IL HB4665

Creates a 3-year direct support person credential pilot program within the Division of Developmental Disabilities to assess whether State-accredited credentials improve workforce recruitment, retention, and competence in the developmental disabilities field

Requires the pilot program to evaluate how credentials promote quality supports and services to persons with developmental disabilities and advance State health and safety requirements

Directs the Division to consider best practices including the University of Minnesota's college of direct support, national competencies standards, portfolio development, skill mentors, and career ladder creation

Mandates the Division produce a report on pilot program progress including recruitment and retention rates compared to non-participating providers, number of credentialed direct support persons, and quality of services enhancement

Allows certified nursing assistants to count work as direct support professionals toward maintaining certification status, preventing loss of certification due to 24 consecutive months of inactivity in nursing-related services