Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Pedorthics Practice Act.

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(225 ILCS 84/1)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2030)

Sec. 1. Short title. This Act may be cited as the Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Pedorthics Practice Act.

(Source: P.A. 91-590, eff. 1-1-00.)

 

(225 ILCS 84/5)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2030)

Sec. 5. Declaration of public policy. The practice of orthotics and prosthetics in the State of Illinois is an allied health profession with educational standards established by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. The practice of pedorthics in the State of Illinois is an allied health profession with educational standards established by the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education. The increasing population of elderly and physically challenged individuals who need orthotic, prosthetic, and pedorthic services requires that the orthotic, prosthetic, and pedorthic professions be regulated to ensure the provision of high-quality services and devices. The people of Illinois deserve the best care available, and will benefit from the assurance of initial and ongoing professional competence of the orthotists, prosthetists, and pedorthists practicing in this State. The practice of orthotics, prosthetics, and pedorthics serves to improve and enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities by enabling them to resume productive lives following serious illness, injury, or trauma. Unregulated dispensing of orthotic, prosthetic, and pedorthic care does not adequately meet the needs or serve the interests of the public. In keeping with State requirements imposed on similar health disciplines, licensure of the orthotic, prosthetic, and pedorthic professions will help ensure the health and safety of consumers, as well as maximize their functional abilities and productivity levels. This Act shall be liberally construed to best carry out these subjects and purposes.

(Source: P.A. 96-682, eff. 8-25-09.)

 

(225 ILCS 84/10)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2030)

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

"Accredited facility" means a facility that has been accredited by the Center for Medicare Medicaid Services to practice prosthetics, orthotics or pedorthics and represents itself to the public by title or description of services that includes the term "prosthetic", "prosthetist", "artificial limb", "orthotic", "orthotist", "brace", "pedorthic", "pedorthist" or a similar title or description of services.

"Address of record" means the designated address recorded by the Department in the applicant's or licensee's application file or license file maintained by the Department's licensure maintenance unit.

"Assistant" means a person who is educated and trained to participate in comprehensive orthotic or prosthetic care while under the supervision, as defined by rule, of a licensed orthotist or licensed prosthetist. Assistants may perform orthotic or prosthetic procedures and related tasks in the management of patient care. Assistants may also fabricate, repair, and maintain orthoses and prostheses.

"Board" means the Board of Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Pedorthics.

"Custom-fabricated device" means an orthosis, prosthesis, or pedorthic device that is fabricated to comprehensive measurements or a mold or patient model for use by a patient in accordance with a prescription and requires clinical and technical judgment in its design, fabrication, and fitting.

"Custom-fitted device" means an orthosis, prosthesis, or pedorthic device that is made to patient measurements sized or modified for use by the patient in accordance with a prescription and requires clinical and technical judgment and substantive alteration in its design.

"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.

"Facility" means the business location where orthotic, prosthetic, or pedorthic care is provided and, in the case of an orthotic/prosthetic facility, has the appropriate clinical and laboratory space and equipment to provide comprehensive orthotic or prosthetic care and, in the case of a pedorthic facility, has the appropriate clinical space and equipment to provide pedorthic care. Licensed orthotists, prosthetists, and pedorthists must be available to either provide care or supervise the provision of care by unlicensed staff.

"Licensed orthotist" or "LO" means a person licensed under this Act to practice orthotics and who represents himself or herself to the public by title or description of services that includes the term "orthotic", "orthotist", "brace", or a similar title or description of services.

"Licensed pedorthist" or "LPed" means a person licensed under this Act to practice pedorthics and who represents himself or herself to the public by the title or description of services that include the term "pedorthic", "pedorthist", or a similar title or description of services.

"Licensed physician" means a person licensed under the Medical Practice Act of 1987.

"Licensed podiatric physician" means a person licensed under the Podiatric Medical Practice Act of 1987.

"Licensed prosthetist" or "LP" means a person licensed under this Act to practice prosthetics and who represents himself or herself to the public by title or description of services that includes the term "prosthetic", "prosthetist", "artificial limb", or a similar title or description of services.

"Off-the-shelf device" means a prefabricated orthosis, prosthesis, or pedorthic device sized or modified for use by the patient in accordance with a prescription and that does not require substantial clinical judgment and substantive alteration for appropriate use.

"Orthosis" means a custom-fabricated or custom-fitted brace or support designed to provide for alignment, correction, or prevention of neuromuscular or musculoskeletal dysfunction, disease, injury, or deformity. "Orthosis" does not include fabric or elastic supports, corsets, arch supports, low-temperature plastic splints, trusses, elastic hoses, canes, crutches, soft cervical collars, dental appliances, or other similar devices carried in stock and sold as "over-the-counter" items by a drug store, department store, corset shop, or surgical supply facility.

