Bill Text: IL HB0366 | 2021-2022 | 102nd General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Amends the Nurse Practice Act. Provides that the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation must issue or deny a license no later than 30 days after completion of the application for practical nurse and registered professional nurse licensure. Provides that the Department must issue or deny a license no later than 30 days after receiving the required documentation for advanced practice registered nurse licensure. Effective immediately.

Sponsorship: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 2-1)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2021-03-27 - Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee [HB0366 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2021-HB0366-Introduced.html

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102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY State of Illinois 2021 and 2022 HB0366 Introduced , by Rep. Sue Scherer SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:
225 ILCS 65/55-10 was 225 ILCS 65/10-30
225 ILCS 65/55-11
225 ILCS 65/60-10
225 ILCS 65/60-11
225 ILCS 65/65-5 was 225 ILCS 65/15-10
Amends the Nurse Practice Act. Provides that the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation must issue or deny a license no later than 30 days after completion of the application for practical nurse and registered professional nurse licensure. Provides that the Department must issue or deny a license no later than 30 days after receiving the required documentation for advanced practice registered nurse licensure. Effective immediately.
LRB102 02779 SPS 12786 b
FISCAL NOTE ACT MAY APPLY
A BILL FOR
HB0366 LRB102 02779 SPS 12786 b
AN ACT concerning regulation.
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois,
represented in the General Assembly:
Section 5. The Nurse Practice Act is amended by changing
Sections 55-10, 55-11, 60-10, 60-11, and 65-5 as follows:
(225 ILCS 65/55-10) (was 225 ILCS 65/10-30)
(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)
Sec. 55-10. LPN licensure by examination.
(a) Each applicant who successfully meets the requirements
of this Section is eligible for licensure as a licensed
practical nurse.
(b) An applicant for licensure by examination to practice
as a practical nurse is eligible for licensure when the
following requirements are met:
(1) the applicant has submitted a completed written
application on forms provided by the Department and fees
as established by the Department;
(2) the applicant has graduated from a practical
nursing education program approved by the Department or
has been granted a certificate of completion of
pre-licensure requirements from another United States
jurisdiction;
(3) the applicant has successfully completed a

HB0366 - 2 - LRB102 02779 SPS 12786 b
licensure examination approved by the Department;
(4) (blank);
(5) the applicant has submitted to the criminal
history records check required under Section 50-35 of this
Act;
(6) the applicant has submitted either to the
Department or its 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; and
(7) the applicant has met all other requirements
established by rule.
(b-5) If an applicant for licensure by examination
neglects, fails, or refuses to take an examination or fails to
pass an examination for a license under this Act within 3 years
of the date of initial application, the application shall be
denied. When an applicant's application is denied due to the
failure to pass the examination within the 3-year period, that
applicant must undertake an additional course of education as
defined by rule prior to submitting a new application for
licensure. Any new application must be accompanied by the
required fee, evidence of meeting the requirements in force at
the time of the new application, and evidence of completion of

HB0366 - 3 - LRB102 02779 SPS 12786 b
the additional course of education prescribed by rule.
An applicant may take and successfully complete a
Department-approved examination in another jurisdiction.
However, an applicant who has never been licensed previously
in any jurisdiction that utilizes a Department-approved
examination and who has taken and failed to pass the
examination within 3 years after filing the application must
submit proof of successful completion of a
Department-authorized nursing education program or
recompletion of an approved licensed practical nursing program
prior to re-application.
(c) An applicant for licensure by examination shall have
one year from the date of notification of successful
completion of the examination to apply to the Department for a
license. If an applicant fails to apply within one year, the
applicant shall be required to retake and pass the examination
unless licensed in another jurisdiction of the United States.
(d) A licensed practical nurse applicant who passes the
Department-approved licensure examination and has applied to
the Department for licensure may obtain employment as a
license-pending practical nurse and practice as delegated by a
registered professional nurse or an advanced practice
registered nurse or physician. An individual may be employed
as a license-pending practical nurse if all of the following
criteria are met:
(1) He or she has completed and passed the

