Rep. Hauter discusses professional licensure reform legislation

SPRINGFIELD - State Representative Bill Hauter (R-Morton) spoke out today in support of reforms to Illinois' outdated professional licensing system.

"Illinois is losing highly-compensated, highly-trained individuals like physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, physical therapists, veterinarians and many more to other states. Why? Because we can't get our licensing act together," Hauter said.

House Bill 1572, sponsored by Rep. Hauter, expedites licensure for health care professionals. Applicants for licenses in Illinois often face longer wait times than applicants in neighboring states, making it harder for health care facilities in Illinois to hire personnel and meet the state's health care needs.

Hauter's comments came at a statehouse news conference along with House Republican Leader Tony McCombie (R-Savanna) and Rep. Dave Severin (R-Benton) in support of a package of eleven bills aimed at improving Illinois' professional licensure process.

The spring session resumes today and will run for ten of the next eleven weeks.