2023 Illinois Compiled Statutes › Chapter 225 - PROFESSIONS, OCCUPATIONS, AND BUSINESS OPERATIONS › 225 ILCS 65/ - Nurse Practice Act. › Article 55 - Nursing Licensure-Licensed Practical Nurses

(225 ILCS 65/Art. 55 heading) (was 225 ILCS 65/Tit. 10 heading)
ARTICLE 55.  NURSING LICENSURE - LICENSED
PRACTICAL NURSES
(Article scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)
(Source: P.A. 95-639, eff. 10-5-07.)
(225 ILCS 65/55-5)
(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)
Sec. 55-5. LPN education program requirements.
(a)  All Illinois practical nurse education programs must be reviewed by the Board and approved by the Department before the successful completion of such a program may be applied toward meeting the requirements for practical nurse licensure under this Act.  Any program changing the level of educational preparation or the relationship with or to the parent institution or establishing an extension of an existing program must request a review by the Board and approval by the Department.  The Board shall review and make a recommendation for the approval or disapproval of a program by the Department based on the following criteria:
(1)  a feasibility study that describes the need for     the program and the facilities used, the potential of the program to recruit faculty and students, financial support for the program, and other criteria, as established by rule;
(2)  program curriculum that meets all State     requirements;
(3)  the administration of the program by a Nurse     Administrator and the involvement of a Nurse Administrator in the development of the program; and
(4)  the occurrence of a site visit prior to approval.
(b)  In order to obtain initial Department approval and to maintain Department approval, a practical nursing program must meet all of the following requirements:
(1)  The program must continually be administered by     a Nurse Administrator.
(2)  The institution responsible for conducting the     program and the Nurse Administrator must ensure that individual faculty members are academically and professionally competent.
(3)  The program curriculum must contain all     applicable requirements established by rule, including both theory and clinical components.
(4)  The passage rates of the program's graduating     classes on the State-approved licensure exam must be deemed satisfactory by the Department.
(c)  Program site visits to an institution conducting or hosting a practical nursing program may be made at the discretion of the Nursing Coordinator or upon recommendation of the Board.
(d)  Any institution conducting a practical nursing program that wishes to discontinue the program must do each of the following:
(1)  Notify the Department, in writing, of its intent     to discontinue the program.
(2)  Continue to meet the requirements of this Act     and the rules adopted thereunder until the official date of termination of the program.
(3)  Notify the Department of the date on which the     last student shall graduate from the program and the program shall terminate.
(4)  Assist remaining students in the continuation of     their education in the event of program termination prior to the graduation of the program's final student.
(5)  Upon the closure of the program, notify the     Department, in writing, of the location of student and graduate records storage.
(Source: P.A. 95-639, eff. 10-5-07.)
(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     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 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     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.
(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. 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 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 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 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;
(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 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. 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 65/55-15)
(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)
Sec. 55-15. LPN license expiration; renewal.  The expiration date and renewal period for each license to practice practical nursing issued under this Act shall be set by rule.  The holder of a license may renew the license during the month preceding the expiration date of the license by paying the required fee.  It is the responsibility of the licensee to notify the Department in writing of a change of address.
(Source: P.A. 95-639, eff. 10-5-07.)
(225 ILCS 65/55-20)
(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)
Sec. 55-20. Restoration of LPN license; temporary permit.
(a)  Any license to practice practical nursing issued under this Act that has expired or that is on inactive status may be restored by making application to the Department and filing proof of fitness acceptable to the Department, as specified by rule, to have the license restored, and by paying the required restoration fee.  Such proof of fitness may include evidence certifying active lawful practice in another jurisdiction.
(b)  A practical nurse licensee seeking restoration of a license after it has expired or been placed on inactive status for more than 5 years shall file an application, on forms supplied by the Department, and submit the restoration or renewal fees set forth by the Department.  The licensee must also submit proof of fitness to practice, as specified by rule.
(c)  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, any license to practice practical nursing issued under this Act that expired while the licensee was (i) in federal service on active duty with the Armed Forces of the United States or in the State Militia and called into service or training or (ii) in training or education under the supervision of the United States preliminary to induction into the military service may have the license restored without paying any lapsed renewal fees if, within 2 years after honorable termination of such service, training, or education, the applicant furnishes the Department with satisfactory evidence to the effect that the applicant has been so engaged and that the individual's service, training, or education has been so terminated.
(d)  Any practical nurse licensee who shall engage in the practice of practical nursing with a lapsed license or while on inactive status shall be considered to be practicing without a license, which shall be grounds for discipline under Section 70-5 of this Act.
