225 ILCS 75

225 ILCS 75
in effect

225 ILCS 75/1 This Act shall be known and may be cited as the "Illinois Occupational Therapy Practice Act"

(225 ILCS 75/1) (from Ch. 111, par. 3701) (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2029) Sec. 1. This Act shall be known and may be cited as the "Illinois Occupational Therapy Practice Act". (Source: P.A. 83-696.)

225 ILCS 75/2 Definitions

(225 ILCS 75/2) (from Ch. 111, par. 3702) (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2029) Sec. 2. Definitions. In this Act: (1) "Department" means the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. (2) "Secretary" means the Secretary of the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. (3) "Board" means the Illinois Occupational Therapy Licensure Board appointed by the Secretary. (4) "Occupational therapist" means a person initially registered and licensed to practice occupational therapy as defined in this Act, and whose license is in good standing. (5) "Occupational therapy assistant" means a person initially registered and licensed who assists in the practice of occupational therapy under this Act. The occupational therapy assistant shall work under appropriate supervision of and in partnership with a licensed occupational therapist. (6) "Occupational therapy" means the therapeutic use of everyday life occupations and activities with recipients, groups, or populations to support occupational performance and participation. "Occupational therapy practice" includes clinical reasoning and professional judgment to evaluate, analyze, and address occupational challenges, including issues with client factors, performance patterns, and performance skills and provide occupation-based interventions to address the challenges. Through the provision of skilled services and engagement in everyday activities, occupational therapy promotes physical and mental health and well-being by supporting occupational performance in people with, or are at risk of experiencing, a range of developmental, physical, and mental health disorders. Occupational therapy may be provided via technology or telecommunication methods, also known as telehealth, however the standard of care shall be the same whether a patient or recipient is seen in person, through telehealth, or other method of electronically enabled health care. Occupational therapy practice may include any of the following components: (A) evaluation of factors affecting activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, health management, rest and sleep, education, work, play, leisure, and social participation; (B) methods or approaches to identify and select interventions; and (C) interventions and procedures including: (i) remediation or restoration of performance abilities that are limited due to impairment in biological, physiological, psychological, or neurological processes; (ii) modification or adaptation of task, process, or the environment or the teaching of compensatory techniques in order to enhance performance; (iii) disability prevention methods and techniques that facilitate the development or safe application of performance skills; and (iv) health and wellness promotion strategies, including self-management strategies, and practices that enhance performance abilities. The licensed occupational therapist or licensed occupational therapy assistant may assume a variety of roles in the licensee's career including, but not limited to, practitioner, supervisor of professional students and volunteers, researcher, scholar, consultant, administrator, faculty, clinical instructor, fieldwork educator, and educator of consumers, peers, family members, and care-partners. (7) "Occupational therapy services" means services that may be provided to individuals, groups, and populations, when provided to treat an occupational therapy need, including the following: (a) evaluating, developing, improving, sustaining, or restoring skills in self-care, self-management, health management, including medication-management, health routines, rest and sleep, home management, community and work integration, school activities, work performance, and play and leisure activities; (b) identification, development, and remediation or compensation for deficits in physical, neuromusculoskeletal, sensory-perceptual, emotional regulation, visual, mental, and cognitive functions; pain tolerance and management; praxis; developmental skills; and behavioral skills or psychosocial components of performance with considerations for cultural context and activity demands that affect performance; (c) assessing, designing, fabricating, applying, or training in the use of assistive technology, adaptive devices, seating and positioning, orthoses and training in the use of prostheses; (d) modification of contexts in settings, such as home, school, work, and community, and adaptation of processes, including the application of ergonomic principles, to enhance performance and safety in daily life roles; (e) for the occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant possessing advanced training, skill, and competency as demonstrated through criteria that shall be determined by the Department, applying physical agent modalities, including dry needling, as an adjunct to or in preparation for engagement in occupations; (f) evaluating and providing intervention in collaboration with the recipient, family, caregiver, or others; (g) educating the recipient, family, caregiver, groups, populations, or others in carrying out appropriate nonskilled interventions; (h) consulting with groups, programs, organizations, or communities to provide population-based services; (i) assessing, recommending, and training in techniques to enhance functional mobility, including wheelchair fitting and management and other mobility devices; (j) driver rehabilitation and community mobility; (k) management of feeding, eating, and swallowing to enable or enhance performance of these tasks; (l) low vision rehabilitation; (m) lymphedema and wound care management; (n) pain management; (o) care coordination, case management, and transition services; (p) exercises, including tasks and methods to increase motion, strength, and endurance for occupational participation; (q) virtual interventions, including simulated, real-time, and near-time technologies, consisting of telehealth and mobile technology; (r) evaluating and treating problems of rest and sleep; (s) group interventions, including the use of dynamics of group and social interaction to facilitate learning and skill acquisition across the life course; and (t) habilitation, rehabilitation, and the promotion of physical and mental health and wellness for clients with all levels of ability-related needs and for clients who have or are at risk for developing an illness, injury, disease, disorder, condition, impairment, disability, and activity limitation or participation restriction. (8) (Blank). (9) "Address of record" means the designated address recorded by the Department in the applicant's or licensee's application file or license file as maintained by the Department's licensure maintenance unit. (10) "Recipient" means a person, group, or population who receives occupational therapy services. (11) "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. (12) "Care-partner" or "caregiver" means someone, in a paid or unpaid capacity, who, by mutual agreement with the individual living with a temporary or chronic condition or disability, assists that individual with the individual's physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual care in either habilitative or rehabilitative capacity. (Source: P.A. 102-307, eff. 1-1-22; 103-251, eff. 1-1-24.)

225 ILCS 75/2.5

(225 ILCS 75/2.5) (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2029) Sec. 2.5. 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. 103-251, eff. 1-1-24.)

