The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation’s (IDFPR) license renewal procedures recently underwent a conversion to permit online filing. As a result of the conversion, IDFPR was late in the initiation of accepting license renewals from several licensed professionals, including:
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Certified Public Accountants/Registered Certified Public Accountants
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Cosmetologists
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Dentists
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Dental Anesthesia Permit Holders
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Dental Hygienists
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Dental Specialists
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Estheticians
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Interior Designers
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Orthotists
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Pedorthists
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Physical Therapy Assistants; and
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Prosthetists
On September 21, 2021, IDPFR issued an official release stating that licensees’ renewal deadlines had been extended to December 31, 2021. Currently 150,000 licenses are up for renewal. Despite IDFPR’s delinquency in opening renewal registration, it kept many of the existing deadlines in place for completion of various continuing education requirements and other certifications. Licensed professionals should not assume that the renewal deadline extension also applies to continuing education requirements.
Licensed professionals should also ensure that they do not delay in attempting renewal. The IDFPR online services portal has experienced performance issues due to the high volume of online renewals resulting from the recent renewal window opening for multiple professions. The online service portal also contains links to online renewal instructions, user guides, and other resources. Sometimes licensees cannot obtain materials submitted to IDFPR without submitting a Freedom of Information Request. This means that licensees may need experienced attorneys to help obtain previously submitted application materials.
Despite the extension, some licensed professionals will inadvertently practice without a valid license. The delay may also place an excessive burden on professionals by requiring them to show physical proof of continuing education certifications. There are many nuances to IDFPR’s online renewal process. For example, dentists who obtained their original license prior to 2014, are required to register and create a new account before proceeding to the renewal application. Online renewal is also mandatory for some licensed professionals but not for others.
Attorneys experienced in IDFPR matters should be consulted when licensing issues arise from the online renewal process. A licensing issue that is the product of an honest mistake or lack of notice by IDFPR should not impact a professional’s ability to practice and earn a living. Williams & Nickl has represented thousands of licensed professionals and their licensed business entities who face issues with IDFPR. If you find yourself in such a situation, Williams & Nickl can provide the help you need.
