being transitioned into board certification, and provides proof that the applicant is currently a board-certified music therapist; and

(4) the applicant is at least 21 years of age.

(c) The Secretary shall issue a license to an applicant for a professional music therapist license or clinical music therapist license if such applicant has completed and submitted an application upon a form and in such a manner as the Secretary prescribes, accompanied by any applicable fees, and evidence satisfactory to the Secretary that the applicant is licensed and in good standing as a music therapist in another jurisdiction where the qualifications required are equal to or greater than those required by this Act at the date of application.

Section 65. License renewal.

(a) Every license issued under this Act shall be renewed biennially. A license shall be renewed upon payment of a renewal fee, provided that the applicant is not in violation of any of the terms of this Act at the time of application for renewal. The following shall also be required for license renewal:

(1) proof of maintenance of the applicant's status as a board-certified music therapist; and

(2) proof of completion of a minimum of 40 hours of continuing education in a program approved by the Certification Board for Music Therapists or any successor organization and any other continuing education requirements established by the Secretary.

(b) A licensee shall inform the Secretary of any changes to his or her address. Each licensee shall be responsible for timely renewal of his or her license.

(c) Failure to renew a license shall result in forfeiture of the license. Licenses that have been forfeited may be restored within one year after the expiration date upon payment of renewal and restoration fees. Failure to restore a forfeited license within one year after the date of its expiration shall result in the automatic termination of the license, and the Secretary may require the individual to reapply for licensure as a new applicant.

(d) Upon written request of a licensee, the Secretary may place an active license on an inactive status subject to an inactive status fee established by the Secretary. The licensee, upon request and payment of the inactive license fee, may continue on inactive status for a period up to 2 years. An inactive license may be reactivated at any time by making a written request to the Secretary and by fulfilling the requirements established by the Secretary.

Section 70. Inactive status. A person who notifies the Department in writing on forms prescribed by the Department may elect to place his or her license on inactive status and shall, subject to rule of the Department, be excused from payment of renewal fees until he or she notifies the Department, in writing, of his or her desire to resume active status. A person requesting restoration from inactive status shall be required to pay the current renewal fee and shall be required to restore his or her license. Practice by an individual whose license is on inactive status shall be considered to be the unlicensed practice of music therapy and shall be grounds for discipline under this Act.

Section 75. Fees; deposit of fees. The Department shall, by rule, establish a schedule of fees for the administration and enforcement of this Act. These fees shall be nonrefundable. All of the fees and fines collected under this Act shall be deposited into the General Professions Dedicated Fund. The moneys deposited into the General Professions Dedicated Fund shall be used by the Department, as appropriate, for the ordinary and contingent expenses of the Department. Moneys in the General Professions Dedicated Fund may be invested and reinvested, with all earnings received from these investments being deposited into that Fund and used for the same purposes as the fees and fines deposited in that Fund.

Section 80. Checks or orders dishonored. Any person who issues or delivers a check or other order to the Department that is returned to the Department unpaid by the financial institution upon which it is drawn shall pay to the Department, in addition to the amount already owed to the Department, a fine of $50. The fines imposed by this Section are in addition to any other discipline provided under this Act prohibiting unlicensed practice or practice on a nonrenewed license. The Department shall notify the person that payment of fees and fines shall be paid to the Department by certified check or money order within 30 calendar days after notification. If, after the expiration of 30 days from the date of the notification, the person has failed to submit the necessary remittance, the Department shall automatically terminate the license or certification or deny the application, without hearing. If, after termination or denial, the person seeks a license or certificate, he or she shall apply to the Department for restoration or issuance of the license or certificate and pay all fees and fines due to the Department. The Department may establish a fee for the processing of an application for restoration of a license to pay all costs and expenses of processing of this application. The Secretary may waive the fines due under this Section in individual cases where the Secretary finds that the fines would be unnecessarily burdensome.