"Orthotic and Prosthetic Education Program" means a course of instruction accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, consisting of (i) a basic curriculum of college level instruction in math, physics, biology, chemistry, and psychology and (ii) a specific curriculum in orthotic or prosthetic courses, including: (A) lectures covering pertinent anatomy, biomechanics, pathomechanics, prosthetic-orthotic components and materials, training and functional capabilities, prosthetic or orthotic performance evaluation, prescription considerations, etiology of amputations and disease processes necessitating prosthetic or orthotic use, and medical management; (B) subject matter related to pediatric and geriatric problems; (C) instruction in acute care techniques, such as immediate and early post-surgical prosthetics and fracture bracing techniques; and (D) lectures, demonstrations, and laboratory experiences related to the entire process of measuring, casting, fitting, fabricating, aligning, and completing prostheses or orthoses.

"Orthotic and prosthetic scope of practice" means a list of tasks, with relative weight given to such factors as importance, criticality, and frequency, based on internationally accepted standards of orthotic and prosthetic care as outlined by the International Society of Prosthetics and Orthotics' professional profile for Category I and Category III orthotic and prosthetic personnel.

"Orthotics" means the science and practice of evaluating, measuring, designing, fabricating, assembling, fitting, adjusting, or servicing an orthosis under an order from a licensed physician or podiatric physician for the correction or alleviation of neuromuscular or musculoskeletal dysfunction, disease, injury, or deformity.

"Orthotist" means a health care professional, specifically educated and trained in orthotic patient care, who measures, designs, fabricates, fits, or services orthoses and may assist in the formulation of the order and treatment plan of orthoses for the support or correction of disabilities caused by neuro-musculoskeletal diseases, injuries, or deformities.

"Over-the-counter" means a prefabricated, mass-produced device that is prepackaged and requires no professional advice or judgment in either size selection or use, including fabric or elastic supports, corsets, generic arch supports, elastic hoses.

"Pedorthic device" means therapeutic shoes (e.g. diabetic shoes and inserts), shoe modifications made for therapeutic purposes, below the ankle partial foot prostheses, and foot orthoses for use at the ankle or below. It also includes subtalar-control foot orthoses designed to manage the function of the anatomy by controlling the range of motion of the subtalar joint. Excluding footwear, the proximal height of a custom pedorthic device does not extend beyond the junction of the gastrocnemius and the Achilles tendon. Pedorthic devices do not include non-therapeutic inlays or footwear regardless of method of manufacture; unmodified, non-therapeutic over-the-counter shoes; or prefabricated foot care products. "Therapeutic" devices address a medical condition, diagnosed by a prescribing medical professional, while "non-therapeutic" devices do not address a medical condition.

"Pedorthic education program" means an educational program accredited by the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education consisting of (i) a basic curriculum of instruction in foot-related pathology of diseases, anatomy, and biomechanics and (ii) a specific curriculum in pedorthic courses, including lectures covering shoes, foot orthoses, and shoe modifications, pedorthic components and materials, training and functional capabilities, pedorthic performance evaluation, prescription considerations, etiology of disease processes necessitating use of pedorthic devices, medical management, subject matter related to pediatric and geriatric problems, and lectures, demonstrations, and laboratory experiences related to the entire process of measuring and casting, fitting, fabricating, aligning, and completing pedorthic devices.

"Pedorthic scope of practice" means a list of tasks with relative weight given to such factors as importance, criticality, and frequency based on nationally accepted standards of pedorthic care as outlined by the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education comprehensive analysis with an empirical validation study of the profession performed by an independent testing company.

"Pedorthics" means the science and practice of evaluating, measuring, designing, fabricating, assembling, fitting, adjusting, or servicing a pedorthic device under an order from a licensed physician or podiatric physician for the correction or alleviation of neuromuscular or musculoskeletal dysfunction, disease, injury, or deformity.

"Pedorthist" means a health care professional, specifically educated and trained in pedorthic patient care, who measures, designs, fabricates, fits, or services pedorthic devices and may assist in the formulation of the order and treatment plan of pedorthic devices for the support or correction of disabilities caused by neuro-musculoskeletal diseases, injuries, or deformities.

"Person" means a natural person.

"Prosthesis" means an artificial medical device that is not surgically implanted and that is used to replace a missing limb, appendage, or any other external human body part including an artificial limb, hand, or foot. "Prosthesis" does not include artificial eyes, ears, fingers, or toes, dental appliances, cosmetic devices such as artificial breasts, eyelashes, or wigs, or other devices that do not have a significant impact on the musculoskeletal functions of the body.

"Prosthetics" means the science and practice of evaluating, measuring, designing, fabricating, assembling, fitting, adjusting, or servicing a prosthesis under an order from a licensed physician.

"Prosthetist" means a health care professional, specifically educated and trained in prosthetic patient care, who measures, designs, fabricates, fits, or services prostheses and may assist in the formulation of the order and treatment plan of prostheses for the replacement of external parts of the human body lost due to amputation or congenital deformities or absences.

"Prosthetist/orthotist" means a person who practices both disciplines of prosthetics and orthotics and who represents himself or herself to the public by title or by description of services. A person who is currently licensed by the State as both a licensed prosthetist and a licensed orthotist may use the title "Licensed Prosthetist Orthotist" or "LPO".