HB0366 - 4 - LRB102 02779 SPS 12786 b
Department-approved licensure exam and presents to the
employer the official written notification indicating
successful passage of the licensure examination.
(2) He or she has completed and submitted to the
Department an application for licensure under this Section
as a practical nurse.
(3) He or she has submitted the required licensure
fee.
(4) He or she has met all other requirements
established by rule, including having submitted to a
criminal history records check.
(e) The privilege to practice as a license-pending
practical nurse shall terminate with the occurrence of any of
the following:
(1) Three months have passed since the official date
of passing the licensure exam as inscribed on the formal
written notification indicating passage of the exam. This
3-month period may be extended as determined by rule.
(2) Receipt of the practical nurse license from the
Department.
(3) Notification from the Department that the
application for licensure has been denied.
(4) A request by the Department that the individual
terminate practicing as a license-pending practical nurse
until an official decision is made by the Department to
grant or deny a practical nurse license.

HB0366 - 5 - LRB102 02779 SPS 12786 b
(f) (Blank).
(g) All applicants for practical nurse licensure by
examination who are graduates of nursing educational programs
in a country other than the United States or its territories
shall have their nursing education credentials evaluated by a
Department-approved nursing credentialing evaluation service.
No such applicant may be issued a license under this Act unless
the applicant's program is deemed by the nursing credentialing
evaluation service to be equivalent to a professional nursing
education program approved by the Department. An applicant who
has graduated from a nursing educational program outside of
the United States or its territories and whose first language
is not English shall submit evidence of English proficiency,
as defined by rule.
(h) (Blank).
(i) (Blank).
(j) (Blank).
(k) (Blank).
(l) (Blank).
(m) All applicants for practical nurse licensure have 3
years from the date of application to complete the application
process. The Department must issue or deny a license no later
than 30 days after completion of the application. If the
process has not been completed within 3 years from the date of
application, the application shall be denied, the fee
forfeited, and the applicant must reapply and meet the

HB0366 - 6 - LRB102 02779 SPS 12786 b
requirements in effect at the time of reapplication.
(Source: P.A. 100-513, eff. 1-1-18.)
(225 ILCS 65/55-11)
(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)
Sec. 55-11. LPN licensure by endorsement.
(a) Each applicant who successfully meets the requirements
of this Section is eligible for licensure as a licensed
practical nurse.
(b) An applicant for licensure by endorsement who is a
licensed practical nurse licensed by examination under the
laws of another United States jurisdiction or a foreign
jurisdiction is eligible for licensure when the following
requirements are met:
(1) the applicant has submitted a completed written
application on forms supplied by the Department and fees
as established by the Department;
(2) the applicant has graduated from a practical
nursing education program approved by the Department;
(2.5) the applicant has successfully completed a
licensure examination approved by the Department;
(3) the applicant has been issued a licensed practical
nurse license by another United States or foreign
jurisdiction, which shall be verified, as defined by rule;
(4) the applicant has submitted to the criminal
history records check required under Section 50-35 of this

HB0366 - 7 - LRB102 02779 SPS 12786 b
Act; and
(5) the applicant has met all other requirements as
established by the Department by rule.
(c) An applicant licensed in another state or territory
who is applying for licensure and has received her or his
education in a country other than the United States or its
territories shall have her or his nursing education
credentials evaluated by a Department-approved nursing
credentialing evaluation service. No such applicant may be
issued a license under this Act unless the applicant's program
is deemed by the nursing credentialing evaluation service to
be equivalent to a professional nursing education program
approved by the Department. An applicant who has graduated
from a nursing education program outside of the United States
or its territories and whose first language is not English
shall submit evidence of English proficiency, as defined by
rule.
(d) A licensed practical nurse who holds an unencumbered
license in good standing in another United States jurisdiction
and who has applied for practical nurse licensure under this
Act by endorsement may be issued a temporary permit if
satisfactory proof of such licensure in another jurisdiction
is presented to the Department. The Department shall not issue
an applicant a temporary practical nurse permit until it is
satisfied that the applicant holds an active, unencumbered
license in good standing in another jurisdiction. If the

