Under Illinois law, all physicians, chiropractors, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, psychologists, and other healthcare professionals are required to obtain a professional license through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). A person who practices medicine without a valid professional license is committing a crime under Illinois law and a conviction could result in potential jail time.
Practicing Without a License
When an individual gives medical advice or medical treatment, but that individual does not hold a current valid medical license, Illinois law says they are guilty of the unauthorized practice of medicine. This includes engaging in any of the following activities:
- Diagnosing conditions
- Issuing prescriptions for medications
- Performing surgery
- Advertising or attempting to advertise the practice
If a patient suffered any type of harm because of the unauthorized practice, the individual could also face additional criminal charges.
Consequences of Practicing Medicine Without a License
Not only can the individual practicing medicine without a license be charged with a criminal offense but anyone who aids and/or conspires with that individual can also be charged with a crime. For example, if you are a nurse who holds a current and valid Illinois nursing license, but you are working at a medical practice owned by a physician who does not have a current or valid medical license, you could be arrested and charged with unlicensed practice because, under the law, you are aiding and abetting the doctor in his breaking of the law.
Under the regulations of the Illinois Nursing Board, a criminal conviction is grounds for revocation of a nursing license, so if you are arrested and convicted of unlicensed practice, your Illinois nursing license will likely be revoked.
Contact an Illinois Professional License Defense Attorney
While there are situations where an individual intentionally practices medicine without a license, knowingly breaking the law, there are also many other reasons why an individual may not realize they are practicing without a valid license, such as not realizing their license needed to be renewed.
If you have been notified that you are being investigated for unlicensed practice – or any other allegation or complaint filed against you – it can be very detrimental to your situation to try to deal with the situation on your own and without skilled legal representation from an attorney who has extensive experience in professional license issues. Call Williams & Nickl, LLC at 312-335-9470 to schedule a free and confidential consultation with one of our dedicated Chicago, IL professional license defense lawyers.
Source:
https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=022500600K22