"Resident" means a person who has completed an education program in either orthotics or prosthetics and is continuing his or her clinical education in a residency accredited by the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education.

"Residency" means a minimum of a one-year approved supervised program to acquire practical clinical training in orthotics or prosthetics in a patient care setting.

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

"Technician" means a person who assists an orthotist, prosthetist, prosthetist/orthotist, or pedorthist with fabrication of orthoses, prostheses, or pedorthic devices but does not provide direct patient care.

(Source: P.A. 101-269, eff. 8-9-19.)

 

(225 ILCS 84/10.5)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2030)

Sec. 10.5. Address of record; email address of record. All applicants and licensees shall:

  • (1) provide a valid address and email address to the Department, which shall serve as the address of record and email address of record, respectively, at the time of application for licensure or renewal of a license; and
  • (2) inform the Department of any change of address of record or email address of record within 14 days after such change either through the Department's website or by contacting the Department's licensure maintenance unit.

(Source: P.A. 101-269, eff. 8-9-19.)

 

(225 ILCS 84/15)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2030)

Sec. 15. Exceptions. This Act shall not be construed to prohibit:

  • (1) a physician licensed in this State from engaging in the practice for which he or she is licensed;
  • (2) a person licensed in this State under any other Act from engaging in the practice for which he or she is licensed;
  • (3) the practice of orthotics, prosthetics, or pedorthics by a person who is employed by the federal government or any bureau, division, or agency of the federal government while in the discharge of the employee's official duties;
  • (4) the practice of orthotics, prosthetics, or pedorthics by (i) a student enrolled in a school of orthotics, prosthetics, or pedorthics, (ii) a resident continuing his or her clinical education in a residency accredited by the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education, or (iii) a student in a qualified work experience program or internship in pedorthics;
  • (5) the practice of orthotics, prosthetics, or pedorthics by one who is an orthotist, prosthetist, or pedorthist licensed under the laws of another state or territory of the United States or another country and has applied in writing to the Department, in a form and substance satisfactory to the Department, for a license as orthotist, prosthetist, or pedorthist and who is qualified to receive the license under Section 40 until (i) the expiration of 6 months after the filing of the written application, (ii) the withdrawal of the application, or (iii) the denial of the application by the Department;
  • (6) a person licensed by this State as a physical therapist, occupational therapist, or advanced practice registered nurse from engaging in his or her profession; or
  • (7) a physician licensed under the Podiatric Medical Practice Act of 1987 from engaging in his or her profession.

(Source: P.A. 100-513, eff. 1-1-18.)

 

(225 ILCS 84/20)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2030)

Sec. 20. 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, renewal and restoration of licenses and may prescribe forms to be issued to implement its rules. The Department shall exercise the powers and duties prescribed by 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 shall consult with the Board in adopting rules. Notice of proposed rulemaking shall be transmitted to the Board, and the Department shall review the Board's response and inform the Board of any deviations.

(c) The Department at any time may seek the expert advice and knowledge of the Board on any matter relating to the enforcement of this Act.

(Source: P.A. 96-682, eff. 8-25-09.)

 

(225 ILCS 84/25)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2030)

Sec. 25. Board of Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Pedorthics.

(a) There is established a Board of Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Pedorthics, which shall consist of 6 voting members to be appointed by the Secretary. Three members shall be practicing licensed orthotists, licensed prosthetists, or licensed pedorthists. These members may be licensed in more than one discipline and their appointments must equally represent all 3 disciplines. One member shall be a member of the public who is a consumer of orthotic, prosthetic, or pedorthic professional services. One member shall be a public member who is not licensed under this Act or a consumer of services licensed under this Act. One member shall be a licensed physician.

(b) Each member of the Board shall serve a term of 3 years, except that of the initial appointments to the Board, 2 members shall be appointed for one year, 2 members shall be appointed for 2 years, and 2 members shall be appointed for 3 years. Each member shall hold office and execute his or her Board responsibilities until the qualification and appointment of his or her successor. No member of the Board shall serve more than 8 consecutive years or 2 full terms, whichever is greater.

(c) Members of the Board shall be reimbursed for all legitimate, necessary, and authorized expenses incurred in performing the duties of the office.

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

(e) The Secretary may terminate the appointment of any member for cause which, in the opinion of the Secretary reasonably justifies termination, which may include, but is not limited to, a Board member who does not attend 2 consecutive meetings.

(f) Membership of the Board should reasonably reflect representation from the geographic areas in this State.

(Source: P.A. 101-269, eff. 8-9-19.)

 

(225 ILCS 84/30)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2030)

Sec. 30. Board; immunity; chairperson.

(a) A member of the Board has no liability in any action based upon a disciplinary proceeding or other activity performed in good faith as a member of the Board.

(b) The Board shall annually elect a chairperson and vice chairperson who shall be licensed under this Act.

(Source: P.A. 101-269, eff. 8-9-19.)