HB0366 - 8 - LRB102 02779 SPS 12786 b
applicant holds more than one current active license or one or
more active temporary permits from another jurisdiction, the
Department may not issue a temporary permit until the
Department is satisfied that each current active license held
by the applicant is unencumbered. The temporary permit, which
shall be issued no later than 14 working days following
receipt by the Department of an application for the temporary
permit, shall be granted upon the submission of all of the
following to the Department:
(1) a completed application for licensure as a
practical nurse;
(2) proof of a current, active license in at least one
other jurisdiction of the United States and proof that
each current active license or temporary permit held by
the applicant within the last 5 years is unencumbered;
(3) a signed and completed application for a temporary
permit; and
(4) the required temporary permit fee.
(e) The Department may refuse to issue an applicant a
temporary permit authorized pursuant to this Section if,
within 14 working days following its receipt of an application
for a temporary permit, the Department determines that:
(1) the applicant has been convicted of a crime under
the laws of a jurisdiction of the United States that is:
(i) a felony; or (ii) a misdemeanor directly related to
the practice of the profession, within the last 5 years;

HB0366 - 9 - LRB102 02779 SPS 12786 b
(2) the applicant has had a license or permit related
to the practice of practical nursing revoked, suspended,
or placed on probation by another jurisdiction within the
last 5 years and at least one of the grounds for revoking,
suspending, or placing on probation is the same or
substantially equivalent to grounds in Illinois; or
(3) the Department intends to deny licensure by
endorsement.
(f) The Department may revoke a temporary permit issued
pursuant to this Section if it determines that:
(1) the applicant has been convicted of a crime under
the law of any jurisdiction of the United States that is
(i) a felony or (ii) a misdemeanor directly related to the
practice of the profession, within the last 5 years;
(2) within the last 5 years the applicant has had a
license or permit related to the practice of nursing
revoked, suspended, or placed on probation by another
jurisdiction, and at least one of the grounds for
revoking, suspending, or placing on probation is the same
or substantially equivalent to grounds for disciplinary
action under this Act; or
(3) the Department intends to deny licensure by
endorsement.
(g) A temporary permit shall expire 6 months after the
date of issuance. Further renewal may be granted by the
Department in hardship cases, as defined by rule and upon

HB0366 - 10 - LRB102 02779 SPS 12786 b
approval of the Secretary. However, a temporary permit shall
automatically expire upon issuance of a valid license under
this Act or upon notification that the Department intends to
deny licensure, whichever occurs first.
(h) All applicants for practical nurse licensure have 3
years after the date of application to complete the
application process. The Department must issue or deny a
license no later than 30 days after completion of the
application. If the process has not been completed within 3
years after the date of application, 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. 100-513, eff. 1-1-18.)
(225 ILCS 65/60-10)
(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)
Sec. 60-10. RN licensure by examination.
(a) Each applicant who successfully meets the requirements
of this Section is eligible for licensure as a registered
professional nurse.
(b) An applicant for licensure by examination to practice
as a registered professional nurse is eligible for licensure
when the following requirements are met:
(1) the applicant has submitted a completed written
application, on forms provided by the Department, and
fees, as established by the Department;

HB0366 - 11 - LRB102 02779 SPS 12786 b
(2) the applicant has graduated from a professional
nursing education program approved by the Department or
has been granted a certificate of completion of
pre-licensure requirements from another United States
jurisdiction;
(3) the applicant has successfully completed a
licensure examination approved by the Department;
(4) (blank);
(5) the applicant has submitted to the criminal
history records check required under Section 50-35 of this
Act;
(6) the applicant has submitted, either to the
Department or its 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; and
(7) the applicant has met all other requirements
established by the Department by rule.
An applicant for licensure by examination may take the
Department-approved examination in another jurisdiction.
(b-5) If an applicant for licensure by examination
neglects, fails, or refuses to take an examination or fails to
pass an examination for a license within 3 years of the date of

