* Click here for some additional background. WAND last year…

Thousands of health care workers in Illinois are worried about their job security due to unreasonable waiting periods for the state to approve or renew their licenses. State lawmakers believe the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation must be held accountable.

IDFPR is responsible for the routine licensing of your health care providers, but lawmakers and industry leaders argue the state agency is failing in that role.

“Applicants tell us that there’s no real way for them to obtain status updates on their applications or renewals,” said David Porter, the senior vice president of health policy research and advocacy for the Illinois State Medical Society. “There’s virtually no chance to be able to connect with someone at the department by phone or email who could provide such updates.” […]

IDFPR officials told lawmakers that they have spent months trying to find a replacement for the state’s outdated licensing system. Secretary Mario Treto Jr. said the department recently landed a master contract, but the deal is no longer on the table.

* WCIA in May…

Some people looking to renew their license through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) have had to wait months.

“This has been going on for years, and people’s lives shouldn’t be played with,” House Minority Leader Tony McCombie (R-Savanna), said.

In the past, the agency has cited their outdated licensing system for delays. To address that, Governor Pritzker signed legislation in December giving the agency ninety days to enter a contract with a vendor to obtain a new one.

But that deadline has come and gone. […]

Now, the deadline has been pushed to June. In an email to WCIA, the agency said “IDFPR is working through the procurement process towards securing a new state-of-the-art online licensing system; however, as stated during the subject matter hearing on May 8, 2024, the state procurement code prohibits discussion of active procurements. The Department will provide updates to the public as they become available.”

* Today from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation…

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) announced today the launch of the Comprehensive Online Regulatory Environment (CORE), its new online licensing system, for the first set of IDFPR-licensed professionals. The new online process eliminates the need for paper applications, gives applicants more control over their application materials, and helps prevent deficient applications from being submitted. In addition to creating a streamlined online application process, CORE features a simplified review process for all license applications received by IDFPR.

“Everyone wanting to earn a living in Illinois in the 21st century should have tools of the times available so they can be licensed and get to work as soon as possible,” said IDFPR Secretary Mario Treto, Jr. “Combined with our steps to streamline our current processes, CORE demonstrates our commitment to fulfilling that mission for the betterment of Illinois, and I look forward to our team fully transitioning our services to this new system over the next two years.”

Today’s launch of CORE marks the first completed step of a planned, multiphase approach by IDFPR over the next two years that will ensure applications for more than 300 license types and records for more than 1.2 million professionals are properly transitioned. IDFPR’s CORE is a result of its work with Tyler Technologies, a leading provider of integrated software and technology services for the public sector. CORE is built on their State Regulatory Platform Suite, which allows regulatory agencies like IDFPR to oversee professional and occupational licenses.

Starting today, new applicants seeking initial licensure for three license types (clinical psychologists, nail technicians, and music therapists) will submit their applications online using CORE. IDFPR selected these three license types to test and ensure CORE’s functionality, while preparing to add all other professions licensed by IDFPR across five additional phases over the next two years. The next phases are:

“Today, we write the first chapter of the next success story for all of Illinois,” said Acting Director of Professional Regulation Camile Lindsay. “While all great stories take time to complete, we know how this one will end: redefining the professional licensing process so even more qualified workers can provide essential services to the people of Illinois.”

To create a streamlined review process, CORE features a user-friendly interface with improved communications. Prospective licensees will be notified directly within the system when applications are received, reviewed, and licenses are issued by the Department—eliminating the need for paper mail and email responses from the Department. In addition, enforcement services (including complaint intake and review, document tracking, and investigations) will be transitioned to CORE. IDFPR will make user guides available online as more services are added to CORE, while continuing its diligent work in reviewing and issuing licenses to qualified applicants under its current processes.

“We are pleased to work with the IDFPR to improve the professional licensing process in Illinois with Tyler’s software,” said General Manager, Tyler Illinois Deanna Gronlie Cook. “Our State Regulatory Platform Suite is fully configurable, making it easy for users to add license types, rules, and processes when new legislation or regulatory requirements are enacted. We are confident this application will enhance the licensing process for various professionals in the state.”

IDFPR will make an announcement when each CORE implementation phase is completed. More information about professional licensing in Illinois may be found on IDFPR’s website: idfpr.illinois.gov.

…Adding… Rep. Bob Morgan…