 

(225 ILCS 84/35)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2030)

Sec. 35. Application for original license. An application for an original license shall be made to the Department in writing on a form prescribed by the Department and shall be accompanied by the required fee, which shall not be refundable. An application shall require information that in the judgment of the Department will enable the Department to pass on the qualifications of the applicant for a license.

(Source: P.A. 101-269, eff. 8-9-19.)

 

(225 ILCS 84/40)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2030)

Sec. 40. Qualifications for licensure as orthotist, prosthetist, or pedorthist.

(a) To qualify for a license to practice orthotics or prosthetics, a person shall:

  • (1) possess a baccalaureate degree or higher from a college or university;
  • (2) have completed the amount of formal training, including, but not limited to, any hours of classroom education and clinical practice established and approved by the Department;
  • (3) complete a clinical residency in the professional area for which a license is sought in accordance with standards, guidelines, or procedures for residencies inside or outside this State established and approved by the Department. The majority of training must be devoted to services performed under the supervision of a licensed practitioner of orthotics or prosthetics or a person certified as a Certified Orthotist (CO), Certified Prosthetist (CP), or Certified Prosthetist Orthotist (CPO) whose practice is located outside of the State;
  • (4) pass all written, practical, and oral examinations that are required and approved by the Department; and
  • (5) be qualified to practice in accordance with internationally accepted standards of orthotic and prosthetic care.

(b) To qualify for a license to practice pedorthics, a person shall:

  • (1) submit proof of a high school diploma or its equivalent;
  • (2) have completed the amount of formal training, including, but not limited to, any hours of classroom education and clinical practice established and approved by the Department;
  • (3) complete a qualified work experience program or internship in pedorthics that has a minimum of 1,000 hours of pedorthic patient care experience in accordance with any standards, guidelines, or procedures established and approved by the Department. The majority of training must be devoted to services performed under the supervision of a licensed practitioner of pedorthics or a person certified as a Certified Pedorthist (C.Ped) whose practice is located outside of the State;
  • (4) pass all examinations that are required and approved by the Department; and
  • (5) be qualified to practice in accordance with nationally accepted standards of pedorthic care.

(c) The standards and requirements for licensure established by the Department shall be substantially equal to or in excess of standards commonly accepted in the profession of orthotics, prosthetics, or pedorthics. The Department shall adopt rules as necessary to set the standards and requirements.

(d) A person may be licensed in more than one discipline.

(Source: P.A. 101-269, eff. 8-9-19.)

 

(225 ILCS 84/45)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2030)

Sec. 45. Examination requirement.

(a) The Department may authorize examinations of applicants as orthotists, prosthetists, or pedorthists at times and places as it may determine. The examination of applicants shall be of a character to fairly test the qualifications of the applicant to practice orthotics, prosthetics, or pedorthics.

(b) Applicants for examination as orthotists, prosthetists, and pedorthists shall be required to pay, either to the Department or the designated testing service, a fee covering the cost of providing the examination. Failure to appear for the examination on the scheduled date at the time and place specified after the applicant's application for examination has been received and acknowledged by the Department or the designated testing service shall result in the forfeiture of the examination fee.

(c) If an applicant neglects, fails, or refuses to take an examination or fails to pass an examination for a license under this Act within 3 years after filing his or her application, the application shall be denied. All fees are nonrefundable. The applicant may make a new application for examination accompanied by the required fee and must furnish proof of meeting qualifications for licensure in effect at the time of new application.

(d) The Department shall set by rule the maximum number of attempts that an applicant may make to pass the examination within a specified period of time. The Department shall also determine any further training required before a reexamination.

(e) The Department may employ consultants for the purpose of preparing and conducting examinations. An applicant for an examination as an orthotist, a prosthetist, or pedorthist shall be required to pay, either to the Department or to the designated testing service, a fee covering the cost of providing the examination.

(Source: P.A. 91-590, eff. 1-1-00.)

 

(225 ILCS 84/50)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2030)

Sec. 50. Assistants; technicians.

(a) No person shall work as an assistant to an orthotist, prosthetist, or prosthetist/orthotist and provide patient care services or fabrication of orthoses or prostheses, unless he or she is doing the work under the supervision of a licensed orthotist or prosthetist.

(b) No person shall work as a technician, as defined in this Act, unless the work is performed under the supervision of a person licensed under this Act.

(Source: P.A. 91-590, eff. 1-1-00.)

 

(225 ILCS 84/55)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2030)

Sec. 55. License required. No person shall practice orthotics, prosthetics, or pedorthics in this State or hold himself or herself out as being able to practice either profession, unless he or she is licensed in accordance with this Act.

(Source: P.A. 96-682, eff. 8-25-09.)

 

(225 ILCS 84/56)

Sec. 56. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 91-590, eff. 1-1-00. Repealed by P.A. 96-682, eff. 8-25-09.)

 

(225 ILCS 84/57)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2030)

Sec. 57. Limitation on provision of care and services. A licensed orthotist, prosthetist, or pedorthist may provide care or services only if the care or services are provided pursuant to an order from (i) a licensed physician, (ii) a licensed podiatric physician, (iii) a licensed advanced practice registered nurse, or (iv) a licensed physician assistant. A licensed podiatric physician or advanced practice registered nurse collaborating with a podiatric physician may only order care or services concerning the foot from a licensed prosthetist.