Section 85. Endorsement. The Department may issue a license as a professional music therapist or clinical music therapist, without administering the required examination, to an applicant licensed under the laws of another state, a U.S. territory, or another country if the requirements for licensure in that state, U.S. territory, or country are, on the date of licensure, substantially equal to the requirements of this Act or to a person who, at the time of his or her application for licensure, possesses individual qualifications that are substantially equivalent to the requirements of this Act. An applicant under this Section shall pay all of the required fees. An applicant shall have 3 years after the date of application to complete the application process. If the process has not been completed within the 3-year time period, the application shall be denied, the fee shall be forfeited, and the applicant shall be required to reapply and meet the requirements in effect at the time of reapplication.

Section 90. Privileged communications and exceptions.

(a) No licensed professional music therapist or licensed clinical music therapist shall disclose any information acquired from persons consulting the therapist in a professional capacity, except that which may be voluntarily disclosed under any of the following circumstances:

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

(2) With the written consent of the person who provided the information and about whom the information concerns.

(3) In the case of death or disability, with the written consent of a personal representative.

(4) When a communication reveals the intended commission of a crime or harmful act and such disclosure is judged necessary in the professional judgment of the licensed professional music therapist or licensed clinical music therapist to protect any person from a clear risk of serious mental or physical harm or injury or to forestall a serious threat to the public safety.

(5) When the person waives the privilege by bringing any public charges or filing a lawsuit against the licensee.

(b) Any person having access to records or anyone who participates in providing music therapy services, or in providing any human services, or is supervised by a licensed professional music therapist or licensed clinical music therapist is similarly bound to regard all information and communications as privileged in accord with this Section.

Section 95. 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 any of its rules.

(3) Conviction by plea of guilty or nolo contendere, finding of guilt, jury verdict, or entry of judgment or sentencing, including, but not limited to, convictions, preceding sentences of supervision, conditional discharge, or first offender probation, under the laws of any jurisdiction of the United States: (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 music therapy.

(4) Making any misrepresentation for the purpose of obtaining a license, or violating any provision of this Act or its rules.

(5) Negligence in the rendering of music therapy services.

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

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

(8) 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.

(9) Failing to maintain the confidentiality of any information received from a client, unless otherwise authorized or required by law.

(10) Failure to maintain client records of services provided and provide copies to clients upon request.

(11) Exploiting a client for personal advantage, profit, or interest.

(12) Habitual or excessive use or addiction to alcohol, narcotics, stimulants, or any other chemical agent or drug which results in inability to practice with reasonable skill, judgment, or safety.

(13) Discipline by another governmental agency or unit of government, by any jurisdiction of the United States, or by a foreign nation, if at least one of the grounds for the discipline is the same or substantially equivalent to those set forth in this Section.

(14) 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 (14) 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 (14) shall be construed to require an employment arrangement to receive professional fees for services rendered.

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

(16) Failing to refer a client to other health care professionals when the licensee is unable or unwilling to adequately support or serve the client.

(17) 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.

(18) Willfully failing to report an instance of suspected child abuse or neglect as required by the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act.

(19) 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.

(20) Physical or mental disability, including 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.

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

(22) Failure to file a return, or to pay the tax, penalty of 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 or any successor agency or the Internal Revenue Service or any successor agency.

(23) Fraud or making 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.

(24) Practicing or attempting to practice under a name other than the full name as shown on the license or any other legally authorized name.

(25) Gross overcharging for professional services, including filing statements for collection of fees or moneys for which services are not rendered.

(26) Charging for professional services not rendered, including filing false statements for the collection of fees for which services are not rendered.

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

(b) The Department shall deny, without hearing, any application or renewal for a license under this Act to any person who has defaulted on an educational loan guaranteed by the Illinois State Assistance Commission; however, the Department may issue a license or renewal if the person in default has established a satisfactory repayment record as determined by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission.

(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 determination of the Secretary that the licensee be allowed to resume professional practice.

