IL HB2996

Changes the Illinois Occupational Therapy Practice Act sunset date from January 1, 2014 to January 1, 2024, extending the act's authorization by 10 years.

Expands occupational therapy services to include telehealth and electronic health care methods while maintaining the same standard of care as in-person treatment.

Eliminates the requirement for physician referrals for consultation, habilitation, screening, education, wellness, prevention, and work-related ergonomic services, and for school-based or educational services to children and youths.

Increases civil penalties for unlicensed occupational therapy practice from $5,000 to $10,000 per offense and increases maximum fines for professional misconduct from $2,500 to $10,000.

Reorganizes the act's administrative structure by replacing references to the "Director of Professional Regulation" with "Secretary of the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation" and updates board composition to include four occupational therapists and two assistants instead of one physician.