IL HB4520

Extends the sunset date for the Professional Counselor and Clinical Professional Counselor Licensing and Practice Act from January 1, 2013 to January 1, 2023.

Revises the definition and scope of professional counseling to include conducting assessments, diagnosing, planning and implementing treatment to address mental, emotional, or behavioral disorders.

Establishes new licensing restrictions requiring licensed professional counselors to practice under supervision of a licensed clinical professional counselor, clinical social worker, clinical psychologist, or psychiatrist when providing clinical services in independent practice.

Increases civil penalties for unlicensed practice from $5,000 to $10,000 per offense and increases disciplinary fines from $1,000 to $10,000.

Updates references throughout the Act from "Director" to "Secretary" of the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and adds provisions requiring licensees to report suspected elder abuse consistent with the Elder Abuse and Neglect Act.