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Americans for Autism Advocacy Urges Illinois Lawmakers to Continue to Reform its Professional Licensing Processes
12.06.2024
SPRINGFIELD, IL – Americans for Autism Advocacy issues the following comment in response to the Illinois Department of Professional and Financial Regulation (IDPFR) completing the first phase of completing upgrades to the state’s professional licensing process:
“Despite the Illinois Department of Professional and Financial Regulation (IDPFR) launching its new online processing platform on October 30th, the Land of Lincoln still has a long way to go in improving professional licensing. The new platform can only be used by clinical psychologists and music therapists. Licensed Professional Counselors, social workers, and speech pathologists who require a license from the IDPFR are still stuck in a bureaucratic system that is preventing these professionals from beginning their work. Governor Pritzker and leaders in both houses of the Illinois General Assembly need to put neurodiverse Illinoisans first by doing more to reform professional licensing while maintaining the integrity of the process.”
AFAA urges the Illinois General Assembly to adopt the following legislation in the 2025-2026 session:
- Counseling Compact – Illinois is one of 12 states to not be part of the widely popular compact that allows licensed counselors to practice in member states.
- Social Work Licensure Compact – The neighboring states of Iowa, Kentucky and Missouri are members of the compact. Illinois is a member of the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT), but not a member of the Counseling or Social Work Licensure compact.
- Universal Licensure Recognition Act – That would allow licensed professionals out of state to practice in Illinois as long they meet state requirements and pass testing as well.
- Illinois License Convenience Act – That would require the IDPFR to accept electronic forms of payment for licensing. This bill would speed up the professional licensing process in Illinois.