(Source: P.A. 99-173, eff. 7-29-15; 100-513, eff. 1-1-18.)

 

(225 ILCS 84/60)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2030)

Sec. 60. Renewal; restoration; military service; inactive status.

(a) The expiration date and renewal period for each license issued under this Act shall be set by rule of the Department. The Board shall establish continuing education requirements for the renewal of a license. These requirements shall be based on established standards of competence.

(b) A person who has permitted his or her license to expire or who has had his or her license on inactive status may have his or her license restored by (i) making application to the Department, (ii) filing proof acceptable to the Department of his or her fitness to have his or her license restored including, but not limited to, sworn evidence certifying to active practice in another jurisdiction satisfactory to the Department, and (iii) paying the required restoration fee. If the person has not maintained an active practice in another jurisdiction satisfactory to the Department, the Board shall determine, by an evaluation program established by rule, his or her fitness to resume active status and may require the person to complete a period of evaluated clinical experience and may require successful completion of an examination.

(c) A person whose license expired while he or she was (i) in federal service on active duty within the armed forces of the United States or with the State militia called into service or training or (ii) in training or education under the supervision of the United States preliminary to induction into military service may have his or her license renewed or restored without paying a lapsed renewal fee if, within 2 years after termination from the service, training, or education except under conditions other than honorable, he or she furnished the Department with satisfactory evidence that he or she has been so engaged and that his or her service, training, or education has been terminated.

(d) A person who notifies the Department in writing on forms prescribed by the Department may elect to place his or her license on an inactive status and shall, subject to rules of the Department, be excused from payment of renewal fees until he or she notifies the Department in writing of his or her desire to resume active status.

(e) A person requesting restoration from inactive status shall be required to pay the current renewal fee and shall be required to restore his or her license as provided in Section 60 of this Act.

(f) An orthotist, prosthetist, or pedorthist whose license is on inactive status shall not practice orthotics, prosthetics, or pedorthics in this State.

(Source: P.A. 96-682, eff. 8-25-09.)

 

(225 ILCS 84/65)

Sec. 65. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 91-590, eff. 1-1-00. Repealed by P.A. 96-682, eff. 8-25-09.)

 

(225 ILCS 84/70)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2030)

Sec. 70. Endorsement. The Department may, at its discretion, license as either an orthotist, prosthetist, or pedorthist, without examination and on payment of the required fee, an applicant who is an orthotist, prosthetist, or pedorthist who is (i) licensed under the laws of another state, territory, or country, if the requirements for licensure in that state, territory, or country in which the applicant was licensed were, at the date of his or her licensure, substantially equal to the requirements in force in this State on that date or (ii) certified by a national certification organization with educational and testing standards as set forth by rule.

(Source: P.A. 96-682, eff. 8-25-09.)

 

(225 ILCS 84/75)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2030)

Sec. 75. Fees.

(a) The Department shall provide by rule for a schedule of fees to be paid for licenses by all applicants. All fees are not refundable.

(b) The fees for the administration and enforcement of this Act including, but not limited to, original licensure, renewal, and restoration shall be set by rule by the Department.

(c) All fees and fines collected under this Act shall be deposited into the General Professions Dedicated Fund.

(Source: P.A. 91-590, eff. 1-1-00.)

 

(225 ILCS 84/77)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2030)

Sec. 77. Returned checks; fines. Any person who delivers a check or other payment to the Department that is returned to the Department unpaid by the financial institution upon which it is drawn shall pay to the Department, in addition to the amount already owed to the Department, a fine of $50. The fines imposed by this Section are in addition to any other discipline provided under this Act for unlicensed practice or practice on a non-renewed license. The Department shall notify the person that payment of fees and fines shall be made to the Department by certified check or money order within 30 calendar days of the notification. If, after the expiration of 30 days from the date of the notification, the person has failed to submit the necessary remittance, the Department shall automatically terminate the license or deny the application, without hearing. If, after termination or denial, the person seeks a license, he or she shall apply to the Department for restoration or issuance of the license and pay all fees and fines due to the Department. The Department may establish a fee for the processing of an application for restoration of a license, designed to cover all expenses of processing the application. The Secretary may waive the fines due under this Section in individual cases where the Secretary finds that the fines would be unreasonable or unnecessarily burdensome.

(Source: P.A. 96-682, eff. 8-25-09.)

 

(225 ILCS 84/80)

Sec. 80. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 96-682, eff. 8-25-09. Repealed by P.A. 101-269, eff. 8-9-19.)

 

(225 ILCS 84/85)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2030)

Sec. 85. Practice by corporations. Nothing in this Act shall restrict licensees from forming professional service corporations under and in accordance with the provisions of the Professional Service Corporation Act.

(Source: P.A. 96-682, eff. 8-25-09.)

 

(225 ILCS 84/90)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2030)

Sec. 90. Grounds for discipline.

