Public Act 0882 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SB4018 Enrolled LRB102 24659 AMQ 33898 b

Public Act 102-0882

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 Acts repealed on January 1, 2023. The following Acts are repealed on January 1, 2023: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 Acts repealed on January 1, 2028. The following Acts are repealed on January 1, 2028: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 Pharmacy Practice Act.

The Physician Assistant Practice Act of 1987.

The Podiatric Medical Practice Act of 1987.

(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 Pharmacy Practice Act is amended by changing Sections 7.5, 9, 9.5, 16, 25.10, 30, 35.7, 35.18, and 35.21 as follows:

(225 ILCS 85/7.5)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2023)

Sec. 7.5. Social Security Number, individual taxpayer identification number, or unique identifying 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, individual taxpayer identification number, or other unique identifying number deemed appropriate by the Department, which shall be retained in the agency'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 or restored license shall require the applicant's customer identification number.

(Source: P.A. 97-400, eff. 1-1-12.)

(225 ILCS 85/9) (from Ch. 111, par. 4129)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2023)

Sec. 9. Licensure as registered pharmacy technician.

(a) Any person shall be entitled to licensure as a registered pharmacy technician who is of the age of 16 or over, has not engaged in conduct or behavior determined to be grounds for discipline under this Act, is attending or has graduated from an accredited high school or comparable school or educational institution or received a high school equivalency certificate, and has filed a written or electronic application for licensure on a form to be prescribed and furnished by the Department for that purpose. The Department shall issue a license as a registered pharmacy technician to any applicant who has qualified as aforesaid, and such license shall be the sole authority required to assist licensed pharmacists in the practice of pharmacy, under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist. A registered pharmacy technician may be delegated to perform any task within the practice of pharmacy if specifically trained for that task, except for patient counseling, drug regimen review, or clinical conflict resolution, or final prescription verification except where a registered certified pharmacy technician verifies a prescription dispensed by another pharmacy technician using technology-assisted medication verification.

(b) Beginning on January 1, 2017, within 2 years after initial licensure as a registered pharmacy technician, the licensee must meet the requirements described in Section 9.5 of this Act and become licensed as a registered certified pharmacy technician. If the licensee has not yet attained the age of 18, then upon the next renewal as a registered pharmacy technician, the licensee must meet the requirements described in Section 9.5 of this Act and become licensed as a registered certified pharmacy technician. This requirement does not apply to pharmacy technicians registered prior to January 1, 2008.

(c) Any person registered as a pharmacy technician who is also enrolled in a first professional degree program in pharmacy in a school or college of pharmacy or a department of pharmacy of a university approved by the Department or has graduated from such a program within the last 18 months, shall be considered a "student pharmacist" and entitled to use the title "student pharmacist". A student pharmacist must meet all of the requirements for licensure as a registered pharmacy technician set forth in this Section excluding the requirement of certification prior to the second license renewal and pay the required registered pharmacy technician license fees. A student pharmacist may, under the supervision of a pharmacist, assist in the practice of pharmacy and perform any and all functions delegated to him or her by the pharmacist.

(d) Any person seeking licensure as a pharmacist who has graduated from a pharmacy program outside the United States must register as a pharmacy technician and shall be considered a "student pharmacist" and be entitled to use the title "student pharmacist" while completing the 1,200 clinical hours of training approved by the Board of Pharmacy described and for no more than 18 months after completion of these hours. These individuals are not required to become registered certified pharmacy technicians while completing their Board approved clinical training, but must become licensed as a pharmacist or become licensed as a registered certified pharmacy technician before the second pharmacy technician license renewal following completion of the Board approved clinical training.

(e) The Department shall not renew the registered pharmacy technician license of any person who has been licensed as a registered pharmacy technician with the designation "student pharmacist" who: (1) has dropped out of or been expelled from an ACPE accredited college of pharmacy; (2) has failed to complete his or her 1,200 hours of Board approved clinical training within 24 months; or (3) has failed the pharmacist licensure examination 3 times. The Department shall require these individuals to meet the requirements of and become licensed as a registered certified pharmacy technician.

(f) The Department may take any action set forth in Section 30 of this Act with regard to a license pursuant to this Section.