225 ILCS 75/3

(225 ILCS 75/3) (from Ch. 111, par. 3703) (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2029) Sec. 3. Licensure requirement; exempt activities. After the effective date of this Act, no person shall practice occupational therapy or hold oneself out as an occupational therapist or an occupational therapy assistant, or as being able to practice occupational therapy or to render services designated as occupational therapy in this State, unless the person is licensed in accordance with the provisions of this Act. Nothing in this Act shall be construed as preventing or restricting the practice, services, or activities of: (1) Any person licensed in this State by any other law from engaging in the profession or occupation for which he is licensed; or (2) Any person employed as an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant by the Government of the United States, if such person provides occupational therapy solely under the direction or control of the organization by which the person is employed; or (3) Any person pursuing a course of study leading to a degree or certificate in occupational therapy at an accredited or approved educational program if such activities and services constitute a part of a supervised course of study, and if such person is designated by a title which clearly indicates the person's status as a student or trainee; or (4) Any person fulfilling the supervised work experience requirements of Sections 8 and 9 of this Act, if such activities and services constitute a part of the experience necessary to meet the requirement of those Sections; or (5) Any person performing occupational therapy services in the State, if such a person is not a resident of this State and is not licensed under this Act, and if such services are performed for no more than 60 days a calendar year in association with an occupational therapist licensed under this Act and if such person meets the qualifications for license under this Act and: (i) such person is licensed under the law of another state which has licensure requirements at least as restrictive as the requirements of this Act, or (ii) such person meets the requirements for certification as an Occupational Therapist Registered (O.T.R.) or a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (C.O.T.A.) established by the National Board for Certification of Occupational Therapy or another nationally recognized credentialing body approved by the Board; or (6) The practice of occupational therapy by one who has applied in writing to the Department for a license, in form and substance satisfactory to the Department, and has complied with all the provisions of either Section 8 or 9 except the passing of the examination to be eligible to receive such license. In no event shall this exemption extend to any person for longer than 6 months, except as follows: (i) if the date on which a person can take the next available examination authorized by the Department extends beyond 6 months from the date the person completes the occupational therapy program as required under Section 8 or 9, the Department shall extend the exemption until the results of that examination become available to the Department; or (ii) if the Department is unable to complete its evaluation and processing of a person's application for a license within 6 months after the date on which the application is submitted to the Department in proper form, the Department shall extend the exemption until the Department has completed its evaluation and processing of the application. In the event such applicant fails the examination, the applicant shall cease work immediately until such time as the applicant is licensed to practice occupational therapy in this State; or (7) The practice of occupational therapy by one who has applied to the Department, in form and substance satisfactory to the Department, and who is licensed to practice occupational therapy under the laws of another state, territory of the United States or country and who is qualified to receive a license under the provisions of either Section 8 or 9 of this Act. In no event shall this exemption extend to any person for longer than 6 months; or (8) (Blank). (Source: P.A. 103-251, eff. 1-1-24.)

225 ILCS 75/3.1 Referrals

(225 ILCS 75/3.1) (Text of Section before amendment by P.A. 104-591) (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2029) Sec. 3.1. Referrals. (a) A licensed occupational therapist or licensed occupational therapy assistant may evaluate, initiate, and provide occupational therapy services and consult with, educate, evaluate, and monitor services for individuals, groups, and populations concerning occupational therapy needs without a referral. (b) (Blank). (c) Referral from a physician or other health care provider is not required for evaluation or intervention for children and youths if an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant provides services in a school-based or educational environment, including the child's home. (d) An occupational therapist shall refer a patient to the patient's treating health care professional of record, or to a health care professional of the patient's choosing if there is no health care professional of record, if: (1) the patient does not demonstrate measurable or functional improvement after 10 visits or 15 business days, whichever occurs first, and continued improvement thereafter; (2) the patient was under the care of an occupational therapist without a diagnosis established by a health care professional of a chronic disease that may benefit from occupational therapy and returns for services for the same or similar condition 30 calendar days after being discharged by the occupational therapist; or (3) the patient's medical condition, at the time of evaluation or services, is determined to be beyond the scope of practice of the occupational therapist. (Source: P.A. 103-251, eff. 1-1-24.) (Text of Section after amendment by P.A. 104-591) (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2029) Sec. 3.1. Referrals. (a) A licensed occupational therapist or licensed occupational therapy assistant may, within the licensee's scope of practice, provide occupational therapy services for individuals, groups, and populations concerning occupational therapy needs without a referral. (b) (Blank). (b-5) A referral is not required for the purpose of providing consultation, habilitation, screening, education, wellness, prevention, environmental assessments, and work-related ergonomic services. (c) Referral from a physician or other health care provider is not required for evaluation or intervention for children and youths if an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant provides the services in a school-based or educational environment, including the child's home. (d) Except for occupational therapy services within the licensee's scope of practice at the time of evaluation and services provided pursuant to subsections (b-5) or (c), an occupational therapist shall refer a patient to the patient's treating health care professional of record, or to a health care professional of the patient's choosing if there is no health care professional of record, if: (1) the patient does not demonstrate measurable or functional improvement after 10 visits and continued improvement thereafter; (2) the patient was under the care of an occupational therapist without a diagnosis established by a health care professional of a chronic disease that may benefit from occupational therapy and returns for services for the same or similar condition 30 calendar days after being discharged by the occupational therapist; or (3) the patient's medical condition, at the time of evaluation or services, is determined to be beyond the scope of practice of the occupational therapist. (Source: P.A. 103-251, eff. 1-1-24; 104-591, eff. 1-1-27.)

225 ILCS 75/3.2

(225 ILCS 75/3.2) (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2029) Sec. 3.2. Practice of optometry. (a) No rule shall be adopted under this Act that allows an occupational therapist to perform an act, task, or function primarily performed in the lawful practice of optometry under the Illinois Optometric Practice Act of 1987. (b) An occupational therapist may not perform an act, task, or function primarily performed in the lawful practice of optometry under the Illinois Optometric Practice Act of 1987. (Source: P.A. 92-297, eff. 1-1-02; 92-366, eff. 1-1-02; 92-651, eff. 7-11-02.)

225 ILCS 75/3.3 Rules

(225 ILCS 75/3.3) (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2029) Sec. 3.3. Rules. The Department shall promulgate rules to define and regulate the activities of an aide in occupational therapy. (Source: P.A. 98-264, eff. 12-31-13.)

225 ILCS 75/3.5

(225 ILCS 75/3.5) (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2029) Sec. 3.5. Unlicensed practice; violation; civil penalty. (a) In addition to any other penalty provided by law, any person who practices, offers to practice, attempts to practice, or holds oneself out to practice as an occupational therapist or assistant 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) The Department has the authority and power to investigate any and all unlicensed activity. (c) 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. 98-264, eff. 12-31-13.)

225 ILCS 75/3.7

(225 ILCS 75/3.7) (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2029) Sec. 3.7. Use of dry needling. (a) For the purpose of this Act, "dry needling", also known as intramuscular therapy, means an advanced needling skill or technique limited to the treatment of myofascial pain, using a single use, single insertion, sterile filiform needle (without the use of heat, cold, or any other added modality or medication), that is inserted into the skin or underlying tissues to stimulate trigger points. Dry needling may apply theory based only upon Western medical concepts, requires an examination and diagnosis, and treats specific anatomic entities selected according to physical signs. "Dry needling" does not include the teaching or application of acupuncture described by the stimulation of auricular points, utilization of distal points or non-local points, needle retention, application of retained electric stimulation leads, or other acupuncture theory. (b) An occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant licensed under this Act may only perform dry needling after completion of requirements, as determined by the Department by rule, that meet or exceed the following: (1) 50 hours of instructional courses that include, but are not limited to, studies in the musculoskeletal and neuromuscular system, the anatomical basis of pain mechanisms, chronic pain, and referred pain, myofascial trigger point theory, and universal precautions; (2) completion of at least 30 hours of didactic course work specific to dry needling; (3) successful completion of at least 54 practicum hours in dry needling course work; (4) completion of at least 200 supervised patient treatment sessions; and (5) successful completion of a competency examination. Dry needling shall only be performed by a licensed occupational therapist or licensed occupational therapy assistant upon referral. (Source: P.A. 102-307, eff. 1-1-22.)