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

  • (1) Making a material misstatement in furnishing information to the Department or the Board.
  • (2) Violations of 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 the United States or any state or that is (i) a felony, or (ii) a misdemeanor, an essential element of which is dishonesty, or any crime that is directly related to the practice of the profession.
  • (4) Making a misrepresentation for the purpose of obtaining a license under this Act or in connection with applying for renewal or restoration of a license under this Act.
  • (5) A pattern of practice or other behavior that demonstrates incapacity or incompetence to practice under this Act.
  • (6) Gross negligence under this Act.
  • (7) Aiding or assisting another person in violating a 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 or conduct of a character likely to deceive, defraud, or harm the public.
  • (10) Inability to practice with reasonable judgment, skill, or safety as a result of habitual or excessive use or addiction to alcohol, narcotics, stimulants, or any other chemical agent or drug.
  • (11) Discipline by another state or territory of the United States, the federal government, or foreign nation, if at least one of the grounds for the discipline is the same or substantially equivalent to one set forth in this Section.
  • (12) Directly or indirectly giving to or receiving from a person, firm, corporation, partnership, or association a fee, commission, rebate, or other form of compensation for professional services not actually or personally rendered. Nothing in this paragraph (12) affects any bona fide independent contractor or employment arrangements among health care professionals, health facilities, health care providers, or other entities, except as otherwise prohibited by law. Any employment arrangements may include provisions for compensation, health insurance, pension, or other employment benefits for the provision of services within the scope of the licensee's practice under this Act. Nothing in this paragraph (12) shall be construed to require an employment arrangement to receive professional fees for services rendered.
  • (13) A finding by the Board that the licensee or registrant, after having his or her license placed on probationary status, has violated the terms of probation or failed to comply with such terms.
  • (14) Abandonment of a patient or client.
  • (15) Willfully making or filing false records or reports related to the 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 abuse, neglect, financial exploitation, or self-neglect of an eligible child or adult as required by the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act and the Adult Protective Services Act.
  • (17) Inability to practice the profession with reasonable judgment, skill, or safety as a result of a physical illness, including, but not limited to, deterioration through the aging process or loss of motor skill, or a mental illness or disability.
  • (18) Solicitation of professional services using false or misleading advertising.

(b) In enforcing this Section, the Department or Board upon a showing of a possible violation, may compel a licensee or applicant to submit to a mental or physical examination, or both, as required by and at the expense of the Department. The Department or Board may order the examining physician to present testimony concerning the mental or physical examination of the licensee or applicant. No information shall be excluded by reason of any common law or statutory privilege relating to communications between the licensee or applicant and the examining physician. The examining physicians shall be specifically designated by the Board or Department. The individual to be examined may have, at his or her own expense, another physician of his or her choice present during all aspects of this examination. Failure of an individual to submit to a mental or physical examination, when directed, shall be grounds for the immediate suspension of his or her license until the individual submits to the examination if the Department finds that the refusal to submit to the examination was without reasonable cause as defined by rule.

If the Secretary immediately suspends a person's license for his or her failure to submit to a mental or physical examination, when directed, a hearing on that person's license must be convened by the Department within 15 days after the suspension and completed without appreciable delay.

If the Secretary otherwise suspends a person's license pursuant to the results of a compelled mental or physical examination, a hearing on that person's license must be convened by the Department within 15 days after the suspension and completed without appreciable delay. The Department and Board shall have the authority to review the subject individual's record of treatment and counseling regarding the impairment to the extent permitted by applicable federal statutes and regulations safeguarding the confidentiality of medical records.

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

(c) (Blank).

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

(e) The Department shall refuse to issue or renew a license, or may revoke or suspend a license, for failure to file a return, 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 Department of Revenue, until the requirements of the tax Act are satisfied in accordance with subsection (g) of Section 2105-15 of the Department of Professional Regulation Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois.

(Source: P.A. 100-872, eff. 8-14-18; 101-269, eff. 8-9-19.)

 

(225 ILCS 84/93)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2030)

Sec. 93. 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. 96-1551, eff. 7-1-11; 97-1150, eff. 1-25-13.)

 

(225 ILCS 84/95)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2030)

Sec. 95. Injunction; cease and desist order.

(a) If any person, company, or corporation violates a provision of this Act, the Secretary may, in the name of the People of the State of Illinois and through the Attorney General of the State of Illinois 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 in court, the court may issue a temporary restraining order, without notice or bond, and may preliminarily and permanently enjoin the violation. If it is established that the person, company, or corporation has violated or is violating the injunction, the court may punish the offender for contempt of court. Proceedings under this Section shall be in addition to, and not in lieu of, all other remedies and penalties provided by this Act.

(b) (Blank).

(c) (Blank).

(d) If, in the opinion of the Department, a person, company, or corporation 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 him, her, or it. The rule shall clearly set forth the grounds relied upon by the Department and shall provide a period of 7 days from the date of the rule to file an answer to the satisfaction of the Department. Failure to answer to the satisfaction of the Department shall cause an order to cease and desist to be issued immediately.

