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SB 3255

DHS-DSP PILOT PROGRAM

104th Regular Session Introduced by Li Arellano and 5 co-sponsors

Creates a 3-year state pilot to credential direct support professionals, aiming to improve recruitment, retention, quality, and safety in developmental disability services.

Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Li Arellano, Jr.
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Bill Summary · SB 3255

Summary of Bill: SB 3255 (104th Illinois General Assembly)

Jurisdiction: Illinois | Session: 104th | Topic: DHS-DSP Pilot Program

Purpose and Intent

  • Establish a pilot program to create and administer a direct support professional (DSP) credential within the Illinois Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) of the Department of Human Services (DHS).
  • Aims to improve recruitment and retention in the developmental disabilities workforce, professionalize the DSP role, enhance competencies and quality of supports, and strengthen health and safety for persons with developmental disabilities.

Key Provisions

Definitions

  • "Direct support professional person credential" is a credential issued by a recognized accrediting body that attests the individual has met professional requirements established by DDD.

Program Establishment and Administration

  • Creates a direct support professional credential pilot program within the Division (DDD) to assist individuals in obtaining a DSP credential.
  • The pilot is designed to be administered by the Division or a Division partner and to run for 3 years.
  • Eligible participants include providers licensed and/or certified by the Division or by the Department of Public Health.

Goals and Evaluation

The pilot program is intended to:
1. Promote recruitment and retention of direct support professionals, with a focus on DSP positions.
2. Enhance competence within the developmental disabilities field.
3. Improve quality of supports and services for people with developmental disabilities.
4. Advance health and safety requirements set by the State.

Considerations and Best Practices

In administering the pilot, the Division or its partner should consider, but not be limited to:
- Best practices learning initiatives (including the University of Minnesota’s college of direct support and other Illinois DHS-approved DSP competencies).
- National DSP competencies or credentialing standards and trainings.
- Facilitating portfolio development for DSPs.
- The role and value of skill mentors.
- Creation of a career ladder for DSPs.

Reporting and Metrics

  • The Division must produce a report detailing pilot progress, including:
    • Recruitment and retention rate comparisons between participating providers and non-participating providers.
    • Number of DSPs credentialed.
    • Evidence of enhanced quality of supports and services to persons with developmental disabilities.

Effective Date

  • The act takes effect upon becoming law.

Timeline and Status (as of Bill’s Action History)

  • 2026-02-03: Filed; Referred to Assignments; First Reading
  • 2026-02-17 to 2026-02-24: Status updates; Assigned to Education; Postponed and moved through committee
  • 2026-03-04: Do Pass in Education; moved to third reading consideration
  • 2026-04-14 to 2026-04-16: Passed through 3rd Reading in the Senate
  • Sponsors: Sen. Laura M. Murphy (primary), Co-sponsors Sen. Adriane Johnson

Potential Impact

  • Workforce Development: Creates a state-administered pathway to DSP credentialing, potentially improving career progression and job satisfaction among direct support professionals.
  • Quality of Care: By standardizing credentialing and emphasizing best practices, portfolios, mentorship, and a career ladder, the program could improve the quality and consistency of supports for individuals with developmental disabilities.
  • Recruitment and Retention: The credential and its associated career ladder aim to attract new workers and retain experienced DSPs in the field.
  • Accountability and Measurement: The required progress report provides baseline data to assess effectiveness and inform future policy decisions.
  • Providers: Licensed and certified developmental disabilities providers (DDD and/or Department of Public Health) would participate in the pilot.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary for a specific audience (e.g., policymakers, advocates, providers) or add a quick comparison to similar DSP credential initiatives elsewhere.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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