225 ILCS 75/4

(225 ILCS 75/4) (from Ch. 111, par. 3704) (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2029) Sec. 4. Administration of Act; rules and forms. (a) The Department shall exercise the powers and duties prescribed by the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois for the administration of licensing Acts and shall exercise such other powers and duties necessary for effectuating the purposes of this Act. (b) The Secretary may promulgate rules consistent with the provisions of this Act for the administration and enforcement thereof, and for the payment of fees connected therewith, and may prescribe forms which shall be issued in connection therewith. The rules may include but not be limited to the standards and criteria for licensure and professional conduct and discipline; the standards and criteria used in determining when oral interviews will be conducted; the standards and criteria used when determining fitness to practice therapy; and the procedures followed in oral interviews. The Department may consult with the Board in promulgating rules. (c) The Department may at any time seek the advice and the expert knowledge of the Board on any matter relating to the administration of this Act. (Source: P.A. 98-264, eff. 12-31-13.)

225 ILCS 75/5 Board

(225 ILCS 75/5) (from Ch. 111, par. 3705) (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2029) Sec. 5. Board. The Secretary shall appoint an Illinois Occupational Therapy Licensure Board as follows: 7 persons who shall be appointed by and shall serve in an advisory capacity to the Secretary. Four members must be licensed occupational therapists in good standing, and actively engaged in the practice of occupational therapy in this State; 2 members must be licensed occupational therapy assistants in good standing and actively engaged in the practice of occupational therapy in this State; and 1 member must be a public member who is not licensed under this Act, or a similar Act of another jurisdiction, and is not a provider of health care service. Members shall serve 4-year terms and until their successors are appointed and qualified. No member shall be appointed under this or any prior Act to the Board for service which would constitute more than 2 full consecutive terms. Appointments to fill vacancies shall be made in the same manner as original appointments, for the unexpired portion of the vacated term. The Secretary shall have the authority to remove or suspend any member of the Board for cause at any time before the expiration of the member's term. The Secretary shall be the sole arbiter of cause. The Secretary shall consider the recommendations of the Board on questions involving standards of professional conduct, discipline and qualifications of candidates and license holders under this Act. Four members of the Board shall constitute a quorum. A quorum is required for all Board decisions. Members of the Board have no liability in any action based upon any disciplinary proceeding or other activity performed in good faith as a member of the Board. Members of the Board shall be reimbursed for all legitimate, necessary, and authorized expenses incurred in attending the meetings of the Board. (Source: P.A. 103-251, eff. 1-1-24.)

225 ILCS 75/6

(225 ILCS 75/6) (from Ch. 111, par. 3706) (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2029) Sec. 6. Applications for original licensure. Applications for original licensure shall be made to the Department in writing on forms prescribed by the Department and shall be accompanied by the required fee, which shall not be returnable. Any such application shall require such information as in the judgment of the Department will enable the Department to pass on the qualifications of the applicant for licensure. Applicants have 3 years from the date of application to complete the application process. If the process has not been completed within 3 years, the application shall be denied, the fee forfeited, and the applicant must reapply and meet the requirements in effect at the time of reapplication. (Source: P.A. 98-264, eff. 12-31-13.)

225 ILCS 75/6.5

(225 ILCS 75/6.5) (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2029) Sec. 6.5. Social Security Number or individual taxpayer identification number on license application. In addition to any other information required to be contained in the application, every application for an original license under this Act shall include the applicant's Social Security Number or individual taxpayer identification number, which shall be retained in the agency's records pertaining to the license. As soon as practical, the Department shall assign a customer's identification number to each applicant for a license. Every application for a renewal or restored license shall require the applicant's customer identification number. (Source: P.A. 103-251, eff. 1-1-24.)

225 ILCS 75/7 Examinations

(225 ILCS 75/7) (from Ch. 111, par. 3707) (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2029) Sec. 7. Examinations. The Department shall authorize examinations of applicants for a license under this Act at the times and place as it may designate. The examination shall be of a character to give a fair test of the qualifications of the applicant to practice occupational therapy. Applications for examination as occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants 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. If an applicant neglects, fails or refuses to take the examination within 90 days after the date the Confirmation of Examination and Eligibility to Examine Notice is issued or fails to pass an examination for certification under this Act, the application shall be denied. If an applicant fails to pass an examination for registration under this Act within 3 years after filing the application, the application shall be denied. The applicant may thereafter make a new application accompanied by the required fee, however, the applicant shall meet all requirements in effect at the time of subsequent application before obtaining licensure. The Department may employ consultants for the purposes of preparing and conducting examinations. (Source: P.A. 103-251, eff. 1-1-24.)

225 ILCS 75/8

(225 ILCS 75/8) (from Ch. 111, par. 3708) (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2029) Sec. 8. A person shall be qualified for licensure as an occupational therapist if that person: (1) has applied in writing in form and substance to the Department; (2) (blank); (3) has completed an occupational therapy program leading to a masters or doctoral degree, or its equivalent, approved by the Department; and (4) has successfully completed the examination authorized by the Department within the past 5 years. (Source: P.A. 98-264, eff. 12-31-13.)

225 ILCS 75/8.1

(225 ILCS 75/8.1) (This Section may contain text from a Public Act with a delayed effective date) (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2029) Sec. 8.1. Practice pending licensure. (a) An applicant for licensure under this Act shall be authorized to temporarily practice under supervision pending issuance of a license if: (1) the applicant authorizes the Department to release information regarding the application's status; and (2) the Department acknowledges that the application has been received, which may be proven by the applicant providing the employer with a copy of the Department's license application screen that shows that the application is pending. (b) Temporary authorization to practice under this Section shall immediately terminate upon: (1) a determination by the Department that, based upon review of the application and supporting documents, the applicant does not meet the requirements for licensure; (2) a determination by the Department that the applicant has engaged in conduct or actions that would constitute grounds for discipline under this Act; or (3) the issuance of a permanent license. (Source: P.A. 104-178, eff. 1-1-26.)

225 ILCS 75/9

(225 ILCS 75/9) (from Ch. 111, par. 3709) (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2029) Sec. 9. A person shall be qualified for licensure as an occupational therapy assistant if that person: (1) has applied in writing in form and substance to the Department; (2) (blank); (3) has completed an occupational therapy program of at least 2 years in length leading to an associate degree, or its equivalent, approved by the Department; and (4) has successfully completed the examination authorized by the Department within the past 5 years. (Source: P.A. 93-461, eff. 8-8-03.)