(d) The Department may refuse to issue or renew or may suspend without hearing the license of any person who fails to file a return, to pay the tax penalty or interest shown in a filed return, or to pay any final assessment of the tax, penalty, or interest as required by any Act regarding the payment of taxes administered by the Illinois Department of Revenue until the requirements of the Act are satisfied in accordance with subsection (g) of Section 2105-15 of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois.

(e) In cases where the Department of Healthcare and Family Services has previously determined that 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.

(f) All fines or costs imposed under this Section shall be paid within 60 days after the effective date of the order imposing the fine or costs or in accordance with the terms set forth in the order imposing the fine.

Section 100. Suspension of license for failure to pay restitution. The Department, without further process or hearing, shall suspend the license or other authorization to practice of any person issued under this Act who has been certified by court order as not having paid restitution to a person under Section 8A-3.5 of the Illinois Public Aid Code or under Section 17-10.5 or 46-1 of the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012. A person whose license or other authorization to practice is suspended under this Section is prohibited from practicing until the restitution is made in full.

Section 105. Violations; injunction; cease and desist order.

(a) If any person violates the provisions of this Act, the Secretary may, in the name of the People of the State of Illinois, through the Attorney General of the State of Illinois or the State's Attorney of any county in which the violation is alleged to have occurred, petition for an order enjoining the violation or for an order enforcing compliance with this Act. Upon the filing of a verified petition, the court with appropriate jurisdiction may issue a temporary restraining order without notice or bond, and may preliminarily and permanently enjoin the violation. If it is established that the person has violated or is violating the injunction, the court may punish the offender for contempt of court. Proceedings under this Section are in addition to all other remedies and penalties provided by this Act.

(b) If any person holds himself or herself out as being a licensed professional music therapist or licensed clinical music therapist under this Act and is not licensed to do so, then any licensed professional music therapist, licensed clinical music therapist, interested party, or any person injured thereby may petition for relief as provided in subsection (a) of this Section.

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

Section 110. Investigations; notice and hearing. The Department may investigate the actions of any applicant or any person holding or claiming to hold a license. The Department shall, before revoking, suspending, placing on probation, reprimanding, or taking any other disciplinary action under Section 95, at least 30 days before 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 Department under oath within 20 days after service of the notice, and (iii) inform the accused that, if he or she fails to answer, default will be taken against him or her or that his or her license or certificate may be suspended, revoked, placed on probationary status, or other disciplinary action taken with regard to the license, including limiting the scope, nature, or extent of his or her practice, as the Department may deem proper. In case the person, after receiving notice, fails to file an answer, his or her license may, in the discretion of the Department, be suspended, revoked, 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 such action under this Act. The written notice may be served by personal delivery or certified mail to the licensee's address of record.

Section 115. Record of proceedings; transcript. The Department, at its expense, shall preserve a record of all proceedings at the formal hearing of any case.

Section 120. Subpoenas; depositions; oaths. The Department may subpoena and bring before it any person in this State and 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. The Secretary, the shorthand court reporter, and the designated hearing officer may administer oaths at any hearing which the Department conducts. Notwithstanding any other statute or Department rule to the contrary, all requests for testimony and for the production of documents or records shall be in accordance with this Act.

Section 125. Compelling testimony. Any court, upon application of the Department, designated hearing officer, or the applicant or licensee against whom proceedings under Section 95 of this Act are pending, may order the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of relevant documents, papers, files, books, and records in connection with any hearing or investigation. The court may compel obedience to its order by proceedings for contempt.

Section 130. Findings and recommendations. At the conclusion of the hearing, the hearing officer 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 hearing officer shall specify the nature of the violation or failure to comply, and shall make its recommendations to the Secretary. The report of findings of fact, conclusions of law, and recommendation of the hearing officer shall be the basis for the Department's order for refusing to issue, restore, or renew a license, or for otherwise disciplining a licensee. If the Secretary disagrees with the recommendations of the hearing officer, the Secretary may issue an order in contravention of the hearing officer's 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.

