HB0559 Summary: Health Care Workforce Reinforcement Act

• Allows out-of-state licensed health care professionals to practice in Illinois during declared disasters without state licensure; suspends licensure requirements and allows scope of practice modifications for workers directed by Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Department of Public Health

• Extends temporary COVID-19 pandemic permits for out-of-state licensed physicians, nurses, pharmacists, therapists, psychologists, social workers, and other health professionals through May 2024, allowing them to continue practicing while applications for licensure by endorsement are processed

• Expands pharmacist scope of practice to include COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations, COVID-19 therapeutics, and testing/screening for influenza and SARS-CoV-2; authorizes pharmacy technicians and student pharmacists to administer vaccines and therapeutics under pharmacist supervision

• Modifies licensure inspection and review timeframes for nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and developmental disability facilities during public health emergencies to occur "to the extent feasible" rather than within fixed periods

• Allows international medical graduates to work in Illinois under physician supervision and delegation; adds new definitions and delegation authority for physicians regarding international medical graduate physicians