(e)  Pending restoration of a license under this Section, the Department may grant an applicant a temporary permit to practice as a practical nurse if the Department is satisfied that the applicant holds an active, unencumbered license in good standing in another jurisdiction.  If the applicant holds more than one current active license or one or more active temporary licenses from another jurisdiction, the Department shall not issue a temporary permit until it 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 permit, shall be granted upon the submission of all of the following to the Department:
(1)  A signed and completed application for     restoration of licensure under this Section as a licensed practical nurse.
(2)  Proof of (i) a current, active license in at     least one other jurisdiction and proof that each current, active license or temporary permit held by the applicant is unencumbered or (ii) fitness to practice nursing in this State, as specified by rule.
(3)  A signed and completed application for a     temporary permit.
(4)  The required permit fee.
(f)  The Department may refuse to issue to an applicant a temporary permit authorized under 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 within the last     5 years of any crime under the laws of any jurisdiction of the United States that is (i) a felony or (ii) a misdemeanor directly related to the practice of the profession;
(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 restoration of     the license.
(g)  The Department may revoke a temporary permit issued under this Section if:
(1)  the Department determines that the applicant has     been convicted within the last 5 years of any crime under the laws of any jurisdiction of the United States that is (i)  a felony or (ii)  a misdemeanor directly related to the practice of the profession;
(2)  within the last 5 years, the applicant 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 restoration of     the license.
(h)  A temporary permit or renewed temporary permit shall expire (i)  upon issuance of a valid license under this Act or (ii) upon notification that the Department intends to deny restoration of licensure.  Except as otherwise provided in this Section, the temporary permit shall expire 6 months after the date of issuance.  Further renewal may be granted by the Department in hardship cases that 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.  No extensions shall be granted beyond the 6-month period, unless approved by the Secretary.  Notification by the Department under this Section must be by certified or registered mail to the address of record or by email to the email address of record.
(Source: P.A. 100-513, eff. 1-1-18.)
(225 ILCS 65/55-25)
(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)
Sec. 55-25. Inactive status of a LPN license.   Any licensed practical nurse who notifies the Department in writing on forms prescribed by the Department may elect to place his or her license on inactive status and shall, subject to rules of the Department, be excused from payment of renewal fees until notice is given to the Department, in writing, of his or her intent to restore the license.
Any practical nurse requesting restoration from inactive status shall be required to pay the current renewal fee and shall be required to restore his or her license, as provided by rule of the Department.
Any practical nurse whose license is on an inactive status shall not practice nursing as defined by this Act in the State of Illinois.
(Source: P.A. 95-639, eff. 10-5-07.)
(225 ILCS 65/55-30)
(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)
Sec. 55-30. LPN scope of practice.
(a)  Practice as a licensed practical nurse means a scope of nursing practice, with or without compensation, under the guidance of a registered professional nurse or an advanced practice registered nurse, or as directed by a physician assistant,  physician, dentist, podiatric physician, or other health care professionals as determined by the Department, and includes, but is not limited to, all of the following:
(1) Conducting a focused nursing assessment and     contributing to the ongoing comprehensive nursing assessment of the patient performed by the registered professional nurse.
(2)  Collaborating in the development and     modification of the registered professional nurse's or advanced practice registered nurse's comprehensive nursing plan of care for all types of patients.
(3)  Implementing aspects of the plan of care.
(4)  Participating in health teaching and counseling     to promote, attain, and maintain the optimum health level of patients.
(5)  Serving as an advocate for the patient by     communicating and collaborating with other health service personnel.
(6)  Participating in the evaluation of patient     responses to interventions.
(7)  Communicating and collaborating with other     health care professionals.
(8)  Providing input into the development of policies     and procedures to support patient safety.
(Source: P.A. 100-513, eff. 1-1-18.)
(225 ILCS 65/55-35)
(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)
Sec. 55-35. Continuing education for LPN licensees.  The Department may adopt rules of continuing education for licensed practical nurses that require 20 hours of continuing education per 2-year license renewal cycle.  The rules shall address variances in part or in whole for good cause, including without limitation illness or hardship.  The continuing education rules must ensure that licensees are given the opportunity to participate in programs sponsored by or through their State or national professional associations, hospitals, or other providers of continuing education.  The continuing education rules must allow for a licensee to complete all required hours of continuing education in an online format. Each licensee is responsible for maintaining records of completion of continuing education and shall be prepared to produce the records when requested by the Department.
(Source: P.A. 101-655, eff. 3-12-21.)