Bill > HB1365

This bill makes several significant changes to professional licensing regulations for therapists and counselors in Illinois. It allows applicants for licensure in clinical psychology, social work, marriage and family therapy, music therapy, occupational therapy, and professional counseling to temporarily practice under supervision while their license application is pending, provided they authorize the Department to release application information and the Department acknowledges receipt of their application. The bill removes "good moral character" requirements for social workers and music therapists, replacing them with language about not having engaged in conduct that would constitute grounds for discipline. It also creates procedures for placing licenses on inactive status for social workers and professional counselors, which means they can temporarily pause their license without paying renewal fees but cannot practice during this time. Additionally, the bill requires that all licensing examinations provide reasonable accommodations for applicants whose primary language is not English and comply with communication and access requirements of federal disability rights laws. These changes aim to streamline the licensing process, provide more flexibility for professionals, and ensure fair and accessible licensing procedures across various therapeutic professions.

Health and Social Services, Labor and Employment

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=1365&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=114&GA=104