IDFPR Enforcement of Physician Practice Laws and Regulations

As medical professionals, physicians and surgeons are highly regulated. The primary statute that applies to physicians is the Illinois Medical Practice Act. There are also extensive administrative regulations. The law and regulations include:

• Licensing standards and requirements
• Scope of medical practice and standards of care
• Education requirements and standards
• Disciplinary action for violations of laws and regulations

The significant degree of regulation for physicians and surgeons reflects the government’s interest in protecting the health, safety, and welfare of citizens. Only physicians who meet specific requirements are permitted to practice in Illinois. IDFPR offers a variety of licenses for physicians including:

• Physician, Licensed
• Physician Limited Temporary License
• Physician Temporary License
• Visiting Professor
• Visiting Physician
• Physician, Controlled Substance

When Can a Physician Lose His or Her License — or Face Professional Discipline — in Illinois?

The Illinois Medical Practice Act contains numerous types of conduct that can warrant disciplinary action. Examples of issues that are regulated by the Illinois Medical Practice Act and the corresponding administrative rules include:

• Habitual or excessive use or abuse of alcohol or drugs
• Obtaining a fee by misrepresentation, fraud, or deceit
• Conviction of a felony
• Gross negligence in practice
• Dishonorable, unethical, or unprofessional conduct likely to harm or defraud patients
• Practicing under a false or illegal assumed name
• Fraud or misrepresentation in licensing matters
• Adverse action against a license in another state
• Violation of the prohibition against fee-splitting
• Violation of laws on controlled substances
• Exploiting patients for financial gain
• Immoral conduct, including sexual misconduct, related to the physician’s practice
• Failure to file required reports
• Gross and willful overcharging
• Behavior demonstrating incapacity or incompetence to practice
• Mental or physical illness or disability resulting in the inability to practice
• Violation of the confidential privilege between physician and patient
• Failure to maintain records required by law
• Failure to cooperate with IDFPR