225 ILCS 75/10 (Repealed)

(225 ILCS 75/10) Sec. 10. (Repealed). (Source: P.A. 83-696. Repealed by P.A. 98-264, eff. 12-31-13.)

225 ILCS 75/11

(225 ILCS 75/11) (from Ch. 111, par. 3711) (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2029) Sec. 11. Expiration and renewal; restoration; military service. (a) The expiration date and renewal period for each certificate issued under this Act shall be set by rule. (b) Any occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant who has permitted the license to expire or who has had the license on inactive status may have the license restored by making application to the Department, by filing proof acceptable to the Department of the licensee's fitness to have the license restored, by paying the required fee, and by showing proof of compliance with any continuing education requirements. Proof of fitness may include sworn evidence certifying to active practice in another jurisdiction. If the occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant has not maintained an active practice in another jurisdiction satisfactory to the Department, the Department shall determine, by an evaluation program established by rule, the licensee's fitness to resume active status and shall establish procedures and requirements for restoration. (c) However, any occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant whose license expired while the licensee was (1) in Federal Service on active duty with the Armed Forces of the United States, or the State Militia called into service or training, or (2) in training or education under the supervision of the United States preliminary to induction into the military service, may have the licensee's license renewed or restored without paying any lapsed renewal fees if within 2 years after honorable termination of such service, training or education except under conditions other than honorable, the licensee furnishes the Department with satisfactory evidence to the effect that the licensee has been so engaged and that the licensee's service, training, or education has been so terminated. (Source: P.A. 103-251, eff. 1-1-24.)

225 ILCS 75/11.1

(225 ILCS 75/11.1) (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2029) Sec. 11.1. Continuing education requirement. As a condition for renewal of a license, licensees shall be required to complete continuing education in occupational therapy in accordance with rules established by the Department. (Source: P.A. 98-264, eff. 12-31-13.)

225 ILCS 75/12

(225 ILCS 75/12) (from Ch. 111, par. 3712) (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2029) Sec. 12. Inactive status; restoration. Any occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant who notifies the Department in writing on forms prescribed by the Department, may elect to place the licensee's license on an inactive status and shall, subject to rules of the Department, be excused from payment of renewal fees until the licensee notifies the Department in writing of the licensee's desire to resume active status. Any occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant requesting restoration from inactive or expired status shall be required to pay the current renewal fee, demonstrate compliance with continuing education requirements, if any, and shall be required to restore the license as provided in Section 11. Any occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant whose license is in expired or inactive status shall not practice occupational therapy in the State or present oneself as an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant. (Source: P.A. 103-251, eff. 1-1-24.)

225 ILCS 75/13 Endorsement

(225 ILCS 75/13) (from Ch. 111, par. 3713) (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2029) Sec. 13. Endorsement. The Department may, in its discretion, license as an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant, without examination, on payment of the required fee, an applicant who is an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant licensed under the laws of another jurisdiction, upon filing of an application on forms provided by the Department, paying the required fee, and meeting such requirements as are established by rule. The Department may adopt rules governing recognition of education and legal practice in another jurisdiction, requiring additional education, and determining when an examination may be required. An applicant for endorsement who has practiced for 10 consecutive years in another jurisdiction shall meet the requirements for licensure by endorsement upon filing an application on forms provided by the Department, paying the required fee, and showing proof of licensure in another jurisdiction for at least 10 consecutive years without discipline by certified verification of licensure from the jurisdiction in which the applicant practiced. Applicants have 3 years from the date of application to complete the application process. If the process has not been completed in 3 years, the application shall be denied, the fee forfeited and the applicant must reapply and meet the requirements in effect at the time of reapplication. (Source: P.A. 100-893, eff. 8-14-18.)

225 ILCS 75/14 (Repealed)

(225 ILCS 75/14) (from Ch. 111, par. 3714) Sec. 14. (Repealed). (Source: Repealed by P.A. 88-424.)

225 ILCS 75/15

(225 ILCS 75/15) (from Ch. 111, par. 3715) (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2029) Sec. 15. Any person who is issued a license as an occupational therapist registered under the terms of this Act may use the words "occupational therapist" or "licensed occupational therapist", or may use the letters "O.T.", "OT/L", or "OTR/L", in connection with the licensee's name or place of business to denote the licensee's licensure under this Act. Any person who is issued a license as an occupational therapy assistant under the terms of this Act may use the words, "occupational therapy assistant" or "licensed occupational therapy assistant", or the licensee may use the letters "O.T.A.", "OTA/L", or "COTA/L" in connection with the licensee's name or place of business to denote the licensee's licensure under this Act. (Source: P.A. 103-251, eff. 1-1-24.)

225 ILCS 75/16

(225 ILCS 75/16) (from Ch. 111, par. 3716) (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2029) Sec. 16. Fees; returned checks. The fees for the administration and enforcement of this Act, including, but not limited to, original certification, renewal, and restoration of a license issued under this Act, shall be set by rule. The fees shall be non-refundable. 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 nonrenewed license. The Department shall notify the person that payment of fees and fines shall be paid 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 certificate or deny the application, without hearing. If, after termination or denial, the person seeks a license or certificate, the person shall apply to the Department for restoration or issuance of the license or certificate 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 or certificate to pay all expenses of processing this 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. 103-251, eff. 1-1-24.)

225 ILCS 75/16.5

(225 ILCS 75/16.5) (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2029) Sec. 16.5. Deposit of fees and fines. All fees, penalties, and fines collected under this Act shall be deposited into the General Professions Dedicated Fund and shall be appropriated to the Department for the ordinary and contingent expenses of the Department in the administration of this Act. (Source: P.A. 98-264, eff. 12-31-13.)

225 ILCS 75/17 (Repealed)

(225 ILCS 75/17) (from Ch. 111, par. 3717) Sec. 17. (Repealed). (Source: P.A. 83-696. Repealed by P.A. 103-251, eff. 1-1-24.)

225 ILCS 75/18 Advertising

(225 ILCS 75/18) (from Ch. 111, par. 3718) (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2029) Sec. 18. Advertising. (a) Any person licensed under this Act may advertise the availability of professional services in the public media or on the premises where such professional services are rendered as permitted by law, on the condition that such advertising is truthful and not misleading and is in conformity with rules promulgated by the Department. Advertisements shall not include false, fraudulent, deceptive, or misleading material or guarantees of success. (b) A licensee shall include in every advertisement for services regulated under this Act his or her title as it appears on the license or the initials authorized under this Act. (Source: P.A. 98-264, eff. 12-31-13.)

