Walker Highlights Professional License Renewal Extension, Help from Retired Medical Personnel

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. – State Rep. Mark Walker, D-Arlington Heights, is calling attention to recent license renewal changes from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) and the ability for former healthcare workers to return to the field to fight the COVID-19 outbreak.

“I’m glad IDFPR has decided to automatically renew professional licenses for the next four months,” Walker said. “These are skilled and professional workers, some of whom perform critical services like EMTs. During this outbreak, we need to do everything we can to help our workers continue to work if they can or provide more assistance if they’ve unfortunately been laid off.”

IDFPR recently announced that all professional licenses with renewal dates from March 1 to July 31, 2020 will be automatically renewed. Licensees may also now count virtual classes toward their continued education requirements. Additionally, Gov. J.B. Pritzker has authorized most former healthcare workers with expired licenses to return to the field and help fight COVID-19 without having to go through the lengthy application process. Healthcare professionals around Illinois’ border may also easily apply to work in-state. More information can be found at www.idfpr.com/COVID-19.asp.

“We should all be grateful for the hard work, dedication and personal risk our medical professionals and others are putting in to keep our state running in these difficult times,” Walker said. “I’m delighted to hear that nearly 200 former healthcare workers have applied to rejoin the field and encourage all who can to do so. Changes like these are how we prioritize the health and safety of all Illinoisans.”

Residents can find more information on the state’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak on Walker’s website at www.staterepwalker.com/coronavirus.