Bill > SB0067

This bill amends the Nurse Agency Licensing Act to strengthen regulations for nurse agencies in Illinois. The legislation modifies key provisions related to licensing, application requirements, and enforcement. Specifically, the bill requires that nurse agencies must be licensed by the Department of Labor to legally establish, operate, maintain, or advertise in the state, replacing previous language that referred more generally to "persons." The bill introduces a new provision allowing the Department to impose a fine of up to $500 for submitting false or misleading information on license applications, and expands the Department's investigative powers to include mandatory investigations upon receiving complaints from interested parties. The bill also increases the potential civil penalty for violations from a flat $10,000 to up to $10,000 per occurrence, giving regulators more flexibility in penalizing agencies that do not comply with the law. Additionally, the legislation maintains existing requirements for agencies to provide detailed information during the licensing process, such as financial solvency, management details, and proof of insurance. The bill aims to enhance oversight and protection for healthcare workers and patients by creating more stringent regulatory mechanisms for nurse agencies operating in Illinois, and it takes effect immediately upon becoming law.

Business and Industry, Labor and Employment

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=67&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=114&GA=104