225 ILCS 75/19

(225 ILCS 75/19) (from Ch. 111, par. 3719) (Text of Section before amendment by P.A. 104-764) (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2029) Sec. 19. Grounds for discipline. (a) The Department may refuse to issue or renew, or may revoke, suspend, place on probation, reprimand, or take other disciplinary or non-disciplinary action as the Department may deem proper, including imposing fines not to exceed $10,000 for each violation and the assessment of costs as provided under Section 19.3 of this Act, with regard to any license for any one or combination of the following: (1) Material misstatement in furnishing information to the Department; (2) Violations of this Act, or of the rules promulgated thereunder; (3) Conviction by plea of guilty or nolo contendere, finding of guilt, jury verdict, or entry of judgment or sentencing of any crime, including, but not limited to, convictions, preceding sentences of supervision, conditional discharge, or first offender probation, under the laws of any jurisdiction of the United States that is (i) a felony or (ii) a misdemeanor, an essential element of which is dishonesty, or that is directly related to the practice of the profession; (4) Fraud, misrepresentation, or concealment in applying for or procuring a license under this Act, or in connection with applying for renewal of a license under this Act; (5) Professional incompetence; (6) Aiding or assisting another person, firm, partnership or corporation in violating any provision of this Act or rules; (7) Failing, within 60 days, to provide information in response to a written request made by the Department; (8) Engaging in dishonorable, unethical or unprofessional conduct of a character likely to deceive, defraud or harm the public; (9) Habitual or excessive use or abuse of drugs defined in law as controlled substances, alcohol, or any other substance that results in the inability to practice with reasonable judgment, skill, or safety; (10) Discipline by another state, unit of government, government agency, the District of Columbia, a territory, or foreign nation, if at least one of the grounds for the discipline is the same or substantially equivalent to those set forth herein; (11) Directly or indirectly giving to or receiving from any person, firm, corporation, partnership, or association any fee, commission, rebate, or other form of compensation for professional services not actually or personally rendered. Nothing in this paragraph (11) 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 (11) shall be construed to require an employment arrangement to receive professional fees for services rendered; (12) A finding by the Department that the license holder, after having the license disciplined, has violated the terms of the discipline; (13) Willfully making or filing false records or reports in the practice of occupational therapy, including, but not limited to, false records filed with the State agencies or departments; (14) Physical illness, including, but not limited to, deterioration through the aging process or loss of motor skill which results in the inability to practice under this Act with reasonable judgment, skill, or safety; (15) Solicitation of professional services other than by permitted advertising; (16) Allowing one's license under this Act to be used by an unlicensed person in violation of this Act; (17) Practicing under a false or, except as provided by law, assumed name; (18) Professional incompetence or gross negligence; (19) Malpractice; (20) Promotion of the sale of drugs, devices, appliances, or goods provided for a patient in any manner to exploit the client for financial gain of the licensee; (21) Gross, willful, or continued overcharging for professional services; (22) Mental illness or disability that results in the inability to practice under this Act with reasonable judgment, skill, or safety; (23) Violating the Health Care Worker Self-Referral Act; (24) Failing to refer a patient or individual whose medical condition should, at the time of evaluation or treatment, be determined to be beyond the scope of practice of the occupational therapist to an appropriate health care professional; (25) Cheating on or attempting to subvert the licensing examination administered under this Act; (26) Charging for professional services not rendered, including filing false statements for the collection of fees for which services are not rendered; (27) Practicing beyond the scope of the practice of occupational therapy; (28) Providing substandard care as an occupational therapist due to a deliberate or negligent act, negligent supervision of an occupational therapy assistant, or failure to act regardless of whether actual injury to the recipient is established; (29) Providing substandard care as an occupational therapy assistant, including exceeding the authority to perform components of intervention selected and delegated by the supervising occupational therapist regardless of whether actual injury to the recipient is established; (30) Knowingly delegating responsibilities to an individual who does not have the knowledge, skills, or abilities to perform those responsibilities; and (31) Engaging in sexual misconduct. For the purposes of this paragraph, sexual misconduct includes: (A) engaging in or soliciting a sexual relationship, whether consensual or non-consensual, while an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant with the recipient of occupational therapy services; and (B) making sexual advances, requesting sexual favors, or engaging in physical contact of a sexual nature with the recipient of occupational therapy services. All fines imposed under this Section shall be paid within 60 days after the effective date of the order imposing the fine or in accordance with the terms set forth in the order imposing the fine. (b) The determination by a circuit court that a license holder is subject to involuntary admission or judicial admission as provided in the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code, as now or hereafter amended, operates as an automatic suspension. Such suspension will end only upon a finding by a court that the patient is no longer subject to involuntary admission or judicial admission and an order by the court so finding and discharging the patient. In any case where a license is suspended under this provision, the licensee shall file a petition for restoration and shall include evidence acceptable to the Department that the licensee can resume practice in compliance with acceptable and prevailing standards of their profession. (c) The Department may refuse to issue or may suspend without hearing, as provided for in the Code of Civil Procedure, the license of any person who fails 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 Illinois Department of Revenue, until such time as the requirements of any such tax Act are satisfied in accordance with subsection (a) of Section 2105-15 of the Department of Professional Regulation Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. (d) In enforcing this Section, the Department, upon a showing of a possible violation, may compel any individual who is licensed under this Act or any individual who has applied for licensure to submit to a mental or physical examination or evaluation, or both, which may include a substance abuse or sexual offender evaluation, at the expense of the Department. The Department shall specifically designate the examining physician licensed to practice medicine in all of its branches or, if applicable, the multidisciplinary team involved in providing the mental or physical examination and evaluation. The multidisciplinary team shall be led by a physician licensed to practice medicine in all of its branches and may consist of one or more or a combination of physicians licensed to practice medicine in all of its branches, licensed chiropractic physicians, licensed clinical psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, licensed clinical professional counselors, and other professional and administrative staff. Any examining physician or member of the multidisciplinary team may require any person ordered to submit to an examination and evaluation pursuant to this Section to submit to any additional supplemental testing deemed necessary to complete any examination or evaluation process, including, but not limited to, blood testing, urinalysis, psychological testing, or neuropsychological testing. The Department may order the examining physician or any member of the multidisciplinary team to provide to the Department any and all records, including business records, that relate to the examination and evaluation, including any supplemental testing performed. The Department may order the examining physician or any member of the multidisciplinary team to present testimony concerning this examination and evaluation of the licensee or applicant, including testimony concerning any supplemental testing or documents relating to the examination and evaluation. No information, report, record, or other documents in any way related to the examination and evaluation shall be excluded by reason of any common law or statutory privilege relating to communication between the licensee or applicant and the examining physician or any member of the multidisciplinary team. No authorization is necessary from the licensee or applicant ordered to undergo an evaluation and examination for the examining physician or any member of the multidisciplinary team to provide information, reports, records, or other documents or to provide any testimony regarding the examination and evaluation. 