(g) Any person who is enrolled in a non-traditional Pharm.D. program at an ACPE accredited college of pharmacy and is licensed as a registered pharmacist under the laws of another United States jurisdiction shall be permitted to engage in the program of practice experience required in the academic program by virtue of such license. Such person shall be exempt from the requirement of licensure as a registered pharmacy technician or registered certified pharmacy technician while engaged in the program of practice experience required in the academic program.

An applicant for licensure as a registered pharmacy technician may assist a pharmacist in the practice of pharmacy for a period of up to 60 days prior to the issuance of a license if the applicant has submitted the required fee and an application for licensure to the Department. The applicant shall keep a copy of the submitted application on the premises where the applicant is assisting in the practice of pharmacy. The Department shall forward confirmation of receipt of the application with start and expiration dates of practice pending licensure.

(Source: P.A. 100-497, eff. 9-8-17; 101-621, eff. 1-1-20.)

(225 ILCS 85/9.5)

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

Sec. 9.5. Registered certified pharmacy technician.

(a) An individual licensed as a registered pharmacy technician under this Act may be licensed as a registered certified pharmacy technician, if he or she meets all of the following requirements:

(1) He or she has submitted a written application in the form and manner prescribed by the Department.

(2) He or she has attained the age of 18.

(3) He or she is of good moral character, as determined by the Department.

(4) Beginning on January 1, 2024, a new pharmacy technician is required to have (i) graduated from a pharmacy technician training program that meets the requirements set forth in subsection (a) of Section 17.1 of this Act or (ii) obtained documentation from the pharmacist-in-charge of the pharmacy where the applicant is employed verifying that he or she has successfully completed a standardized nationally accredited education and training program, and has successfully completed an objective assessment mechanism prepared in accordance with rules established by the Department.

(5) He or she has successfully passed an examination accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies, as approved and required by the Board or by rule.

(6) He or she has paid the required licensure fees.

(b) No pharmacist whose license has been denied, revoked, suspended, or restricted for disciplinary purposes may be eligible to be registered as a certified pharmacy technician unless authorized by order of the Department as a condition of restoration from revocation, suspension, or restriction.

(c) The Department may, by rule, establish any additional requirements for licensure under this Section.

(d) A person who is not a licensed registered pharmacy technician and meets the requirements of this Section may be licensed as a registered certified pharmacy technician without first being licensed as a registered pharmacy technician.

(e) As a condition for the renewal of a license as a registered certified pharmacy technician, the licensee shall provide evidence to the Department of completion of a total of 20 hours of continuing pharmacy education during the 24 months preceding the expiration date of the certificate as established by rule. One hour of continuing pharmacy education must be in the subject of pharmacy law. One hour of continuing pharmacy education must be in the subject of patient safety. The continuing education shall be approved by the Accreditation Council on Pharmacy Education.

The Department may establish by rule a means for the verification of completion of the continuing education required by this subsection (e). This verification may be accomplished through audits of records maintained by licensees, by requiring the filing of continuing education certificates with the Department or a qualified organization selected by the Department to maintain such records, or by other means established by the Department.

Rules developed under this subsection (e) may provide for a reasonable annual fee, not to exceed $20, to fund the cost of such recordkeeping. The Department may, by rule, further provide an orderly process for the restoration of a license that has not been renewed due to the failure to meet the continuing pharmacy education requirements of this subsection (e). The Department may waive the requirements of continuing pharmacy education, in whole or in part, in cases of extreme hardship as defined by rule of the Department. The waivers may be granted for not more than one of any 2 consecutive renewal periods.

(Source: P.A. 101-621, eff. 1-1-20; 102-643, eff. 8-27-21.)

(225 ILCS 85/16) (from Ch. 111, par. 4136)

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

Sec. 16. The Department shall require and provide for the licensure of every pharmacy doing business in this State. Such licensure shall expire 30 days after the pharmacist in charge dies or is no longer employed by the pharmacy or after such pharmacist's license has been suspended or revoked.

In the event the pharmacist in charge dies or otherwise ceases to function in that capacity, or when the license of the pharmacist in charge has been suspended or revoked, the owner of the pharmacy shall be required to notify the Department, on forms provided by the Department, of the identity of the new pharmacist in charge.

