225 ILCS 6/ Behavior Analyst Licensing Act.

(225 ILCS 6/1)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)

Sec. 1. Short title. This Act may be cited as the Behavior Analyst Licensing Act.

(Source: P.A. 102-953, eff. 5-27-22.)

(225 ILCS 6/5)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)

Sec. 5. Public policy. The practice of applied behavior analysis is declared to affect public health, safety, and welfare and is subject to regulation in the public interest. The purpose of this Act is to protect and benefit the public by setting standards of qualifications, education, training, and experience for those who seek to obtain a license and hold the title of "licensed behavior analyst" or "licensed assistant behavior analyst", to promote high standards of professional performance for those licensed to practice applied behavior analysis in the State, to protect the public from the practice of applied behavior analysis by unqualified persons and from unprofessional conduct by persons licensed to practice applied behavior analysis.

(Source: P.A. 102-953, eff. 5-27-22.)

(225 ILCS 6/10)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)

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.

"Board" means the Advisory Board of Behavior Analysts appointed by the Secretary.

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

"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.

"Licensed assistant behavior analyst" means an individual licensed under this Act to engage in practice as an assistant behavior analyst under the supervision of a licensed behavior analyst or a licensed clinical psychologist.

"Licensed behavior analyst" means an individual licensed to engage in the practice of applied behavior analysis.

"Practice of applied behavior analysis" means the design, implementation, and evaluation of instructional and environmental modifications to produce socially significant improvement in human behavior. "Practice of applied behavior analysis" includes the empirical identification of functional relations between behavior environmental factors, known as functional assessment and analysis. Applied behavior analysis interventions are based on scientific research and the direct observation and measurement of behavior and environment. Applied behavior analysis interventions utilize contextual factors, motivating operations, antecedent stimuli, positive reinforcement, and other procedures to help individuals develop new behaviors, increase or decrease existing behaviors, and elicit behaviors under specific environmental conditions. The practice of applied behavior analysis excludes the diagnosis of disorders, psychological testing, psychotherapy, cognitive therapy, psychoanalysis, and counseling.

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

(Source: P.A. 102-953, eff. 5-27-22.)

(225 ILCS 6/15)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)

Sec. 15. 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 the change, either through the Department's website or by contacting the Department's licensure maintenance unit.

(Source: P.A. 102-953, eff. 5-27-22.)

(225 ILCS 6/20)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)

Sec. 20. License required; exemptions.

(a) Beginning 10 months after the adoption of the rules required under subsection (b) of Section 80, an individual shall not engage in the practice of applied behavior analysis unless licensed under this Act or covered by an exemption under subsection (c).

(a-5) An individual licensed under this Act as an assistant behavior analyst shall not engage in the practice of applied behavior analysis unless supervised by a licensed clinical psychologist or licensed behavior analyst.

(b) Beginning 10 months after the adoption of the rules required under subsection (b) of Section 80, an individual shall not use the title "licensed behavior analyst", "L.B.A.", "licensed assistant behavior analyst", "L.A.B.A.", or similar words or letters indicating the individual is licensed as a behavior analyst or assistant behavior analyst unless the individual is actually licensed under this Act.

(c) This Act does not prohibit any of the following:

(1) Self-care by a patient or uncompensated care by a friend or family member who does not represent or hold oneself out to be a behavior analyst or assistant behavior analyst.

(2) An individual from implementing a behavior analytic treatment plan under the extended authority, direction, and supervision of a licensed behavior analyst or licensed assistant behavior analyst.

(3) A clinical psychologist, social worker, psychiatric nurse, speech-language pathologist, audiologist, professional counselor, clinical professional counselor, clinical social worker, or marriage and family therapist from performing or advertising activities that are considered to be the practice of applied behavior analysis under this Act if the activities are consistent with the laws of this State, the individual's training, and any code of ethics of the individual's respective professions, so long as the individual does not use the titles provided in subsection (b).

(4) An individual from performing activities that are considered to be the practice of applied behavior analysis under this Act if the activities are with nonhumans, including applied animal behaviorists and animal trainers. The individual may use the title "behavior analyst" but shall not represent oneself as a licensed behavior analyst or licensed assistant behavior analyst unless the individual holds a license issued by the State.

(5) An individual who provides general applied behavior analysis services to organizations, so long as the services are for the benefit of the organizations and do not involve direct services to individuals. The individual may use the title "behavior analyst" but may not represent oneself as a licensed behavior analyst or licensed assistant behavior analyst unless the individual holds a license issued by the State.