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 the examination. Failure of any individual to submit to mental or physical examination or evaluation, or both, when directed, shall result in an automatic suspension without hearing, until such time as the individual submits to the examination. If the Department finds a licensee unable to practice because of the reasons set forth in this Section, the Department shall require the licensee to submit to care, counseling, or treatment by physicians approved or designated by the Department as a condition for continued, reinstated, or renewed licensure. When the Secretary immediately suspends a license under this Section, a hearing upon such person's license must be convened by the Department within 15 days after the suspension and completed without appreciable delay. The Department shall have the authority to review the licensee'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. Individuals licensed under this Act that are affected under this Section, shall be afforded an opportunity to demonstrate to the Department that they can resume practice in compliance with acceptable and prevailing standards under the provisions of their license. (e) (Blank). (f) In cases where the Department of Healthcare and Family Services has previously determined 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 paragraph (5) of subsection (a) of Section 2105-15 of the Department of Professional Regulation Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. (Source: P.A. 103-251, eff. 1-1-24.) (Text of Section after amendment by P.A. 104-764) (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2029) Sec. 19. Grounds for discipline. (a) The Department may refuse to issue or renew, or may revoke, suspend, place on probation, reprimand, or take other disciplinary or non-disciplinary action as the Department may deem proper, including imposing fines not to exceed $10,000 for each violation and the assessment of costs as provided under Section 19.3 of this Act, with regard to any license for any one or combination of the following: (1) Material misstatement in furnishing information to the Department; (2) Violations of this Act, or of the rules promulgated thereunder; (3) Conviction by plea of guilty or nolo contendere, finding of guilt, jury verdict, or entry of judgment or sentencing of any crime, including, but not limited to, convictions, preceding sentences of supervision, conditional discharge, or first offender probation, under the laws of any jurisdiction of the United States that is (i) a felony or (ii) a misdemeanor, an essential element of which is dishonesty, or that is directly related to the practice of the profession; (4) Fraud, misrepresentation, or concealment in applying for or procuring a license under this Act, or in connection with applying for renewal of a license under this Act; (5) Professional incompetence; (6) Aiding or assisting another person, firm, partnership or corporation in violating any provision of this Act or rules; (7) Failing, within 60 days, to provide information in response to a written request made by the Department; (8) Engaging in dishonorable, unethical or unprofessional conduct of a character likely to deceive, defraud or harm the public; (9) Habitual or excessive use or abuse of drugs defined in law as controlled substances, alcohol, or any other substance that results in the inability to practice with reasonable judgment, skill, or safety; (10) Discipline by another state, unit of government, government agency, the District of Columbia, a territory, or foreign nation, if at least one of the grounds for the discipline is the same or substantially equivalent to those set forth herein; (11) Directly or indirectly giving to or receiving from any person, firm, corporation, partnership, or association any fee, commission, rebate, or other form of compensation for professional services not actually or personally rendered. Nothing in this paragraph (11) 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 (11) shall be construed to require an employment arrangement to receive professional fees for services rendered; (12) A finding by the Department that the license holder, after having the license disciplined, has violated the terms of the discipline; (13) Willfully making or filing false records or reports in the practice of occupational therapy, including, but not limited to, false records filed with the State agencies or departments; (14) Physical illness, including, but not limited to, deterioration through the aging process or loss of motor skill which results in the inability to practice under this Act with reasonable judgment, skill, or safety; (15) Solicitation of professional services other than by permitted advertising; (16) Allowing one's license under this Act to be used by an unlicensed person in violation of this Act; (17) Practicing under a false or, except as provided by law, assumed name; (18) Professional incompetence or gross negligence; (19) Malpractice; (20) Promotion of the sale of drugs, devices, appliances, or goods provided for a patient in any manner to exploit the client for financial gain of the licensee; (21) Gross, willful, or continued overcharging for professional services; (22) Mental illness or disability that results in the inability to practice under this Act with reasonable judgment, skill, or safety; (23) Violating the Health Care Worker Self-Referral Act; (24) Failing to refer a patient or individual whose medical condition should, at the time of evaluation or treatment, be determined to be beyond the scope of practice of the occupational therapist to an appropriate health care professional; (25) Cheating on or attempting to subvert the licensing examination administered under this Act; (26) Charging for professional services not rendered, including filing false statements for the collection of fees for which services are not rendered; (27) Practicing beyond the scope of the practice of occupational therapy; (28) Providing substandard care as an occupational therapist due to a deliberate or negligent act, negligent supervision of an occupational therapy assistant, or failure to act regardless of whether actual injury to the recipient is established; (29) Providing substandard care as an occupational therapy assistant, including exceeding the authority to perform components of intervention selected and delegated by the supervising occupational therapist regardless of whether actual injury to the recipient is established; (30) Knowingly delegating responsibilities to an individual who does not have the knowledge, skills, or abilities to perform those responsibilities; (31) Engaging in sexual misconduct. For the purposes of this paragraph, sexual misconduct includes: (A) engaging in or soliciting a sexual relationship, whether consensual or non-consensual, while an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant with the recipient of occupational therapy services; and (B) making sexual advances, requesting sexual favors, or engaging in physical contact of a sexual nature with the recipient of occupational therapy services; and (32) Failure to report actual or alleged reportable conduct in accordance with Section 2105-390 of the Department of Professional Regulation Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. All fines imposed under this Section shall be paid within 60 days after the effective date of the order imposing the fine or in accordance with the terms set forth in the order imposing the fine. (b) The determination by a circuit court that a license holder is subject to involuntary admission or judicial admission as provided in the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code, as now or hereafter amended, operates as an automatic suspension. Such suspension will end only upon a finding by a court that the patient is no longer subject to involuntary admission or judicial admission and an order by the court so finding and discharging the patient. In any case where a license is suspended under this provision, the licensee shall file a petition for restoration and shall include evidence acceptable to the Department that the licensee can resume practice in compliance with acceptable and prevailing standards of their profession. (c) The Department may refuse to issue or may suspend without hearing, as provided for in the Code of Civil Procedure, the license of any person who fails 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 Illinois Department of Revenue, until such time as the requirements of any such tax Act are satisfied in accordance with subsection (a) of Section 2105-15 of the Department of Professional Regulation Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. (d) In enforcing this Section, the Department, upon a showing of a possible violation, may compel any individual who is licensed under this Act or any individual who has applied for licensure to submit to a mental or physical examination or evaluation, or both, which may include a substance abuse or sexual offender evaluation, at the expense of the Department. The Department shall specifically designate the examining physician licensed to practice medicine in all of its branches or, if applicable, the multidisciplinary team involved in providing the mental or physical examination and evaluation. The multidisciplinary team shall be led by a physician licensed to practice medicine in all of its branches and may consist of one or more or a combination of physicians licensed to practice medicine in all of its branches, licensed chiropractic physicians, licensed clinical psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, licensed clinical professional counselors, and other professional and administrative staff. Any examining physician or member of the multidisciplinary team may require any person ordered to submit to an examination and evaluation pursuant to this Section to submit to any additional supplemental testing deemed necessary to complete any examination or evaluation process, including, but not limited to, blood testing, urinalysis, psychological testing, or neuropsychological testing. The Department may order the examining physician or any member of the multidisciplinary team to provide to the Department any and all records, including business records, that relate to the examination and evaluation, including any supplemental testing performed. The Department may order the examining physician or any member of the multidisciplinary team to present testimony concerning this examination and evaluation of the licensee or applicant, including testimony concerning any supplemental testing or documents relating to the examination and evaluation. No information, report, record, or other documents in any way related to the examination and evaluation shall be excluded by reason of any common law or statutory privilege relating to communication between the licensee or applicant and the examining physician or any member of the multidisciplinary team. No authorization is necessary from the licensee or applicant ordered to undergo an evaluation and examination for the examining physician or any member of the multidisciplinary team to provide information, reports, records, or other documents or to provide any testimony regarding the examination and evaluation. 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 the examination. Failure of any individual to submit to mental or physical examination or evaluation, or both, when directed, shall result in an automatic suspension without hearing, until such time as the individual submits to the examination. If the Department finds a licensee unable to practice because of the reasons set forth in this Section, the Department shall require the licensee to submit to care, counseling, or treatment by physicians approved or designated by the Department as a condition for continued, reinstated, or renewed licensure. When the Secretary immediately suspends a license under this Section, a hearing upon such person's license must be convened by the Department within 15 days after the suspension and completed without appreciable delay. The Department shall have the authority to review the licensee'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. Individuals licensed under this Act that are affected under this Section, shall be afforded an opportunity to demonstrate to the Department that they can resume practice in compliance with acceptable and prevailing standards under the provisions of their license. (e) (Blank). (f) In cases where the Department of Healthcare and Family Services has previously determined 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 paragraph (5) of subsection (a) of Section 2105-15 of the Department of Professional Regulation Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. (Source: P.A. 103-251, eff. 1-1-24; 104-764, eff. 1-1-27.)