HB0366 - 12 - LRB102 02779 SPS 12786 b
initial application, the application shall be denied. When an
applicant's application is denied due to the failure to pass
the examination within the 3-year period, that applicant must
undertake an additional course of education as defined by rule
prior to submitting a new application for licensure. Any new
application must be accompanied by the required fee, evidence
of meeting the requirements in force at the time of the new
application, and evidence of completion of the additional
course of education prescribed by rule.
(c) An applicant for licensure by examination shall have
one year after the date of notification of the successful
completion of the examination to apply to the Department for a
license. If an applicant fails to apply within one year, the
applicant shall be required to retake and pass the examination
unless licensed in another jurisdiction of the United States.
(d) An applicant for licensure by examination who passes
the Department-approved licensure examination for professional
nursing may obtain employment as a license-pending registered
nurse and practice under the direction of a registered
professional nurse or an advanced practice registered nurse
until such time as he or she receives his or her license to
practice or until the license is denied. In no instance shall
any such applicant practice or be employed in any management
capacity. An individual may be employed as a license-pending
registered nurse if all of the following criteria are met:
(1) He or she has completed and passed the

HB0366 - 13 - LRB102 02779 SPS 12786 b
Department-approved licensure exam and presents to the
employer the official written notification indicating
successful passage of the licensure examination.
(2) He or she has completed and submitted to the
Department an application for licensure under this Section
as a registered professional nurse.
(3) He or she has submitted the required licensure
fee.
(4) He or she has met all other requirements
established by rule, including having submitted to a
criminal history records check.
(e) The privilege to practice as a license-pending
registered nurse shall terminate with the occurrence of any of
the following:
(1) Three months have passed since the official date
of passing the licensure exam as inscribed on the formal
written notification indicating passage of the exam. The
3-month license pending period may be extended if more
time is needed by the Department to process the licensure
application.
(2) Receipt of the registered professional nurse
license from the Department.
(3) Notification from the Department that the
application for licensure has been refused.
(4) A request by the Department that the individual
terminate practicing as a license-pending registered nurse

HB0366 - 14 - LRB102 02779 SPS 12786 b
until an official decision is made by the Department to
grant or deny a registered professional nurse license.
(f) (Blank).
(g) (Blank).
(h) (Blank).
(i) (Blank).
(j) (Blank).
(k) All applicants for registered professional nurse
licensure have 3 years after the date of application to
complete the application process. The Department must issue or
deny a license no later than 30 days after completion of the
application. If the process has not been completed within 3
years after the date of application, the application shall be
denied, the fee forfeited, and the applicant must reapply and
meet the requirements in effect at the time of reapplication.
(l) All applicants for registered nurse licensure by
examination who are graduates of practical nursing educational
programs in a country other than the United States and its
territories shall have their nursing education credentials
evaluated by a Department-approved nursing credentialing
evaluation service. No such applicant may be issued a license
under this Act unless the applicant's program is deemed by the
nursing credentialing evaluation service to be equivalent to a
professional nursing education program approved by the
Department. An applicant who has graduated from a nursing
educational program outside of the United States or its

HB0366 - 15 - LRB102 02779 SPS 12786 b
territories and whose first language is not English shall
submit evidence of English proficiency, as defined by rule.
(m) (Blank).
(Source: P.A. 100-513, eff. 1-1-18.)
(225 ILCS 65/60-11)
(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)
Sec. 60-11. RN licensure by endorsement.
(a) Each applicant who successfully meets the requirements
of this Section is eligible for licensure as a registered
professional nurse.
(b) An applicant for registered professional nurse
licensure by endorsement who is a registered professional
nurse licensed by examination under the laws of another United
States jurisdiction or a foreign jurisdiction is eligible for
licensure when the following requirements are met:
(1) the applicant has submitted a completed written
application, on forms supplied by the Department, and fees
as established by the Department;
(2) the applicant has graduated from a registered
professional nursing education program approved by the
Department;
(2.5) the applicant has successfully completed a
licensure examination approved by the Department;
(3) the applicant has been issued a registered
professional nurse license by another United States or