(6) An individual who is a matriculated student at a nationally accredited university approved in rules or a postdoctoral fellow from performing activities that are considered to be the practice of applied behavior analysis under this Act if the activities are part of a defined program of study, course, practicum, internship, or postdoctoral fellowship, provided that the applied behavior analysis activities are directly supervised by a licensed behavior analyst under this Act or a licensed clinical psychologist.

(7) An individual who is not licensed under this Act from pursuing field experience in the practice of behavior analysis if the experience is supervised by a licensed behavior analyst or a licensed psychologist.

(8) An individual with a learning behavior specialist or school support personnel endorsement from the State Board of Education, the school district in which the school is located, or a special education joint agreement serving the school district in which the school is located from delivering behavior analytic services in a school setting when employed by that school as long as those services are defined in the scope of practice for that endorsement and that person is not in any manner held out to the public as a licensed behavior analyst or licensed assistant behavior analyst.

(9) A qualified intellectual disabilities professional, meeting the minimum federal education requirements outlined in 42 CFR 483.430, who is performing the duties required for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities in programs and facilities regulated by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Department of Human Services, or the Department of Public Health, so long as the individual does not use the titles provided in subsection (b).

(10) A service provider, designated by the Department of Human Services, from providing behavior intervention and treatment, so long as the individual does not use the titles provided in subsection (b).

(d) This Act does not apply to an individual who, on the effective date of this Act, is engaging in the practice of applied behavior analysis under the medical assistance program under the Illinois Public Aid Code while that individual is seeking the education, training, and experience necessary to obtain a license under this Act.

(e) No licensed behavior analyst or licensed assistant behavior analyst shall engage in the practice of speech-language pathology or the practice of audiology, as defined in the Illinois Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Practice Act, unless licensed to do so under that Act.

(Source: P.A. 102-953, eff. 5-27-22; 103-857, eff. 8-9-24.)

(225 ILCS 6/25)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)

Sec. 25. Applications for original license. An application for original licenses shall be made to the Department on forms or electronically as prescribed by the Department and accompanied by the required fee, which shall not be refundable. All applications shall contain information which, in the judgment of the Department, will enable the Department to pass on the qualifications of the applicant for a license as a licensed behavior analyst or licensed assistant behavior analyst.

A license to practice shall not be denied to an applicant because of the applicant's race, religion, creed, national origin, political beliefs or activities, age, sex, sexual orientation, or physical disability that does not affect a person's ability to practice with reasonable judgment, skill, or safety.

For a person who has successfully completed a graduate degree from a nationally or regionally accredited university approved by the Department and can demonstrate that the person has passed a competency examination authorized by the Department before the effective date of this Act, the Department may allow that person to apply for licensure under the terms of this Act beginning 20 months after the effective date of this Act.

An applicant has 3 years after the date of application to complete the application process. If the process has not been completed in 3 years, the application shall be denied, the fee shall be forfeited, and the applicant must reapply and meet the requirements in effect at the time of reapplication.

(Source: P.A. 102-953, eff. 5-27-22.)

(225 ILCS 6/30)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)

Sec. 30. Qualifications for behavior analyst license.

(a) A person qualifies to be licensed as a behavior analyst if that person:

(1) has applied in writing or electronically on forms prescribed by the Department;

(2) is a graduate of a graduate level program in the field of behavior analysis or a related field with an equivalent course of study in behavior analysis approved by the Department from a regionally accredited university;

(3) has completed at least 500 hours of supervision of behavior analysis, as defined by rule;

(4) has qualified for and passed the examination for the practice of behavior analysis as authorized by the Department; and

(5) has paid the required fees.

(b) The Department may issue a license to a certified behavior analyst seeking licensure as a licensed behavior analyst who (i) does not have the supervised experience as described in paragraph (3) of subsection (a), (ii) applies for licensure before July 1, 2028, and (iii) has completed all of the following:

(1) has applied in writing or electronically on forms prescribed by the Department;

(2) is a graduate of a graduate level program in the field of behavior analysis from a regionally accredited university approved by the Department;

(3) submits evidence of certification by an appropriate national certifying body as determined by rule of the Department;

(4) has passed the examination for the practice of behavior analysis as authorized by the Department; and

(5) has paid the required fees.

(c) An applicant has 3 years after the date of application to complete the application process. If the process has not been completed in 3 years, the application shall be denied, the fee shall be forfeited, and the applicant must reapply and meet the requirements in effect at the time of reapplication.