225 ILCS 75/19.1

(225 ILCS 75/19.1) (from Ch. 111, par. 3720) (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2029) Sec. 19.1. Injunctive relief; order to cease and desist. (a) If any person violates the provisions of this Act, the Secretary may, in the name of the People of the State of Illinois, 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 such violation or for an order enforcing compliance with this Act. Upon the filing of a verified petition in such court, the court may issue a temporary restraining order, without notice or bond, and may preliminarily and permanently enjoin such violation. If it is established that such person 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) If any person practices as an occupational therapist or an occupational therapy assistant or holds himself or herself out as such without being licensed under the provisions of this Act then any person licensed under this Act, any interested party or any person injured thereby may, in addition to the Secretary, petition for relief as provided in subsection (a). (c) Whenever in the opinion of the Department any person violates any 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 or her. 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 forthwith. (Source: P.A. 98-264, eff. 12-31-13.)

225 ILCS 75/19.2

(225 ILCS 75/19.2) (from Ch. 111, par. 3721) (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2029) Sec. 19.2. Investigations; notice and hearing. The Department may investigate the actions of any applicant or of any person or person holding or claiming to hold a license. The Department shall, before refusing to issue, renew, or discipline a licensee or applicant, at least 30 days prior to the date set for the hearing, notify the applicant or licensee in writing of the nature of the charges and the time and place for a hearing on the charges. The Department shall direct the applicant or licensee to file a written answer to the charges with the Board under oath within 20 days after the service of the notice and inform the applicant or licensee that failure to file an answer will result in default being taken against the applicant or licensee. At the time and place fixed in the notice, the Department shall proceed to hear the charges and the parties or their counsel shall be accorded ample opportunity to present any pertinent statements, testimony, evidence, and arguments. The Department may continue the hearing from time to time. In case the person, after receiving the notice, fails to file an answer, his or her license may, in the discretion of the Department, be revoked, suspended, placed on probationary status, or the Department may take whatever disciplinary action considered proper, including limiting the scope, nature, or extent of the person's practice or the imposition of a fine, without a hearing, if the act or acts charged constitute sufficient grounds for that action under the Act. The written notice and any notice in the subsequent proceeding may be served by personal delivery or by registered or certified mail to the licensee's address or email address of record. The written notice and any notice in the subsequent proceeding may be served electronically to the licensee's email address of record, or, if in the course of the administrative proceeding the party has previously designated a specific email address at which to accept electronic service for that specific proceeding, by sending a copy by email to the party's email address on record. (Source: P.A. 103-251, eff. 1-1-24.)

225 ILCS 75/19.2a Confidentiality

(225 ILCS 75/19.2a) (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2029) Sec. 19.2a. 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 may 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 to 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. 98-264, eff. 12-31-13.)

225 ILCS 75/19.3

(225 ILCS 75/19.3) (from Ch. 111, par. 3722) (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2029) Sec. 19.3. Record of proceedings. The Department, at its 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 transcript of testimony, the report of the Board and orders of the Department, shall be the record of such proceedings. Any licensee who is found to have violated this Act or who fails to appear for a hearing to refuse to issue, restore, or renew a license or to discipline a licensee may be required by the Department to pay for the costs of the proceeding. These costs are limited to costs for court reporters, transcripts, and witness attendance and mileage fees. All costs imposed under this Section shall be paid within 60 days after the effective date of the order imposing the fine. (Source: P.A. 98-264, eff. 12-31-13.)

225 ILCS 75/19.4

(225 ILCS 75/19.4) (from Ch. 111, par. 3723) (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2029) Sec. 19.4. Subpoenas; oaths. The Department may subpoena and bring before it any person and to take the oral or written testimony or compel the production of any books, papers, records, or any other documents that the Secretary or his or her designee deems relevant or material to an investigation or hearing conducted by the Department with the same fees and mileage and in the same manner as prescribed by law in judicial procedure in civil cases in courts of this State. The Secretary, the designated hearing officer, any member of the Board, or a certified shorthand court reporter may administer oaths at any hearing which the Department conducts. Notwithstanding any other statute or Department rule to the contrary, all requests for testimony or production of documents or records shall be in accordance with this Act. (Source: P.A. 98-264, eff. 12-31-13.)

225 ILCS 75/19.5

(225 ILCS 75/19.5) (from Ch. 111, par. 3724) (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2029) Sec. 19.5. Attendance of witnesses; contempt. Any circuit court, upon application of the Department or licensee, may order the attendance and testimony of witnesses, and the production of relevant documents, papers, files, books, and records in connection with any hearing or investigation. The court may compel obedience to its order by proceedings for contempt. (Source: P.A. 98-264, eff. 12-31-13.)

225 ILCS 75/19.6 Findings of Board

(225 ILCS 75/19.6) (from Ch. 111, par. 3725) (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2029) Sec. 19.6. Findings of Board. At the conclusion of the hearing the Board shall present to the Secretary a written report of its findings of fact, conclusions of law, and recommendations. The report shall contain a finding 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 of fact, conclusions of law and recommendations of the Board may be the basis for the Secretary's order for refusing to issue, restore, or renew a license or otherwise disciplining a licensee. If the Secretary disagrees in any regard with the report of the Board he may issue an order in contravention thereof. The finding is not admissible in evidence against the person in a criminal prosecution brought for the violation of this Act, but the hearing and findings are not a bar to a criminal prosecution brought for the violation of this Act. (Source: P.A. 103-251, eff. 1-1-24.)

