2023 Illinois Compiled Statutes › Chapter 225 - PROFESSIONS, OCCUPATIONS, AND BUSINESS OPERATIONS › 225 ILCS 65/ - Nurse Practice Act. › Article 60 - Nursing Licensure-RN

(225 ILCS 65/Art. 60 heading)
ARTICLE 60.  NURSING LICENSURE - RN
(Article scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)
(Source: P.A. 95-639, eff. 10-5-07.)
(225 ILCS 65/60-5)
(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)
Sec. 60-5. RN education program requirements; out-of-State programs.
(a)  All registered professional 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 registered professional 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;
(2.5) measurement of program effectiveness based on a     passage rate of all graduates over the 3 most recent calendar years without reference to first-time test takers;
(3)  the administration of the program by a Nurse     Administrator and the involvement of a Nurse Administrator in the development of the program;
(4)  the occurrence of a site visit prior to     approval; and
(5) beginning December 31, 2022, obtaining and     maintaining programmatic accreditation by a national accrediting body for nursing education recognized by the United States Department of Education and approved by the Department.
The Department and Board of Nursing shall be notified within 30 days if the program loses its accreditation.  The Department may adopt rules regarding a warning process and reaccreditation.
(b)  In order to obtain initial Department approval and to maintain Department approval, a registered professional nursing program must meet all of the following requirements:
(1)  The institution responsible for conducting the     program and the Nurse Administrator must ensure that individual faculty members are academically and professionally competent.
(2)  The program curriculum must contain all     applicable requirements established by rule, including both theory and clinical components.
(3)  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 professional nursing program may be made at the discretion of the Nursing Coordinator or upon recommendation of the Board. Full routine site visits may be conducted by the Department for periodic evaluation. Such visits shall be used to determine compliance with this Act.  Full routine site visits must be announced and may be waived at the discretion of the Department if the program maintains accreditation with an accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education and approved by the Department.
(d)  Any institution conducting a registered professional 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.
(e)  Out-of-State registered professional nursing education programs planning to offer clinical practice experiences in this State must meet the requirements set forth in this Section and must meet the clinical and faculty requirements for institutions outside of this State, as established by rule.  The institution responsible for conducting an out-of-State registered professional nursing education program and the administrator of the program shall be responsible for ensuring that the individual faculty and preceptors overseeing the clinical experience are academically and professionally competent.
(Source: P.A. 103-533, eff. 1-1-24.)
(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;
(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-3)     An applicant who graduates from a professional
nursing program in this State on or after the effective date of
this amendatory Act of the 103rd General Assembly and does not take the licensure examination within 180 days after his or her
degree is conferred by the institution of higher education or fails the licensure examination for a second time shall be required to demonstrate proof of completion of a National Council Licensure Examination preparatory  class or a comparable test preparatory program before taking a subsequent licensure examination or the graduate may return to the institution of higher education from which he or she graduated which shall provide remedial educational resources to the graduate at no cost to the graduate. Such an applicant must contact the
institution of higher education from which he or she graduated prior to retesting.
(b-4) All professional nursing programs in probationary status on the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 103rd General Assembly and subject to a program revision plan shall be deemed in good standing for a period of 3 years beginning on the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 103rd General Assembly. Prior to September 1, 2026, no professional nursing program shall be placed on probationary status for failing to reach  a passage rate of less than 75%.
(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 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     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 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.  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 territories and whose first language is not English shall submit evidence of English proficiency, as defined by rule.
(m) (Blank).
(Source: P.A. 103-533, eff. 1-1-24.)
(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 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 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 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. 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 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 65/60-15) (was 225 ILCS 65/10-37)
Sec. 60-15. (Repealed).
(Source: P.A. 95-639, eff. 10-5-07. Repealed by P.A. 100-513, eff. 1-1-18.)
(225 ILCS 65/60-20)
(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)
Sec. 60-20. Expiration of RN license; renewal.  The expiration date and renewal period for each registered professional nurse license 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 65/60-25)
(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)
Sec. 60-25. Restoration of RN license; temporary permit.
(a) Any license to practice professional 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 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 shall also submit proof of fitness to practice as specified by rule.
(c)  Any registered professional nurse license issued under this Act that expired while the licensee was  (1)  in federal service on active duty with the Armed Forces of the United States or in the State Militia called into service or training or (2) 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 licensee who engages in the practice of professional 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 registered professional nurse license under this Section, the Department may grant an applicant a temporary permit to practice as a registered professional 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 registered professional 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 Illinois, 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 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, if 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 restoration of     the license.
(h) A temporary permit or renewed temporary permit shall expire (i) upon issuance of an Illinois license or (ii) upon notification that the Department intends to deny restoration of licensure.  A temporary permit shall expire 6 months from the date of issuance.  Further renewal may be granted by the Department, in hardship cases, that shall automatically expire upon issuance of the Illinois license 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 65/60-30)
(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)
Sec. 60-30. Inactive status of a RN license.  Any registered professional 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 registered professional 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 registered professional nurse whose license is on inactive status shall not practice professional nursing as defined by this Act in the State of Illinois.
(Source: P.A. 95-639, eff. 10-5-07.)
(225 ILCS 65/60-35)
(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)
Sec. 60-35. RN scope of practice. The RN scope of nursing practice is the protection, promotion, and optimization of health and abilities, the prevention of illness and injury,  the development and implementation of the nursing plan of care, the facilitation of nursing interventions to alleviate suffering, care coordination, and advocacy in the care of individuals, families, groups, communities, and populations.  Practice as a registered professional nurse means this full scope of nursing, with or without compensation, that incorporates caring for all patients in all settings, through nursing standards of practice and professional performance for coordination of care, and may include, but is not limited to, all of the following:
(1) Collecting pertinent data and information     relative to the patient's health or the situation on an ongoing basis through the comprehensive nursing assessment.
(2) Analyzing  comprehensive nursing assessment data     to determine actual or potential diagnoses, problems, and issues.
(3) Identifying expected outcomes for a plan     individualized to the patient or the situation that prescribes strategies to attain expected, measurable outcomes.
(4) Implementing the identified plan, coordinating     care delivery, employing strategies to promote healthy and safe environments, and administering or delegating medication administration according to Section 50-75 of this Act.
(5) Evaluating patient progress toward attainment of     goals and outcomes.
(6) Delegating  nursing interventions to implement     the plan of care.
(7) Providing health education and counseling.
(7.5) Advocating for the patient.
(8) Practicing ethically according to the American     Nurses Association Code of Ethics.
(9) Practicing in a manner that recognizes cultural     diversity.
(10) Communicating effectively in all areas of     practice.
(11) Collaborating with patients and other key     stakeholders in the conduct of nursing practice.
(12) Participating in continuous professional     development.
(13) Teaching the theory and practice of nursing to     student nurses.
(14) Leading within the professional practice setting     and the profession.
(15) Contributing to quality nursing practice.
(16) Integrating evidence and research findings into     practice.
(17) Utilizing appropriate resources to plan,     provide, and sustain evidence-based nursing services that are safe and effective.
(Source: P.A. 100-513, eff. 1-1-18.)
(225 ILCS 65/60-40)
(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)
Sec. 60-40. Continuing education for RN licensees. The Department may adopt rules of continuing education for registered professional  nurses licensed under this Act 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.)