(d) Each applicant for licensure as a behavior analyst shall have his or her fingerprints submitted to the Illinois State Police in an electronic format that complies with the form and manner for requesting and furnishing criminal history record information as prescribed by the Illinois State Police. These fingerprints shall be transmitted through a live scan fingerprint vendor licensed by the Department. These fingerprints shall be checked against the Illinois State Police and Federal Bureau of Investigation criminal history record databases now and hereafter filed, including, but not limited to, civil, criminal, and latent fingerprint databases. The Illinois State Police shall charge a fee for conducting the criminal history records check, which shall be deposited in the State Police Services Fund and shall not exceed the actual cost of the records check. The Illinois State Police shall furnish, pursuant to positive identification, records of Illinois convictions as prescribed under the Illinois Uniform Conviction Information Act and shall forward the national criminal history record information to the Department.

(Source: P.A. 102-953, eff. 5-27-22; 102-1118, eff. 1-18-23.)

(225 ILCS 6/35)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)

Sec. 35. Qualifications for assistant behavior analyst license.

(a) A person qualifies to be licensed as an assistant behavior analyst if that person:

(1) has applied in writing or electronically on forms prescribed by the Department;

(2) is a graduate of a bachelor's level program in the field of behavior analysis or a related field with an equivalent course of study in behavior analysis approved by the Department from a regionally accredited university;

(3) has met the supervised work experience;

(4) has qualified for and passed the examination for the practice of behavior analysis as a licensed assistant behavior analyst as authorized by the Department; and

(5) has paid the required fees.

(b) The Department may issue a license to a certified assistant behavior analyst seeking licensure as a licensed assistant behavior analyst who (i) does not have the supervised experience as described in paragraph (3) of subsection (a), (ii) applies for licensure before July 1, 2028, and (iii) has completed all of the following:

(1) has applied in writing or electronically on forms prescribed by the Department;

(2) is a graduate of a bachelor's level program in the field of behavior analysis;

(3) submits evidence of certification by an appropriate national certifying body as determined by rule of the Department;

(4) has passed the examination for the practice of behavior analysis as authorized by the Department; and

(5) has paid the required fees.

(c) An applicant has 3 years after the date of application to complete the application process. If the process has not been completed in 3 years, the application shall be denied, the fee shall be forfeited, and the applicant must reapply and meet the requirements in effect at the time of reapplication.

(d) Each applicant for licensure as an assistant behavior analyst shall have his or her fingerprints submitted to the Illinois State Police in an electronic format that complies with the form and manner for requesting and furnishing criminal history record information as prescribed by the Illinois State Police. These fingerprints shall be transmitted through a live scan fingerprint vendor licensed by the Department. These fingerprints shall be checked against the Illinois State Police and Federal Bureau of Investigation criminal history record databases now and hereafter filed, including, but not limited to, civil, criminal, and latent fingerprint databases. The Illinois State Police shall charge a fee for conducting the criminal history records check, which shall be deposited in the State Police Services Fund and shall not exceed the actual cost of the records check. The Illinois State Police shall furnish, pursuant to positive identification, records of Illinois convictions as prescribed under the Illinois Uniform Conviction Information Act and shall forward the national criminal history record information to the Department.

(Source: P.A. 102-953, eff. 5-27-22; 102-1118, eff. 1-18-23.)

(225 ILCS 6/40)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)

Sec. 40. Endorsement. The Department may issue a license as a behavior analyst or assistant behavior analyst to an applicant licensed under the laws of another jurisdiction if the requirements for licensure in that jurisdiction are, on the date of licensure, substantially equivalent to the requirements of this Act or to any person who, at the time of the applicant's licensure, possessed individual qualifications that were substantially equivalent to the requirements then in force in this State.

An applicant under this Section shall pay the required fees. An individual applying for licensure as a licensed behavior analyst or assistant behavior analyst who has been licensed in another United States jurisdiction for 10 consecutive years without discipline is not required to submit proof of completion of the education, professional experience, and supervision required in Section 25 or 30.

An individual with 10 consecutive years of experience must submit certified verification of licensure from the jurisdiction in which the applicant practiced and must comply with all other licensing requirements and pay all required fees. If the accuracy of any submitted documentation or the relevance or sufficiency of the coursework or experience is questioned by the Department or the Board because of a lack of information, discrepancies or conflicts in information given, or a need for clarification, the applicant seeking licensure may be required to provide additional information.

An applicant has 3 years after the date of application to complete the application process. If the process has not been completed in 3 years, the application shall be denied, the fee shall be forfeited, and the applicant must reapply and meet the requirements in effect at the time of reapplication.