225 ILCS 75/19.7

(225 ILCS 75/19.7) (from Ch. 111, par. 3726) (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2029) Sec. 19.7. Report of Board; motion for rehearing. In any case involving the refusal to issue or renew, or the taking of disciplinary action against, a license, a copy of the Board's report shall be served upon the respondent by the Department as provided in this Act for the service of the notice of hearing. Within 20 days after such service, the respondent may present to the Secretary a motion in writing for a rehearing, which motion shall specify the particular grounds therefor. If no motion for rehearing is filed, then upon the expiration of the time specified for filing such a motion, or if a motion for rehearing is denied, then upon such denial the Secretary may enter an order in accordance with recommendations of the Board except as provided in Section 19.6. If the respondent shall order 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 such a motion may be filed shall commence upon the delivery of the transcript to the respondent. (Source: P.A. 103-251, eff. 1-1-24.)

225 ILCS 75/19.8 Rehearing

(225 ILCS 75/19.8) (from Ch. 111, par. 3727) (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2029) Sec. 19.8. Rehearing. Whenever the Secretary is satisfied that substantial justice has not been done in the revocation or suspension of, or the refusal to issue or renew, a license, the Secretary may order a rehearing by the Board or a designated hearing officer. (Source: P.A. 98-264, eff. 12-31-13.)

225 ILCS 75/19.9

(225 ILCS 75/19.9) (from Ch. 111, par. 3728) (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2029) Sec. 19.9. Appointment of hearing officer. The Secretary shall have the authority to appoint any attorney duly licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois to serve as the hearing officer in any action involving a refusal to issue or renew, or the taking of disciplinary action against a license. The hearing officer shall have full authority to conduct the hearing. The hearing officer shall report his or her findings of fact, conclusions of law and recommendations to the Board. The Board shall have 60 days from receipt of the report to review the report of the hearing officer and present their findings of fact, conclusion of law and recommendations to the Secretary. If the Board fails to present its report within the 60-day period, the Secretary may issue an order based on the report of the hearing officer. If the Secretary disagrees with the report of the Board or hearing officer, then the Secretary may issue an order in contravention thereof. (Source: P.A. 103-251, eff. 1-1-24.)

225 ILCS 75/19.10

(225 ILCS 75/19.10) (from Ch. 111, par. 3729) (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2029) Sec. 19.10. Order or certified copy; prima facie proof. An order or a certified copy thereof, over the seal of the Department and purporting to be signed by the Secretary, shall be prima facie proof that: (1) the signature is the genuine signature of the Secretary; and (2) the Secretary is duly appointed and qualified. (Source: P.A. 98-264, eff. 12-31-13.)

225 ILCS 75/19.11

(225 ILCS 75/19.11) (from Ch. 111, par. 3730) (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2029) Sec. 19.11. Restoration of license from discipline. At any time after successful completion of a term of indefinite probation, suspension, or revocation of a license, the Department may restore the license to the licensee, unless, after an investigation and a hearing, the Secretary determines that restoration is not in the public interest or that the licensee has not been sufficiently rehabilitated to warrant the public trust. No person or entity whose license, certificate, or authority has been revoked as authorized in this Act may apply for restoration of that license, certification, or authority until such time as provided for in the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. (Source: P.A. 98-264, eff. 12-31-13.)

225 ILCS 75/19.12

(225 ILCS 75/19.12) (from Ch. 111, par. 3731) (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2029) Sec. 19.12. Upon the revocation or suspension of any license, the licensee shall forthwith surrender the license or licenses to the Department. If the licensee fails to do so, the Department shall have the right to seize the license. (Source: P.A. 83-696.)

225 ILCS 75/19.13

(225 ILCS 75/19.13) (from Ch. 111, par. 3732) (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2029) Sec. 19.13. Summary suspension pending hearing. The Secretary may summarily suspend a license issued under this Act without a hearing, simultaneously with the institution of proceedings for a hearing provided for in Section 19.2 of this Act, if the Secretary finds that the evidence indicates that an occupational therapist's or occupational therapy assistant's continuation in practice would constitute an imminent danger to the public. In the event that the Secretary summarily suspends a license without a hearing, a hearing must be commenced within 30 days after such suspension has occurred and shall be concluded as expeditiously as possible. (Source: P.A. 98-264, eff. 12-31-13.)

225 ILCS 75/19.14

(225 ILCS 75/19.14) (from Ch. 111, par. 3733) (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2029) Sec. 19.14. 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" is defined in Section 3-101 of the Code of Civil Procedure. Proceedings for judicial review shall be commenced in the circuit court of the county in which the party applying for review resides, except that if the party is not a resident of this State, the venue shall be Sangamon County. (Source: P.A. 83-696.)

225 ILCS 75/19.15

(225 ILCS 75/19.15) (from Ch. 111, par. 3734) (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2029) Sec. 19.15. Certification of record. The Department shall not be required to certify any record to the court or file any answer in court or 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 costs shall be determined by the Department. Failure on the part of the plaintiff to file a receipt in court shall be grounds for dismissal of the action. (Source: P.A. 103-251, eff. 1-1-24.)

225 ILCS 75/19.16

(225 ILCS 75/19.16) (from Ch. 111, par. 3735) (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2029) Sec. 19.16. Criminal penalties. Any person who is found to have violated any provision of this Act is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor for the first offense. On conviction of a second or subsequent offense the violator shall be guilty of a Class 4 felony. (Source: P.A. 98-264, eff. 12-31-13.)

225 ILCS 75/19.17

(225 ILCS 75/19.17) (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2029) Sec. 19.17. 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 75/20 Administrative Procedure Act

(225 ILCS 75/20) (from Ch. 111, par. 3736) (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2029) Sec. 20. Administrative Procedure Act. The Illinois Administrative Procedure Act is hereby expressly adopted and incorporated herein 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 that provides that at hearings the certificate holder has the right to show compliance with all lawful requirements for retention, continuation or renewal of certification is specifically excluded. For the purpose 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 of record of a party. (Source: P.A. 103-251, eff. 1-1-24.)

225 ILCS 75/21

(225 ILCS 75/21) (from Ch. 111, par. 3737) (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2029) Sec. 21. Home rule. The regulation and licensing as an occupational therapist are exclusive powers and functions of the State. A home rule unit may not regulate or license an occupational therapist, occupational therapy assistant, or the practice of occupational therapy. This Section is a denial and limitation of home rule powers and functions under subsection (h) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution. (Source: P.A. 103-251, eff. 1-1-24.)
Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs.aspFetched: 10/17/2026