It is the duty of every pharmacist in charge who ceases to function in that capacity to report to the Department within 30 days of the date on which he ceased such functions for such pharmacy. It is the duty of every owner of a pharmacy licensed under this Act to report to the Department within 30 days of the date on which the pharmacist in charge died or ceased to function in that capacity and to specify a new pharmacist in charge. Failure to provide such notification to the Department shall be grounds for disciplinary action.

No license shall be issued to any pharmacy unless such pharmacy has a pharmacist in charge and each such pharmacy license shall indicate on the face thereof the pharmacist in charge.

If a pharmacy temporarily closes for more than 72 hours, it is the duty of the pharmacist in charge and the owner of such pharmacy to report to the Department within 72 hours of temporary closure of a pharmacy. The closing pharmacy must post signage and provide notification to customers.

(Source: P.A. 100-497, eff. 9-8-17.)

(225 ILCS 85/25.10)

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

Sec. 25.10. Remote prescription processing.

(a) In this Section, "remote prescription processing" means and includes the outsourcing of certain prescription functions to another pharmacy or licensed non-resident pharmacy. "Remote prescription processing" includes any of the following activities related to the dispensing process:

(1) Receiving, interpreting, evaluating, or clarifying prescriptions.

(2) Entering prescription and patient data into a data processing system.

(3) Transferring prescription information.

(4) Performing a drug regimen review.

(5) Obtaining refill or substitution authorizations or otherwise communicating with the prescriber concerning a patient's prescription.

(6) Evaluating clinical data for prior authorization for dispensing.

(7) Discussing therapeutic interventions with prescribers.

(8) Providing drug information or counseling concerning a patient's prescription to the patient or patient's agent, as defined in this Act.

(b) A pharmacy may engage in remote prescription processing under the following conditions:

(1) The pharmacies shall either have the same owner or have a written contract describing the scope of services to be provided and the responsibilities and accountabilities of each pharmacy in compliance with all federal and State laws and regulations related to the practice of pharmacy.

(2) The pharmacies shall share a common electronic file or have technology that allows sufficient information necessary to process a non-dispensing function.

(3) The records may be maintained separately by each pharmacy or in common electronic file shared by both pharmacies, provided that the system can produce a record at either location that shows each processing task, the identity of the person performing each task, and the location where each task was performed.

(c) Nothing in this Section shall prohibit an individual employee licensed as a pharmacist, pharmacy technician, or student pharmacist from accessing the employer pharmacy's database from a pharmacist's home or other remote location or pharmacist's home verification for the purpose of performing certain prescription processing functions, provided that the pharmacy establishes controls to protect the privacy and security of confidential records.

(Source: P.A. 100-497, eff. 9-8-17.)

(225 ILCS 85/30) (from Ch. 111, par. 4150)

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

Sec. 30. Refusal, revocation, suspension, or other discipline.

(a) The Department may refuse to issue or renew, or may revoke a license, or may suspend, place on probation, fine, or take any disciplinary or non-disciplinary action as the Department may deem proper, including fines not to exceed $10,000 for each violation, with regard to any licensee for any one or combination of the following causes:

1. Material misstatement in furnishing information to the Department.

2. Violations of this Act, or the rules promulgated hereunder.

3. Making any misrepresentation for the purpose of obtaining licenses.

4. A pattern of conduct which demonstrates incompetence or unfitness to practice.

5. Aiding or assisting another person in violating any provision of this Act or rules.

6. Failing, within 60 days, to respond to a written request made by the Department for information.

7. Engaging in unprofessional, dishonorable, or unethical conduct of a character likely to deceive, defraud or harm the public as defined by rule.

8. Adverse action taken by another state or jurisdiction against a license or other authorization to practice as a pharmacy, pharmacist, registered certified pharmacy technician, or registered pharmacy technician that is the same or substantially equivalent to those set forth in this Section, a certified copy of the record of the action taken by the other state or jurisdiction being prima facie evidence thereof.

9. 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 services not actually or personally rendered. Nothing in this item 9 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 item 9 shall be construed to require an employment arrangement to receive professional fees for services rendered.

