Stronger discipline for Illinois professionals

CHICAGO – Professionals in Illinois who break the rules of their licenses could face steeper penalties, thanks to a new state law pushed by state Senator Bill Haine, D-Alton.

A new law signed this summer by the governor gives regulators more flexibility when disciplining severe breaches of professional conduct.

“We need to hold professionals in Illinois to higher standards. This law is about accountability for egregious actions,” Haine said.

Haine sponsored the plan following a court case where a doctor was only given a 6-month suspension after having sex with and giving alcohol and marijuana to a 20-year-old patient.

In the court case Kafin v. IDFPR, the court overturned an Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation attempt to strip the doctor’s license. Haine’s plan strengthens the department’s ability to enforce its existing rules.

The department handles professional certification and licensing. It regulates jobs ranging from locksmiths to barbers and doctors to pawnshop managers.

The new law –Senate Bill 232 – takes effect Jan 1.