(Source: P.A. 102-953, eff. 5-27-22.)

(225 ILCS 6/45)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)

Sec. 45. Behavior Analyst Licensing and Disciplinary Board.

(a) The Secretary shall appoint a Behavior Analyst Licensing and Disciplinary Board consisting of 5 persons who shall serve in an advisory capacity to the Secretary. The Board shall consist of the following 5 members appointed by the Secretary: one licensed behavior analyst holding a doctoral degree, one licensed assistant behavior analyst, 2 licensed behavior analysts, and one public member. The Board shall serve in an advisory capacity.

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

(c) The membership of the Board should represent racial and cultural diversity and reasonably reflect representation from different geographic areas of the State.

(d) The Secretary may remove any member of the Board for any cause that, in the opinion of the Secretary, reasonably justifies termination.

(e) The Secretary may consider the recommendation of the Board on all matters and questions relating to this Act, such as: (i) 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; and (ii) rules for the administration of this Act.

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

(g) Members of the Board shall be reimbursed for all legitimate, necessary, and authorized expenses.

(h) A majority of the Board members currently appointed shall constitute a quorum. A vacancy in the membership of the Board shall not impair the right of a quorum to perform all of the duties of the Board.

(i) Members of the Board shall have no liability in an action based upon a disciplinary proceeding or other activity performed in good faith as a member of the Board.

(Source: P.A. 102-953, eff. 5-27-22.)

(225 ILCS 6/50)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)

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. The licensee may renew a license during the 60-day period preceding its expiration date by paying the required fee and by demonstrating compliance with any continuing education requirements. The Department shall adopt rules establishing minimum requirements for continuing education and means for verification of the completion of the continuing education requirements. The Department may, by rule, specify circumstances under which the continuing education requirements may be waived.

(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, as defined by rule, to have the license restored, including, if appropriate, evidence that is satisfactory to the Department certifying the active practice of behavior analysis in another jurisdiction and by paying the required fee.

(c) If the person has not maintained an active practice in another jurisdiction that is satisfactory to the Department, the Department shall determine the person's fitness to resume active status. The Department may also require the person to complete a specific period of evaluated behavior analysis experience and may require successful completion of an examination.

(d) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, any person whose license expired while on active duty with the armed forces of the United States, while called into service or training with the State Militia or in training or education under the supervision of the United States government prior to induction into the military service may have the person's license restored without paying any renewal fees if, within 2 years after the honorable termination of that service, training, or education, except under conditions other than honorable, the Department is furnished with satisfactory evidence that the person has been so engaged and that the service, training, or education has been so terminated.

(e) The Department shall indicate on each license the academic degree of the licensee.

(Source: P.A. 102-953, eff. 5-27-22.)

(225 ILCS 6/55)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)

Sec. 55. 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.

(Source: P.A. 102-953, eff. 5-27-22.)

(225 ILCS 6/60)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)

Sec. 60. Grounds for disciplinary action.

(a) The Department may refuse to issue or renew a license, or may suspend, revoke, place on probation, reprimand, or take any other disciplinary or nondisciplinary action deemed appropriate by the Department, including the imposition of fines not to exceed $10,000 for each violation, with regard to any license issued under the provisions of this Act for any one or a combination of the following grounds:

(1) material misstatements in furnishing information to the Department or to any other State agency or in furnishing information to any insurance company with respect to a claim on behalf of a licensee or a patient;

(2) violations or negligent or intentional disregard of this Act or its rules;

(3) conviction of or entry of a 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 behavior analysis;

(4) fraud or misrepresentation in applying for or procuring a license under this Act or in connection with applying for renewal or restoration of a license under this Act;

(5) professional incompetence;

(6) gross negligence in practice under this Act;

(7) aiding or assisting another person in violating any provision of this Act or its 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 as defined by the rules of the Department or violating the rules of professional conduct adopted by the Department;

(10) habitual or excessive use or abuse of drugs defined in law as controlled substances, of alcohol, or of any other substances that results in the inability to practice with reasonable judgment, skill, or safety;

(11) adverse action taken by another state or jurisdiction 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 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 shall be construed to require an employment arrangement to receive professional fees for services rendered;

(13) a finding by the Department that the licensee, after having the license placed on probationary status, has violated the terms of probation or failed to comply with those terms;

(14) abandonment, without cause, of a client;

(15) willfully making or filing false records or 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;

(17) being named as a perpetrator in an indicated report by the Department of Children and Family Services under 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 illness, mental illness, or any other impairment or disability, including, but not limited to, deterioration through the aging process, or loss of motor skills that 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) violation of the Health Care Worker Self-Referral Act;

(21) 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; or

(22) 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.