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

11. Selling or engaging in the sale of drug samples provided at no cost by drug manufacturers.

12. Physical illness, including but not limited to, deterioration through the aging process, or loss of motor skill which results in the inability to practice the profession with reasonable judgment, skill or safety.

13. A finding that licensure or registration has been applied for or obtained by fraudulent means.

14. 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 that is (i) a felony or (ii) a misdemeanor, an essential element of which is dishonesty, or that is directly related to the practice of pharmacy, or involves controlled substances.

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

16. Willfully making or filing false records or reports in the practice of pharmacy, including, but not limited to false records to support claims against the medical assistance program of the Department of Healthcare and Family Services (formerly Department of Public Aid) under the Public Aid Code.

17. Gross and willful overcharging for professional services including filing false statements for collection of fees for which services are not rendered, including, but not limited to, filing false statements for collection of monies for services not rendered from the medical assistance program of the Department of Healthcare and Family Services (formerly Department of Public Aid) under the Public Aid Code.

18. Dispensing prescription drugs without receiving a written or oral prescription in violation of law.

19. Upon a finding of a substantial discrepancy in a Department audit of a prescription drug, including controlled substances, as that term is defined in this Act or in the Illinois Controlled Substances Act.

20. Physical or mental illness or any other impairment or disability, including, without limitation: (A) deterioration through the aging process or loss of motor skills that results in the inability to practice with reasonable judgment, skill or safety; or (B) mental incompetence, as declared by a court of competent jurisdiction.

21. Violation of the Health Care Worker Self-Referral Act.

22. Failing to sell or dispense any drug, medicine, or poison in good faith. "Good faith", for the purposes of this Section, has the meaning ascribed to it in subsection (u) of Section 102 of the Illinois Controlled Substances Act. "Good faith", as used in this item (22), shall not be limited to the sale or dispensing of controlled substances, but shall apply to all prescription drugs.

23. Interfering with the professional judgment of a pharmacist by any licensee under this Act, or the licensee's agents or employees.

24. Failing to report within 60 days to the Department any adverse final action taken against a pharmacy, pharmacist, registered pharmacy technician, or registered certified pharmacy technician by another licensing jurisdiction in any other state or any territory of the United States or any foreign jurisdiction, any governmental agency, any law enforcement agency, or any court for acts or conduct similar to acts or conduct that would constitute grounds for discipline as defined in this Section.

25. Failing to comply with a subpoena issued in accordance with Section 35.5 of this Act.

26. Disclosing protected health information in violation of any State or federal law.

27. Willfully failing to report an instance of suspected abuse, neglect, financial exploitation, or self-neglect of an eligible adult as defined in and required by the Adult Protective Services Act.

28. Being named as an abuser in a verified report by the Department on Aging under the Adult Protective Services Act, and upon proof by clear and convincing evidence that the licensee abused, neglected, or financially exploited an eligible adult as defined in the Adult Protective Services Act.

29. Using advertisements or making solicitations that may jeopardize the health, safety, or welfare of patients, including, but not be limited to, the use of advertisements or solicitations that:

(A) are false, fraudulent, deceptive, or misleading; or

(B) include any claim regarding a professional service or product or the cost or price thereof that cannot be substantiated by the licensee.

30. Requiring a pharmacist to participate in the use or distribution of advertisements or in making solicitations that may jeopardize the health, safety, or welfare of patients.

31. Failing to provide a working environment for all pharmacy personnel that protects the health, safety, and welfare of a patient, which includes, but is not limited to, failing to:

(A) employ sufficient personnel to prevent fatigue, distraction, or other conditions that interfere with a pharmacist's ability to practice with competency and safety or creates an environment that jeopardizes patient care;

(B) provide appropriate opportunities for uninterrupted rest periods and meal breaks;

(C) provide adequate time for a pharmacist to complete professional duties and responsibilities, including, but not limited to:

(i) drug utilization review;

(ii) immunization;

(iii) counseling;

(iv) verification of the accuracy of a prescription; and

(v) all other duties and responsibilities of a pharmacist as listed in the rules of the Department.

32. Introducing or enforcing external factors, such as productivity or production quotas or other programs against pharmacists, student pharmacists or pharmacy technicians, to the extent that they interfere with the ability of those individuals to provide appropriate professional services to the public.