Section 135. Secretary; rehearing. Whenever the Secretary believes justice has not been done in the revocation, suspension, or refusal to issue or renew a license or the discipline of a licensee, he or she may order a rehearing.

Section 140. Appointment of a hearing officer. The Secretary has the authority to appoint any attorney licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois to serve as the hearing officer in any action for refusal to issue or renew a license or permit or to discipline a licensee. The hearing officer has full authority to conduct the hearing. The hearing officer shall report his findings of fact, conclusions of law, and recommendations to the Secretary.

Section 145. 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: (1) the signature is the genuine signature of the Secretary; and (2) the Secretary is duly appointed and qualified.

Section 150. Restoration of license from discipline. At any time after the successful completion of a term of indefinite probation, suspension, or revocation of a license, the Department may restore the license to active status, unless, after an investigation and a hearing, the Secretary determines that restoration is not in the public interest. No person whose license has been revoked as authorized in this Act may apply for restoration of that license until authorized to do so under the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois.

Section 155. Surrender of license. Upon the revocation or suspension of a license, the licensee shall immediately surrender his or her license to the Department. If the licensee fails to do so, the Department has the right to seize the license.

Section 160. Summary suspension of license. The Secretary may summarily suspend the license of a music therapist without a hearing, simultaneously with the institution of proceedings for a hearing provided for in Section 110 of this Act, if the Secretary finds that the evidence indicates that the continuation of practice by the professional music therapist or clinical music therapist would constitute an imminent danger to the public. If the Secretary summarily suspends the license of an individual without a hearing, a hearing must be held within 30 days after the suspension has occurred and shall be concluded as expeditiously as possible.

Section 165. Administrative review; venue.

(a) All final administrative decisions of the Department are subject to judicial review pursuant to the Administrative Review Law and its rules. "Administrative decision" has the meaning given to that term in Section 3-101 of the Code of Civil Procedure.

(b) Proceedings for judicial review shall be commenced in the circuit court of the county in which the party applying for review resides, but if the party is not a resident of Illinois, the venue shall be in Sangamon County.

Section 170. Certification of record; costs. The Department shall not be required to certify any record to the court, to file an answer in court, or to otherwise appear in any court in a judicial review proceeding, unless and until the Department has received from the plaintiff payment of the costs of furnishing and certifying the record, which costs shall be determined by the Department. Failure on the part of the plaintiff to file the receipt in court is grounds for dismissal of the action.

Section 175. Violations. Unless otherwise specified, any person found to have violated any provision of this Act is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.

Section 180. 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 provision of paragraph (d) of Section 10-65 of the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act, which provides that at hearings the license holder has the right to show compliance with all lawful requirements for retention, continuation, or renewal of the certificate, is specifically excluded. For the purpose of this Act the notice required under Section 10-25 of the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act is deemed sufficient when mailed to the last known address of a party or the address of record.

Section 185. Home rule. The regulation and licensing of professional music therapists and clinical music therapists are exclusive powers and functions of the State. A home rule unit may not regulate or license professional music therapists or clinical music therapists. This Section is a denial and limitation of home rule powers and functions under subsection (h) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution.

Section 190. Confidentiality. All information collected by the Department in the course of an examination or investigation of a licensee or applicant, including, but not limited to, any complaint against a licensee filed with the Department and information collected to investigate any such complaint, shall be maintained for the confidential use of the Department and shall not be disclosed. The Department shall not disclose the information to anyone other than law enforcement officials, regulatory agencies that have an appropriate regulatory interest as determined by the Secretary, or a party presenting a lawful subpoena to the Department. Information and documents disclosed to a federal, State, county, or local law enforcement agency shall not be disclosed by the agency for any purpose to any other agency or person. A formal complaint filed against a licensee or registrant by the Department or any other complaint issued by the Department against a licensee, registrant, or applicant shall be a public record, except as otherwise prohibited by law.

Section 195. Conflict with Act. In the case of a conflict between this Act and any other law or part of law, this Act controls.

Section 999. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon becoming law.