(b) 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 shall result in an automatic suspension of the licensee's license. The suspension shall end upon a finding by a court that the licensee is no longer subject to involuntary admission or judicial admission and issues an order so finding and discharging the patient, and upon the recommendation of the Board to the Secretary that the licensee be allowed to resume professional practice.

(c) The Department shall refuse to issue or renew or may suspend the license of a person who (i) fails to file a tax return, pay the tax, penalty, or interest shown in a filed tax return, or pay any final assessment of tax, penalty, or interest, as required by any tax Act administered by the Department of Revenue, until the requirements of the tax Act are satisfied or (ii) has failed to pay any court-ordered child support as determined by a court order or by referral from the Department of Healthcare and Family Services.

(c-1) The Department shall not revoke, suspend, place on probation, reprimand, refuse to issue or renew, or take any other disciplinary or non-disciplinary action against the license or permit issued under this Act based solely upon the licensed behavior analyst recommending, aiding, assisting, referring for, or participating in any health care service, so long as the care was not unlawful under the laws of this State, regardless of whether the patient was a resident of this State or another state.

(c-2) The Department shall not revoke, suspend, place on prohibition, reprimand, refuse to issue or renew, or take any other disciplinary or non-disciplinary action against the license or permit issued under this Act to practice as a licensed behavior analyst based upon the licensed behavior analyst's license being revoked or suspended, or the licensed behavior analyst being otherwise disciplined by any other state, if that revocation, suspension, or other form of discipline was based solely on the licensed behavior analyst violating another state's laws prohibiting the provision of, authorization of, recommendation of, aiding or assisting in, referring for, or participation in any health care service if that health care service as provided would not have been unlawful under the laws of this State and is consistent with the standards of conduct for a licensed behavior analyst practicing in Illinois.

(c-3) The conduct specified in subsections (c-1) and (c-2) shall not constitute grounds for suspension under Section 125.

(c-4) The Department shall not revoke, suspend, summarily suspend, place on prohibition, reprimand, refuse to issue or renew, or take any other disciplinary or non-disciplinary action against the license or permit issued under this Act to practice as a licensed behavior analyst based solely upon the license of a licensed behavior analyst being revoked or the licensed behavior analyst being otherwise disciplined by any other state or territory other than Illinois for the referral for or having otherwise participated in any health care service, if the revocation or disciplinary action was based solely on a violation of the other state's law prohibiting such health care services in the state, for a resident of the state, or in any other state.

(d) In enforcing this Section, the Department, upon a showing of a possible violation, may compel a person 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, which may include a substance abuse or sexual offender evaluation, as required by and at the expense of the Department.

(1) The Department shall specifically designate the examining physician licensed to practice medicine in all of its branches or, if applicable, the multidisciplinary team involved in providing the mental or physical examination or both. The multidisciplinary team shall be led by a physician licensed to practice medicine in all of its branches and may consist of one or more or a combination of physicians licensed to practice medicine in all of its branches, licensed clinical psychologists, licensed clinical professional counselors, and other professional and administrative staff. Any examining physician or member of the multidisciplinary team may require any person ordered to submit to an examination pursuant to this Section to submit to any additional supplemental testing deemed necessary to complete any examination or evaluation process, including, but not limited to, blood testing, urinalysis, psychological testing, or neuropsychological testing.

(2) 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, record, or other documents in any way related to the examination shall be excluded by reason of any common law or statutory privilege relating to communications between the licensee or applicant and the examining physician or any member of the multidisciplinary team. No authorization is necessary from the licensee or applicant ordered to undergo an examination for the examining physician or any member of the multidisciplinary team to provide information, reports, records, or other documents or to provide any testimony regarding the examination and evaluation.

(3) The person to be examined may have, at the person's own expense, another physician of the person's choice present during all aspects of the examination. However, that physician shall be present only to observe and may not interfere in any way with the examination.

(4) The failure of any person to submit to a mental or physical examination without reasonable cause, when ordered, shall result in an automatic suspension of the person's license until the person submits to the examination.