33. Providing an incentive for or inducing the transfer of a prescription for a patient absent a professional rationale.

(b) The Department may refuse to issue or may suspend the license of any person who fails to file a return, or to pay the tax, penalty or interest shown in a filed return, or to pay any final assessment of tax, penalty or interest, as required by any tax Act administered by the Illinois Department of Revenue, until such time as the requirements of any such tax Act are satisfied.

(c) The Department shall revoke any license issued under the provisions of this Act or any prior Act of this State of any person who has been convicted a second time of committing any felony under the Illinois Controlled Substances Act, or who has been convicted a second time of committing a Class 1 felony under Sections 8A-3 and 8A-6 of the Illinois Public Aid Code. A person whose license issued under the provisions of this Act or any prior Act of this State is revoked under this subsection (c) shall be prohibited from engaging in the practice of pharmacy in this State.

(d) Fines may be imposed in conjunction with other forms of disciplinary action, but shall not be the exclusive disposition of any disciplinary action arising out of conduct resulting in death or injury to a patient. Fines shall be paid within 60 days or as otherwise agreed to by the Department. Any funds collected from such fines shall be deposited in the Illinois State Pharmacy Disciplinary Fund.

(e) The entry of an order or judgment by any circuit court establishing that any person holding a license or certificate under this Act is a person in need of mental treatment operates as a suspension of that license. A licensee may resume his or her practice only upon the entry of an order of the Department based upon a finding by the Board that he or she has been determined to be recovered from mental illness by the court and upon the Board's recommendation that the licensee be permitted to resume his or her practice.

(f) The Department shall issue quarterly to the Board a status of all complaints related to the profession received by the Department.

(g) In enforcing this Section, the Board or the Department, upon a showing of a possible violation, may compel any licensee or applicant 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 examining physician, or multidisciplinary team involved in providing physical and mental examinations led by a physician consisting of one or a combination of licensed physicians, licensed clinical psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, licensed clinical professional counselors, and other professional and administrative staff, shall be those specifically designated by the Department. The Board or the Department may order the examining physician or any member of the multidisciplinary team to present testimony concerning this mental or physical examination of the licensee or applicant. No information, report, or other documents in any way related to the examination shall be excluded by reason of any common law or statutory privilege relating to communication between the licensee or applicant and the examining physician or any member of the multidisciplinary team. 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 the examination. Failure of any individual to submit to a mental or physical examination when directed shall result in the automatic suspension of his or her license until such time as the individual submits to the examination. If the Board or Department finds a pharmacist, registered certified pharmacy technician, or registered pharmacy technician unable to practice because of the reasons set forth in this Section, the Board or Department shall require such pharmacist, registered certified pharmacy technician, or registered pharmacy technician to submit to care, counseling, or treatment by physicians or other appropriate health care providers approved or designated by the Department as a condition for continued, restored, or renewed licensure to practice. Any pharmacist, registered certified pharmacy technician, or registered pharmacy technician 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 or to complete a required program of care, counseling, or treatment, as determined by the chief pharmacy coordinator, shall be referred to the Secretary for a determination as to whether the licensee shall have his or her license suspended immediately, pending a hearing by the Board. In instances in which the Secretary immediately suspends a license under this subsection (g), a hearing upon such person's license must be convened by the Board within 15 days after such suspension and completed without appreciable delay. The Department and Board shall have the authority to review the subject pharmacist's, registered certified pharmacy technician's, or registered pharmacy technician's record of treatment and counseling regarding the impairment.

(h) An individual or organization acting in good faith, and not in a willful and wanton manner, in complying with this Section by providing a report or other information to the Board, by assisting in the investigation or preparation of a report or information, by participating in proceedings of the Board, or by serving as a member of the Board shall not, as a result of such actions, be subject to criminal prosecution or civil damages. Any person who reports a violation of this Section to the Department is protected under subsection (b) of Section 15 of the Whistleblower Act.

(i) Members of the Board shall have no liability in any action based upon any disciplinary proceedings or other activity performed in good faith as a member of the Board. The Attorney General shall defend all such actions unless he or she determines either that there would be a conflict of interest in such representation or that the actions complained of were not in good faith or were willful and wanton.