HB0366 - 16 - LRB102 02779 SPS 12786 b
foreign jurisdiction, which shall be verified, as defined
by rule;
(4) the applicant has submitted to the criminal
history records check required under Section 50-35 of this
Act; and
(5) the applicant has met all other requirements as
established by the Department by rule.
(c) Pending the issuance of a license under this Section,
the Department may grant an applicant a temporary permit to
practice nursing as a registered professional nurse if the
Department is satisfied that the applicant holds an active,
unencumbered license in good standing in another United States
jurisdiction. If the applicant holds more than one current
active license or one or more active temporary licenses from
another jurisdiction, the Department may not issue a temporary
permit until the Department is satisfied that each current
active license held by the applicant is unencumbered. The
temporary permit, which shall be issued no later than 14
working days after receipt by the Department of an application
for the temporary permit, shall be granted upon the submission
of all of the following to the Department:
(1) a completed application for licensure as a
registered professional nurse;
(2) proof of a current, active license in at least one
other jurisdiction of the United States and proof that
each current active license or temporary license held by

HB0366 - 17 - LRB102 02779 SPS 12786 b
the applicant within the last 5 years is unencumbered;
(3) a completed application for a temporary permit;
and
(4) the required temporary permit fee.
(d) The Department may refuse to issue an applicant a
temporary permit authorized pursuant to this Section if,
within 14 working days after its receipt of an application for
a temporary permit, the Department determines that:
(1) the applicant has been convicted of a crime under
the laws of a jurisdiction of the United States that is (i)
a felony or (ii) a misdemeanor directly related to the
practice of the profession, within the last 5 years;
(2) the applicant has had a license or permit related
to the practice of nursing revoked, suspended, or placed
on probation by another jurisdiction within the last 5
years, if at least one of the grounds for revoking,
suspending, or placing on probation is the same or
substantially equivalent to grounds for disciplinary
action under this Act; or
(3) the Department intends to deny licensure by
endorsement.
(e) The Department may revoke a temporary permit issued
pursuant to this Section if it determines that:
(1) the applicant has been convicted of a crime under
the laws of any jurisdiction of the United States that is
(i) a felony or (ii) a misdemeanor directly related to the

HB0366 - 18 - LRB102 02779 SPS 12786 b
practice of the profession, within the last 5 years;
(2) within the last 5 years, the applicant has had a
license or permit related to the practice of nursing
revoked, suspended, or placed on probation by another
jurisdiction, if at least one of the grounds for revoking,
suspending, or placing on probation is the same or
substantially equivalent to grounds for disciplinary
action under this Act; or
(3) the Department intends to deny licensure by
endorsement.
(f) A temporary permit issued under this Section shall
expire 6 months after the date of issuance. Further renewal
may be granted by the Department in hardship cases, as defined
by rule and upon approval of the Secretary. However, a
temporary permit shall automatically expire upon issuance of
the Illinois license or upon notification that the Department
intends to deny licensure, whichever occurs first.
(g) All applicants for registered professional nurse
licensure have 3 years after the date of application to
complete the application process. The Department must issue or
deny a license no later than 30 days after completion of the
application. If the process has not been completed within 3
years after the date of application, the application shall be
denied, the fee forfeited, and the applicant must reapply and
meet the requirements in effect at the time of reapplication.
(h) An applicant licensed in another state or territory

HB0366 - 19 - LRB102 02779 SPS 12786 b
who is applying for licensure and has received her or his
education in a country other than the United States or its
territories shall have her or his nursing education
credentials evaluated by a Department-approved nursing
credentialing evaluation service. No such applicant may be
issued a license under this Act unless the applicant's program
is deemed by the nursing credentialing evaluation service to
be equivalent to a professional nursing education program
approved by the Department. An applicant who has graduated
from a nursing education program outside of the United States
or its territories and whose first language is not English
shall submit evidence of English proficiency, as defined by
rule.
(Source: P.A. 100-513, eff. 1-1-18.)
(225 ILCS 65/65-5) (was 225 ILCS 65/15-10)
(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)
Sec. 65-5. Qualifications for APRN licensure.
(a) Each applicant who successfully meets the requirements
of this Section is eligible for licensure as an advanced
practice registered nurse.
(b) An applicant for licensure to practice as an advanced
practice registered nurse is eligible for licensure when the
following requirements are met:
(1) the applicant has submitted a completed
application and any fees as established by the Department;

