House Committee looking at long delays in health care licensing

ILLINOIS (25News Now) - The House Health Care Licenses Committee is looking at what can be done to resolve long delays in professional licensing at the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR).

During a hearing Wednesday, the Committee said nearby states turn around license applications and renewals in days, but the process can take IDFPR several months, sometimes more than half a year.

These delays have resulted in healthcare professionals being unable to work, losing their jobs and even moving out-of-state.

It has also caused a delay in healthcare services for patients.

“The loss of healthcare professionals directly ties into the delay of healthcare services,” said Rep. Bob Morgan, D-IL. “This is perhaps the most significant healthcare challenge in the state of Illinois at this moment.”

The Committee said there was not a single reason behind these delays, but limited resources have contributed to the issue.

“There will be a long road to really fix some of these structural challenges,” Morgan said. “These delays cannot continue.”

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