If the Attorney General declines representation, the member shall have the right to employ counsel of his or her choice, whose fees shall be provided by the State, after approval by the Attorney General, unless there is a determination by a court that the member's actions were not in good faith or were willful and wanton.

The member must notify the Attorney General within 7 days of receipt of notice of the initiation of any action involving services of the Board. Failure to so notify the Attorney General shall constitute an absolute waiver of the right to a defense and indemnification.

The Attorney General shall determine, within 7 days after receiving such notice, whether he or she will undertake to represent the member.

(Source: P.A. 100-497, eff. 9-8-17; 101-621, eff. 1-1-20.)

(225 ILCS 85/35.7) (from Ch. 111, par. 4155.7)

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

Sec. 35.7. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 35.6 of this Act, the Secretary shall have the authority to appoint any attorney duly licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois to serve as the hearing officer in any action before the Board for refusal to issue, renew, or discipline of a license. The hearing officer shall have full authority to conduct the hearing. There may be present one or more members of the Board at any such hearing. The hearing officer shall report his findings of fact, conclusions of law and recommendations to the Board and the Secretary. The Board shall have 60 days from receipt of the report to review the report of the hearing officer and present their findings of fact, conclusions of law, and recommendations to the Secretary. If the Board fails to present its report within the 60-day period, the respondent or the Department may request in writing a direct appeal to the Secretary, in which case the Secretary may issue an order based upon the report of the hearing officer and the record of the proceedings or issue an order remanding the matter back to the hearing officer for additional proceedings in accordance with the order. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section, if the Secretary, upon review, determines that substantial justice has not been done in the revocation, suspension, or refusal to issue or renew a license or other disciplinary action taken as the result of the entry of the hearing officer's report, the Secretary may order a rehearing by the same or other examiners. If the Secretary disagrees with the recommendation of the Board or the hearing officer, the Secretary may issue an order in contravention of the recommendation.

(Source: P.A. 100-497, eff. 9-8-17.)

(225 ILCS 85/35.18) (from Ch. 111, par. 4155.18)

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

Sec. 35.18. Certification of record. 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 a receipt in court shall be grounds for dismissal of the action. During the pendency and hearing of any and all judicial proceedings incident to the disciplinary action the sanctions imposed upon the accused by the Department because of acts or omissions related to the delivery of direct patient care as specified in the Department's final administrative decision, shall, as a matter of public policy, remain in full force and effect in order to protect the public pending final resolution of any of the proceedings.

(Source: P.A. 100-497, eff. 9-8-17.)

(225 ILCS 85/35.21)

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

Sec. 35.21. Citations.

(a) The Department may issue citations to any licensee for any violation of this Act or the rules. The citation shall be issued to the licensee or other person alleged to have committed one or more violations and shall contain the licensee's or other person's name and address, the licensee's license number, if any, a brief factual statement, the Sections of this Act or the rules allegedly violated, and the penalty imposed, which shall not exceed $3,000 $1,000. The citation must clearly state that if the cited person wishes to dispute the citation, he or she may request in writing, within 30 days after the citation is served, a hearing before the Department. If the cited person does not request a hearing within 30 days after the citation is served, then the citation shall become a final, non-disciplinary order and any fine imposed is due and payable. If the cited person requests a hearing within 30 days after the citation is served, the Department shall afford the cited person a hearing conducted in the same manner as a hearing provided in this Act for any violation of this Act and shall determine whether the cited person committed the violation as charged and whether the fine as levied is warranted. If the violation is found, any fine shall constitute discipline and be due and payable within 30 days of the order of the Secretary. Failure to comply with any final order may subject the licensed person to further discipline or other action by the Department or a referral to the State's Attorney.

(b) A citation must be issued within 6 months after the reporting of a violation that is the basis for the citation.

(c) Service of a citation shall be made in person, electronically, or by mail to the licensee at the licensee's address of record or email address of record.

(d) Nothing in this Section shall prohibit or limit the Department from taking further action pursuant to this Act and rules for additional, repeated, or continuing violations.

(e) The Department may adopt rules for the issuance of citations in accordance with this Section.

(Source: P.A. 100-497, eff. 9-8-17; 101-621, eff. 1-1-20.)

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