(e) If the Department finds a person unable to practice because of the reasons set forth in this Section, the Department or Board may require that person to submit to care, counseling, or treatment by physicians approved or designated by the Department or Board, as a condition, term, or restriction for continued, reinstated, or renewed licensure to practice; or, in lieu of care, counseling, 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 person. Any person whose license was granted, continued, reinstated, renewed, disciplined, or supervised subject to the terms, conditions, or restrictions, and who fails to comply with the terms, conditions, or restrictions, shall be referred to the Secretary for a determination as to whether the person shall have the person's license suspended immediately, pending a hearing by the Department.

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

If the Secretary immediately suspends a person's license under this subsection, a hearing on that person's license must be convened by the Department within 30 days after the suspension and completed without appreciable delay. The Department and Board shall have the authority to review the subject person'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.

A person licensed under this Act and affected under this Section shall be afforded an opportunity to demonstrate to the Department or Board that the person can resume practice in compliance with acceptable and prevailing standards under the provisions of the person's license.

(g) The Department may adopt rules to implement the changes made by this amendatory Act of the 102nd General Assembly.

(Source: P.A. 102-953, eff. 5-27-22; 102-1117, eff. 1-13-23.)

(225 ILCS 6/65)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)

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

(Source: P.A. 102-953, eff. 5-27-22.)

(225 ILCS 6/70)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)

Sec. 70. Unlicensed practice; violation; civil penalty.

(a) Any person who practices, offers to practice, attempts to practice, or holds oneself out to practice as a licensed behavior analyst or licensed assistant behavior analyst 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.

(Source: P.A. 102-953, eff. 5-27-22.)

(225 ILCS 6/75)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)

Sec. 75. Violations; injunction; cease and desist order.

(a) If an individual violates a provision of this Act, the Secretary may, in the name of the People of the State of Illinois, through the Attorney General or the State's Attorney of the 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 individual 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 an individual holds oneself out as being a licensed behavior analyst or a licensed assistant behavior analyst under this Act and is not licensed to do so, then any licensed behavior analyst, licensed assistant behavior analyst, interested party, or any person injured thereby may petition for relief as provided in subsection (a).

(c) Whenever, in the opinion of the Department, an individual violates a 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.

(Source: P.A. 102-953, eff. 5-27-22.)

(225 ILCS 6/80)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)

Sec. 80. Powers and duties of the Department.

(a) The Department shall exercise the powers and duties prescribed by the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois for the administration of licensure Acts and shall exercise other powers and duties necessary for effectuating the purposes of this Act.

(b) The Department shall adopt rules to administer and enforce this Act, including, but not limited to, fees for original licensure and renewal and restoration of licenses, and may prescribe forms to be issued to implement this Act. At a minimum, the rules adopted by the Department shall include standards and criteria for licensure and for professional conduct and discipline. The Department may consult with the Board in adopting rules. The Department may at any time seek the advice and expert knowledge of the Board on any matter relating to the administration of this Act.

(c) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Department shall:

(1) Authorize examinations to ascertain the qualifications and fitness of applicants for licensing as licensed behavior analysts or licensed assistant behavior analysts and pass upon the qualifications of applicants for licensure by endorsement.

(2) Conduct hearings or 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 nondisciplinary action with regard to a person licensed under this Act.

(3) Adopt rules required for the administration of this Act.

(4) Conduct investigations related to possible violations of this Act, and prescribe forms to be issued for the administration and enforcement of this Act consistent with and reflecting the requirements of this Act and rules adopted pursuant to this Act.

(d) 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 complaint, shall be maintained for the confidential use of the Department and shall not be disclosed. The Department may not disclose the information to anyone other than law enforcement officials, other regulatory agencies that have an appropriate regulatory interest as determined by the Secretary, or to 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 by the Department or any order issued by the Department against a licensee or applicant shall be a public record, except as otherwise prohibited by law.

(Source: P.A. 102-953, eff. 5-27-22.)

(225 ILCS 6/85)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)

Sec. 85. Investigations; notice; hearing.

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

(b) The Department shall, before disciplining an applicant or licensee, at least 30 days prior to the date set for the hearing: (i) notify, in writing, the applicant or licensee of the charges made and the time and place for the hearing on the charges; (ii) direct the applicant or licensee to file a written answer to the charges under oath within 20 days after the service of the notice; and (iii) inform the applicant or licensee that failure to file an answer will result in a default being entered against the applicant or licensee.

(c) Written or electronic notice, and any notice in the subsequent proceeding, may be served by personal delivery, by email, or by mail to the applicant or licensee at the applicant's or licensee's address of record or email address of record.

