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HB 4749

RN LICENSE TEMP SUSPENSION

104th Regular Session Introduced by Sharon Chung and 2 co-sponsors

Allows the state to temporarily suspend a license without a hearing if credentialing at the time of licensure was improper, pending review and later action.

Sent to the Governor
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Bill Summary · HB 4749

Overview

HB4749, introduced in the 104th Illinois General Assembly by Rep. Sharon Chung, would amend the Nurse Practice Act to authorize temporary, non-hearing suspensions of licenses or authorizations to practice when a licensed individual is found not to have been properly credentialed according to the standards in effect at the time of their application. The measure establishes a process for notice, potential Board review, and a pathway to either lift the suspension or withdraw the license after a Board-directed review. It also clarifies that withdrawal of a license during this process does not automatically constitute discipline and may not bar future licensure if qualifications are subsequently met. Disciplinary proceedings may still be pursued in accordance with existing Act procedures.

Purpose and Intent

  • Protect the public by enabling rapid temporary suspension when credentialing at the time of licensure is found not to meet required standards.
  • Create a structured process for verifying an individual’s overall qualifications before returning them to practice.
  • Align temporary suspension procedures with existing disciplinary frameworks, ensuring due process while prioritizing patient safety.

Key Provisions

  • Section 50-28 new in 225 ILCS 65 (Qualifications for licensure; temporary suspension).
  • Authority for temporary suspension:
    • The Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) may temporarily suspend a license or authorization without a prior hearing if the licensee was not properly credentialed according to applicable standards at the time of application.
    • Suspension remains in effect until satisfactory evidence of overall qualifications is received.
  • Notice and review:
    • The Department must notify the licensee at their address of record or email address of record about the temporary suspension.
    • The licensee may request Board review of the license’s validity within 30 days of service, providing written evidence supporting qualifications.
    • The licensee may request an extension of time to provide evidence, during which the suspension remains in effect.
    • The Board, at its next regular meeting, reviews the request and evidence and makes a final recommendation on the licensee’s qualifications to the Director of the Division of Professional Regulation.
  • Director’s action:
    • Based on the Board’s recommendation, the Director may either:
    • Withdraw the license due to lack of qualifications, or
    • Lift the suspension by imposing terms and conditions of practice.
  • Effect of withdrawal:
    • Withdrawal alone does not constitute discipline or bar future licensure if the licensee later re-applies and meets qualifications under the Act.
  • Disciplinary proceedings:
    • May be initiated based on the Board’s recommendation or Department findings and are conducted in the same manner as other disciplinary proceedings under the Nurse Practice Act.
  • Rulemaking:
    • The Department is authorized to adopt rules to implement, administer, and enforce this section.

Who Is Affected

  • Licensed nurses and other individuals authorized to practice under the Nurse Practice Act in Illinois.
  • The Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) and the Nurse Practice Act’s Board within the Division of Professional Regulation.
  • The public receiving health care services, who would benefit from expedited review and potential suspension when credentialing concerns arise.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Temporary suspension can be enacted without a prior hearing.
  • Notice to licensee must be provided at the licensee’s address or email on record.
  • Licensee review window: 30 days to request Board review and submit evidence.
  • Extensions: Licensee may seek an extension to provide evidence; suspension remains during extension.
  • Board review: Conducted at the next regularly scheduled Board meeting; Board provides final recommendation to the Director.
  • Director’s disposition: Either withdraws the license or lifts suspension with terms and conditions.
  • If withdrawn, licensee may reapply in the future if qualifications are met; withdrawal does not automatically constitute discipline.
  • Disciplinary proceedings remain available under existing processes if warranted.
  • Department has rulemaking authority to implement the new provisions.

Potential Impact

  • Strengthened public protection by enabling prompt temporary suspensions pending verification of credentialing standards.
  • Clearer pathway for contested licensure situations, balancing swift action with due process through Board review.
  • Possible increase in administrative proceedings related to credentialing disputes, especially if suspensions lead to formal withdrawal decisions or subsequent disciplinary actions.
  • Provides procedural safeguards (notice, opportunity to present evidence, Board involvement) to ensure fairness in temporary suspension decisions.

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

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