(Source: P.A. 101-269, eff. 8-9-19.)

 

(225 ILCS 84/100)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2030)

Sec. 100. Investigations; notice and hearing.

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

(b) The Department may also investigate the actions of a company or corporation that holds itself out to provide orthotic, prosthetic, or pedorthic services with or without having an orthotist, prosthetist, or pedorthist licensed under this Act on its staff to provide those services.

(c) The Department shall, before disciplining an applicant or licensee, at least 30 days before 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 him or her to file a written answer to the charges under oath within 20 days after 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.

(d) At the time and place fixed in the notice, the Board or hearing officer appointed by the Secretary shall proceed to hear the charges and the applicant or licensee or his or her counsel shall be accorded ample opportunity to present any statement, testimony, evidence, and argument as may be pertinent to the charges or to his or her defense. The Board or hearing officer may continue the hearing from time to time.

(e) In case the person, after receiving the notice, fails to file an answer, his or her 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. 101-269, eff. 8-9-19.)

 

(225 ILCS 84/103)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2030)

Sec. 103. Subpoenas; depositions; oaths.

(a) The Department has the power to subpoena documents, books, records, or other materials and to bring before it any person and to take testimony either orally or by deposition, or any combination thereof, with the same fees and mileage and in the same manner as prescribed in civil cases in the courts of this State.

(b) The Secretary, the designated hearing officer, and every member of the Board has the power to administer oaths to witnesses at any hearing that the Department is authorized to conduct, and any other oaths authorized in any Act administered by the Department.

(Source: P.A. 96-682, eff. 8-25-09.)

 

(225 ILCS 84/105)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2030)

Sec. 105. Record of proceedings; transcript. The Department, at its own expense, shall preserve a record of all proceedings at the 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 transcripts of testimony, the report of the Board, and orders of the Department shall be in the record of the proceeding.

(Source: P.A. 101-269, eff. 8-9-19.)

 

(225 ILCS 84/107)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2030)

Sec. 107. Unlicensed practice; civil penalty.

(a) Any person who practices, offers to practice, attempts to practice, or holds oneself out to practice orthotics, prosthetics, or pedorthics or performs the functions and duties of orthotist, prosthetist, or pedorthist without being licensed 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) Any company or corporation that offers to practice, attempts to practice, or holds itself out to provide orthotic, prosthetic, or pedorthic services without having an orthotist, prosthetist, or pedorthist licensed under the provisions of this Act on its staff to provide those services 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.

(c) The Department has the authority and power to investigate any and all unlicensed activity.

(d) 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 judgment and may be filed and execution had thereon in the same manner as any judgment from any court of record.

(Source: P.A. 96-682, eff. 8-25-09.)

 

(225 ILCS 84/110)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2030)

Sec. 110. Compelling testimony. A circuit court may, upon application of the Secretary or his or her designee or the applicant or licensee against whom proceedings under Section 100 of this Act are pending, enter an order requiring the attendance of witnesses and their testimony and requiring the production of documents, papers, files, books, and records in connection with a hearing or investigation. The court may compel obedience to its order through contempt proceedings.

(Source: P.A. 96-682, eff. 8-25-09.)

 

(225 ILCS 84/115)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2030)

Sec. 115. Board findings and recommendations. At the conclusion of a hearing, the Board shall present to the Secretary a written report of its findings and recommendations. The report shall contain a finding of whether or not the accused person 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 and recommendations of the Board shall be the basis for the Department's order for the refusal or for the granting of a license, unless the Secretary determines that the Board report is contrary to the manifest weight of the evidence, in which case the Secretary may issue an order in contravention to the Board report. A Board finding is not admissible in evidence against the person in a criminal prosecution brought for a violation of this Act, but the hearing and finding are not a bar to a criminal prosecution brought for a violation of this Act.

(Source: P.A. 96-682, eff. 8-25-09.)

 

(225 ILCS 84/120)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2030)

Sec. 120. Motion for rehearing. In any case involving the refusal to issue or renew a license or the discipline of a licensee, a copy of the Board's report shall be served upon the respondent by the Department, either personally or as provided in this Act for the service of the notice of hearing. Within 20 days after service, the respondent may present to the Department a motion in writing for a rehearing, which shall specify the particular grounds for rehearing. If no motion for rehearing is filed, then upon the expiration of the time specified for filing the motion, or if a motion for rehearing is denied, upon the denial, the Secretary may enter an order in accordance with recommendations of the Board, except as provided in Section 115 of this Act. If the respondent 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 the motion may be filed shall commence upon the delivery of the transcript to the respondent.

(Source: P.A. 96-682, eff. 8-25-09.)

 

(225 ILCS 84/125)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2030)

Sec. 125. Rehearing on order of Secretary. Whenever the Secretary is not satisfied that substantial justice has been done in the revocation, suspension, or refusal to issue or renew a license the Secretary may order a rehearing by the same or other examiners.

(Source: P.A. 96-682, eff. 8-25-09.)