(d) At the time and place fixed in the notice, the Department shall proceed to hear the charges and the parties or the parties' counsel shall be accorded ample opportunity to present any statements, testimony, evidence and argument as may be pertinent to the charges or to the parties' defense. The Board may continue the hearing from time to time.

If the person, after receiving the notice, fails to file an answer, the person's license may, in the discretion of the Secretary, having first received the recommendation of the Board, be suspended, revoked, or placed on probationary status, or be subject to whatever disciplinary action the Secretary considers proper, including limiting the scope, nature, or extent of the person's practice or the imposition of a fine, without hearing, if the act or acts charged constitute sufficient grounds for that action under this Act.

(Source: P.A. 102-953, eff. 5-27-22.)

(225 ILCS 6/90)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)

Sec. 90. Subpoenas; depositions; oaths. The Department shall have the power to subpoena and to bring before it any person and to take testimony either orally or by deposition, or both, with the same fees and mileage and in the same manner as prescribed in civil cases in the courts of this State.

The Secretary and every member of the Board shall have power to administer oaths to witnesses at any hearing which the Department is authorized to conduct, and any other oaths authorized in any Act administered by the Department.

(Source: P.A. 102-953, eff. 5-27-22.)

(225 ILCS 6/95)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)

Sec. 95. Compelling testimony. Any court, upon application of the Department, or the applicant or licensee against whom proceedings under Section 55 are pending, may enter an order requiring the attendance of witnesses and the witnesses' testimony, and the production of 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.

(Source: P.A. 102-953, eff. 5-27-22.)

(225 ILCS 6/100)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)

Sec. 100. Record of proceedings; transcript.

(a) The Department, at its expense, shall preserve a record of all proceedings at any formal hearing of any case. The notice of hearing, complaint and all other documents in the nature of pleadings and written motions filed in the proceedings, the transcript of testimony, the report of the Board, and the orders of the Department shall be the record of the proceedings. The Department shall furnish a copy of the record to any person upon payment of the fee required under Section 2105-115 of the Department of Professional Regulation Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois.

(b) The Board shall hear evidence in support of the formal charges and evidence produced by the licensee. 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.

(Source: P.A. 102-953, eff. 5-27-22.)

(225 ILCS 6/105)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)

Sec. 105. Findings and recommendations. 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 as to 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.

The report of findings of fact, conclusions of law, and recommendations of the Board shall be the basis for the Department's order or refusal or for the granting of the license or for any disciplinary action, unless the Secretary determines that the Board's report is contrary to the manifest weight of the evidence, in which case the Secretary may issue an order in contravention of the Board's report. 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 finding are not a bar to a criminal prosecution brought for the violation of this Act.

(Source: P.A. 102-953, eff. 5-27-22.)

(225 ILCS 6/110)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)

Sec. 110. Motion for rehearing. At the conclusion of the hearing, a copy of the Board's report shall be served to the applicant or licensee by the Department, either personally or as provided in this Act for the service of a notice of hearing. Within 20 calendar days after service, the applicant or licensee may present to the Department a motion in writing for a rehearing, which shall specify the particular grounds for rehearing. The Department may respond to the motion for rehearing within 20 calendar days after its service on the Department. If no motion for rehearing is filed, then after the expiration of the time specified for filing the motion, or upon denial of a motion for rehearing, the Secretary may enter an order in accordance with the recommendation of the Board. If the applicant or licensee orders from the reporting service and pays for a transcript of the record within the time for filing a motion for rehearing, the 20-day period within which a motion may be filed shall commence upon the delivery of the transcript to the applicant or licensee.

(Source: P.A. 102-953, eff. 5-27-22.)

(225 ILCS 6/115)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)

Sec. 115. Restoration. At any time after the successful completion of a term of probation, suspension, or revocation of any license, the Department may restore the license to the licensee upon the written recommendation of the Board unless after an investigation and hearing the Board or Department determines that restoration is not in the public interest. Where circumstances of suspension or revocation so indicate, the Department may require an examination of the licensee prior to restoring the licensee's license. No person whose license has been revoked as authorized in this Act may apply for restoration of that license until the time provided for in the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois.

(Source: P.A. 102-953, eff. 5-27-22.)

(225 ILCS 6/120)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)

Sec. 120. Surrender of license. Upon the revocation or suspension of any license, the licensee shall immediately surrender the licensee's license to the Department. If the licensee fails to do so, the Department shall have the right to seize the license.

(Source: P.A. 102-953, eff. 5-27-22.)