HB0366 - 20 - LRB102 02779 SPS 12786 b
(2) the applicant holds a current license to practice
as a registered professional nurse under this Act;
(3) the applicant has successfully completed
requirements to practice as, and holds and maintains
current, national certification as, a nurse midwife,
clinical nurse specialist, nurse practitioner, or
certified registered nurse anesthetist from the
appropriate national certifying body as determined by rule
of the Department;
(4) the applicant has obtained a graduate degree
appropriate for national certification in a clinical
advanced practice registered nursing specialty or a
graduate degree or post-master's certificate from a
graduate level program in a clinical advanced practice
registered nursing specialty;
(5) (blank);
(6) the applicant has submitted to the criminal
history records check required under Section 50-35 of this
Act; and
(7) if applicable, the applicant has submitted
verification of licensure status in another jurisdiction,
as provided by rule.
The Department must issue or deny a license no later than
30 days after receiving the required documentation.
(b-5) A registered professional nurse seeking licensure as
an advanced practice registered nurse in the category of

HB0366 - 21 - LRB102 02779 SPS 12786 b
certified registered nurse anesthetist who does not have a
graduate degree as described in subsection (b) of this Section
shall be qualified for licensure if that person:
(1) submits evidence of having successfully completed
a nurse anesthesia program described in item (4) of
subsection (b) of this Section prior to January 1, 1999;
(2) submits evidence of certification as a registered
nurse anesthetist by an appropriate national certifying
body; and
(3) has continually maintained active, up-to-date
recertification status as a certified registered nurse
anesthetist by an appropriate national recertifying body.
The Department must issue or deny a license no later than
30 days after receiving the required documentation.
(b-10) The Department may issue a certified registered
nurse anesthetist license to an APRN who (i) does not have a
graduate degree, (ii) applies for licensure before July 1,
2023, and (iii) submits all of the following to the
Department:
(1) His or her current State registered nurse license
number.
(2) Proof of current national certification, which
includes the completion of an examination from either of
the following:
(A) the Council on Certification of the American
Association of Nurse Anesthetists; or

HB0366 - 22 - LRB102 02779 SPS 12786 b
(B) the Council on Recertification of the American
Association of Nurse Anesthetists.
(3) Proof of the successful completion of a post-basic
advanced practice formal education program in the area of
nurse anesthesia prior to January 1, 1999.
(4) His or her complete work history for the 5-year
period immediately preceding the date of his or her
application.
(5) Verification of licensure as an advanced practice
registered nurse from the state in which he or she was
originally licensed, current state of licensure, and any
other state in which he or she has been actively
practicing as an advanced practice registered nurse within
the 5-year period immediately preceding the date of his or
her application. If applicable, this verification must
state:
(A) the time during which he or she was licensed in
each state, including the date of the original
issuance of each license; and
(B) any disciplinary action taken or pending
concerning any nursing license held, currently or in
the past, by the applicant.
(6) The required fee.
The Department must issue or deny a license no later than
30 days after receiving the required documentation.
(c) Those applicants seeking licensure in more than one

HB0366 - 23 - LRB102 02779 SPS 12786 b
advanced practice registered nursing specialty need not
possess multiple graduate degrees. Applicants may be eligible
for licenses for multiple advanced practice registered nurse
licensure specialties, provided that the applicant (i) has met
the requirements for at least one advanced practice registered
nursing specialty under paragraph paragraphs (3) and (5) of
subsection (b) (a) of this Section, (ii) possesses an
additional graduate education that results in a certificate
for another clinical advanced practice registered nurse
specialty and that meets the requirements for the national
certification from the appropriate nursing specialty, and
(iii) holds a current national certification from the
appropriate national certifying body for that additional
advanced practice registered nursing specialty.
(Source: P.A. 100-231, eff. 1-1-18; 100-513, eff. 1-1-18;
revised 8-21-20.)
Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon
becoming law.