Aquino law removes barriers to licensing for international health care professionals

Legislation sponsored by State Senator Omar Aquino expanding licensing opportunities and procedures for internationally trained and licensed health care professionals was signed into law Friday.

“The demand for qualified health care professionals in our state will continue to grow in the coming years,” said Aquino (D-Chicago). “This law creates a licensing liaison to serve as a resource for international applicants and streamline the process so we can continue to grow our health care workforce.”

Under Aquino’s legislation, the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation will create an Office of the Ombudsman for International Applicants. This office will employ a full-time licensing liaison for international applicants to assist applicants in answering questions and providing information on education requirements for licenses.

During the 102^nd General Assembly, Aquino supported a law creating the Task Force on Internationally-Licensed Health Care Professionals to explore strategies for removing barriers to licensure for international health care professionals. The Task Force identified the need to create a full-time position at IDFPR dedicated to helping applicants navigate the process of gaining licensure in Illinois.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, international medical graduates worked on the front lines providing critical care to patients across our state,” Aquino said. “Creating a permanent office to help applicants navigate the process of re-establishing their licensure in Illinois is a small way to show our appreciation for their dedication to public health while also helping to combat the shortage of qualified medical professionals.”

House Bill 2948 was signed into law Friday and takes effect Jan. 1, 2024.

Aquino releases statement on assault weapons ban ruling

In response to the Illinois Supreme Court’s ruling on House Bill 5471, the Protect Illinois Communities Act, State Senator Omar Aquino (D-Chicago) released the following statement:

“For far too long, communities across our state and nation have felt the scourge of gun violence in their everyday lives – including our children. With this provision in place, we’re sending a message to the people across our state that we will not tolerate weapons of war flooding our communities, killing our neighbors, family and children.

“There is no reason these weapons should be available for any reason other than for trained law enforcement and military officers to uphold public safety. As a parent, I want to see my children live and grow up without the fear of mass shootings at school or in their communities. Moving forward with the implementation of this law moves us closer to that world.”

To read the Illinois Supreme Court’s full opinion, click here.

Aquino plan to expand availability of home health services signed into law

A measure championed by State Senator Omar Aquino to increase the availability of home health services and in-home care was signed into law Friday.

“The demand for programs that provide skilled, compassionate in-home care is growing,” said Aquino (D-Chicago). “This law addresses that need by expanding the pool of home health services that can provide critical in-home care to older residents and people with disabilities.”

Under Aquino’s legislation, professional licenses for home health, home services, and home nursing agencies will be valid for 240 days instead of 120 days. The new law also allows agencies to receive a renewal of a provisional license for up to 90 days while working toward full licensure, enabling them to continue offering services without disruption for thousands of patients who require in-home care.

In-home care workers provide essential services to seniors and people with disabilities so that they can live independently in their homes and contribute to their communities. Home health agencies have reported an inability to admit patients due to staffing and service shortages in recent years, with some agencies rejecting as many as 40% of new patent referrals, according to the National Association for Home Care & Hospice. Aquino’s law will ensure that home health agencies who are not in operation at the time of application for licensure will be able to operate on a provisional license as long as they are making progress toward full licensure requirements.

“Without home care, people often have no other option than to move into a nursing home, even if they aren’t ready – a choice that no family should have to face,” Aquino said. “By alleviating some of the yearly license renewal requirements and other administrative barriers, this law will help increase the availability of home health services and alleviate the stress on families trying to navigate care for their loved ones.”

Senate Bill 2271 was signed into law Friday and will take effect Jan. 1, 2024.

Aquino stands up for women’s reproductive rights

CHICAGO – Following the news of the overturning of the landmark Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision, State Senator Omar Aquino (D-Chicago) released the following statement:

“While we knew this day was coming, I don’t think anyone can be fully prepared for the devastating impact of this attack on women’s reproductive rights. I am appalled, but not shocked.

“This decision is a severe infringement on the civil liberties of our nation’s women, and even worse, this opens the door to further attacks on the civil liberties of us all. I stand with fellow leaders to continue the fight for reproductive rights in Illinois and beyond.”