(225 ILCS 6/125)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)

Sec. 125. Summary suspension of a license. The Secretary may summarily suspend the license of a licensed behavior analyst or assistant behavior analyst without a hearing simultaneously with the institution of proceedings for a hearing provided for in this Act if the Secretary finds that evidence in the Secretary's possession indicates that a licensee's continuation in practice would constitute an imminent danger to the public. If the Secretary summarily suspends the license without a hearing, a hearing by the Board or Department shall be held within 30 calendar days after the suspension has occurred.

(Source: P.A. 102-953, eff. 5-27-22.)

(225 ILCS 6/130)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)

Sec. 130. Administrative review.

(a) All final administrative decisions of the Department hereunder shall be subject to judicial review pursuant to the provisions of the Administrative Review Law, and all amendments and modifications thereof, and the rules adopted pursuant thereto. "Administrative decision" has the same meaning as 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 the State, the venue shall be in Sangamon County.

(Source: P.A. 102-953, eff. 5-27-22.)

(225 ILCS 6/135)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)

Sec. 135. Certification of record. The Department shall not be required to certify any record to the court, file any answer in court, or otherwise appear in any judicial review proceedings, 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. The failure on the part of the plaintiff to file a receipt in court shall be grounds for dismissal of the action.

(Source: P.A. 102-953, eff. 5-27-22.)

(225 ILCS 6/140)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)

Sec. 140. Fees. The Department shall provide by rule for a schedule of fees for the administration and enforcement of this Act, including, but not limited to, original licensure, registration, renewal, and restoration. The fees shall be nonrefundable.

All fees, fines, and penalties collected under this Act shall be deposited into the General Professions Dedicated Fund and shall be appropriated to the Department for the ordinary and contingent expenses of the Department in the administration of this Act.

(Source: P.A. 102-953, eff. 5-27-22.)

(225 ILCS 6/145)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)

Sec. 145. Order; certified copy. An order or a certified copy thereof, over the seal of the Department and purporting to be signed by the Secretary, shall be prima facie proof:

(1) that the signature is the genuine signature of the Secretary;

(2) that the Secretary is duly appointed and qualified; and

(3) that the Board and its members are qualified to act.

(Source: P.A. 102-953, eff. 5-27-22.)

(225 ILCS 6/150)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)

Sec. 150. License restrictions and limitations. Notwithstanding the exclusion in paragraph (2) of subsection (c) of Section 20 that permits an individual to implement a behavior analytic treatment plan under the extended authority, direction, and supervision of a licensed behavior analyst or licensed assistant behavior analyst, beginning 24 months after the Department has commenced issuance of licenses under this Act, no business organization shall provide, attempt to provide, or offer to provide behavior analysis services unless every member, partner, shareholder, director, officer, holder of any other ownership interest, agent, and employee who renders applied behavior analysis services holds a currently valid license issued under this Act. No business shall be created that (i) has a stated purpose that includes behavior analysis, or (ii) practices or holds itself out as available to practice behavior analysis therapy, unless it is organized under the Professional Service Corporation Act or Professional Limited Liability Company Act. 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.

(Source: P.A. 102-953, eff. 5-27-22; 102-1118, eff. 1-18-23; 103-857, eff. 8-9-24.)

(225 ILCS 6/155)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)

Sec. 155. Examinations.

(a) The Department shall authorize examinations of applicants as provided under this Act at such times and places as it may determine. The examination of applicants shall be of a character to give a fair test of the qualifications of the applicant to practice behavior analysis.

(b) Applicants for examination shall be required to pay, either to the Department or the designated testing service, a fee covering the cost of providing the examination.

(c) The Department may employ consultants for the purpose of preparing and conducting examinations.

(Source: P.A. 102-953, eff. 5-27-22.)

(225 ILCS 6/160)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)

Sec. 160. 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 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. 102-953, eff. 5-27-22.)

(225 ILCS 6/900)

Sec. 900. (Amendatory provisions; text omitted).

(Source: P.A. 102-953, eff. 5-27-22; text omitted.)

(225 ILCS 6/903)

Sec. 903. (Amendatory provisions; text omitted).

(Source: P.A. 102-953, eff. 5-27-22; text omitted.)

(225 ILCS 6/905)

Sec. 905. (Amendatory provisions; text omitted).

(Source: P.A. 102-953, eff. 5-27-22; text omitted.)

(225 ILCS 6/910)

Sec. 910. (Amendatory provisions; text omitted).

(Source: P.A. 102-953, eff. 5-27-22; text omitted.)

(225 ILCS 6/999)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)

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

(Source: P.A. 102-953, eff. 5-27-22.)