 

(225 ILCS 84/130)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2030)

Sec. 130. Appointment of hearing officer. The hearing officer shall have full authority to conduct the hearing. The hearing officer shall report his or her findings and recommendations to the Board and the Secretary. The Board shall review the report of the hearing officer and present its findings of fact, conclusions of law, and recommendations to the Secretary. If the Secretary determines that the Board's report is contrary to the manifest weight of the evidence, he or she may issue an order in contravention of the Board's report. Nothing in this Section shall prohibit a Board member from attending an informal conference and such participation shall not be grounds for recusal from any other proceeding.

(Source: P.A. 101-269, eff. 8-9-19.)

 

(225 ILCS 84/135)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2030)

Sec. 135. Order or certified copy. An order or a certified copy of an order, 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. 96-682, eff. 8-25-09.)

 

(225 ILCS 84/140)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2030)

Sec. 140. Restoration of suspended or revoked license. At any time after the suspension or revocation of any license, the Department may restore the license to the accused person upon the written recommendation of the Board unless, after an investigation and a hearing, the Board determines that restoration is not in the public interest.

(Source: P.A. 91-590, eff. 1-1-00.)

 

(225 ILCS 84/145)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2030)

Sec. 145. Surrender of license. Upon the revocation or suspension of a license, the licensee shall immediately surrender the license to the Department, and if the licensee fails to do so, the Department shall have the right to seize the license.

(Source: P.A. 91-590, eff. 1-1-00.)

 

(225 ILCS 84/150)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2030)

Sec. 150. Temporary suspension of a license. The Secretary may temporarily suspend the license of an orthotist, prosthetist, or pedorthist without a hearing simultaneously with the institution of proceedings for a hearing under Section 95 if the Secretary finds that evidence in his or her possession indicates that a licensee's continuation in practice would constitute an imminent danger to the public. If the Secretary temporarily suspends a license without a hearing, a hearing by the Board must be held within 30 days after the suspension and completed without appreciable delay.

(Source: P.A. 101-269, eff. 8-9-19.)

 

(225 ILCS 84/155)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2030)

Sec. 155. Administrative Review Law; venue. All final administrative decisions of the Department are subject to judicial review pursuant to the provisions of the Administrative Review Law and all rules adopted pursuant thereto. The term "administrative decision" has the same meaning as in Section 3-101 of the Administrative Review Law. 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 this State, the venue shall be in Sangamon County.

(Source: P.A. 101-269, eff. 8-9-19.)

 

(225 ILCS 84/160)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2030)

Sec. 160. Certifications of record; costs. The Department shall not be required to certify any record to the court or file any 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 cost shall be determined by the Department. Failure on the part of a 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 a disciplinary action, the sanctions imposed upon the plaintiff by the Department shall remain in full force and effect.

(Source: P.A. 101-269, eff. 8-9-19.)

 

(225 ILCS 84/165)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2030)

Sec. 165. Penalties. A person who is found to have violated a provision of this Act is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor for a first offense and is guilty of a Class 4 felony for a second or subsequent offense.

(Source: P.A. 91-590, eff. 1-1-00.)

 

(225 ILCS 84/170)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2030)

Sec. 170. 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 that Act were included in this Act, except that the provision of subsection (d) of Section 10-65 of the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act, which provides that at hearings the licensee has the right to show compliance with all lawful requirements for retention, continuation, or renewal of the license, is specifically excluded and for purposes of this Act. The notice required under Section 10-25 of the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act is deemed sufficient when mailed or emailed to the last known address or email address of record.

(Source: P.A. 101-269, eff. 8-9-19.)

 

(225 ILCS 84/175)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2030)

Sec. 175. Home rule preemption. It is declared to be the public policy of this State, pursuant to paragraph (h) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970, that a power or function set forth in this Act to be exercised by the State is an exclusive State power or function. No power or function granted under this Act shall be exercised concurrently, either directly or indirectly, by a unit of local government, including home rule units, except as otherwise provided in this Act.

(Source: P.A. 91-590, eff. 1-1-00.)

 

(225 ILCS 84/180)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2030)

Sec. 180. Confidentiality. All information collected by the Department in the course of an examination or investigation of a licensee or applicant, including, but not limited to, any complaint against a licensee filed with the Department and information collected to investigate any such complaint, shall be maintained for the confidential use of the Department and shall not be disclosed. The Department shall not disclose the information to anyone other than law enforcement officials, other regulatory agencies that have an appropriate regulatory interest as determined by the Secretary, or a party presenting a lawful subpoena to the Department. Information and documents disclosed to a federal, State, county, or local law enforcement agency shall not be disclosed by the agency for any purpose to any other agency or person. A formal complaint filed against a licensee 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. 101-269, eff. 8-9-19.)

 

(225 ILCS 84/250)

Sec. 250. (Amendatory provisions; text omitted).

(Source: P.A. 91-590, eff. 1-1-00; text omitted.)

 

(225 ILCS 84/999)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2030)

Sec. 999. Effective date. This Act takes effect January 1, 2000.

(Source: P.A. 91-590, eff. 1-1-00.)


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