Do you think this law is fair in regards to healthcare workers in Illinois?

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Here in Illinois today, a law just went into effect, revoking any health care professional who practice under a license or certificate from working in the health care field who were convicted of sexual assault, misdemanor battery against a patient, or any forcible felony against a patient. Many practicing doctors and nurses alike lost their Illinois license...Do you feel that this law is justifiable, or do you think that those who were convicted should be given a second chance especially if they were not a multiple offender. Would like to hear other people views on this issue.

Specializes in LTC, Hospice, Case Management.

Of the 11 announced Monday, nine are registered sex offenders and two others were convicted of violent crimes. The convictions of the 11 include child Mediaography, indecent solicitation of a child, aggravated criminal sexual abuse and battery. In at least two cases the victims were patients.

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Brings my brain back to why we bother doing background checks (I'm in favor of them- just seems nobody reads them when they come back). :eek:

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IL is my homestate and it's where I went to nursing school and was originally licensed. I had to undergo a background check p/t being accepted into school - and I had to be fingerprinted before I could sit for NCLEX. The IDPR has required fingerprinting for nurses, doctors, teachers, childcare providers, etc applicants for years. Did the state finally start looking at people that were already licensed?? Bravo! :up:

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Specializes in Infectious Disease, Neuro, Research.

This isn't new guys, those of us that have been around awhile know of, or have known, docs and nurses (or other licensed "professionals") who've hopped from state to state. Typically, the State Boards have not "revoked" a license, if the offender no longer had residence because the Board "didn't have jurisdiction" (blatant cop-out, and done under pressure by the AMA).

Glad to see it. I do agree, it needs some watching to ensure that it isn't the new "Childcare-worker-falsely accused-molester" paradigm.

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IL is my homestate and it's where I went to nursing school and was originally licensed. I had to undergo a background check p/t being accepted into school - and I had to be fingerprinted before I could sit for NCLEX. The IDPR has required fingerprinting for nurses, doctors, teachers, childcare providers, etc applicants for years. Did the state finally start looking at people that were already licensed?? Bravo! :up:

I"m not sure when they started doing the fingerprints and background checks (I did nursing school and boards in IL also- 1985). When I moved back from TX in 2002, I had to get FBI and IL State Police fingerprints done. And I was GLAD to do it. I'm wondering if some of these people went to school and got licensed before prints were required. ???? It's just mind boggling that it took so long to actually DO something with the prints :uhoh3:

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Specializes in NICU, Psych, Education.

In at least one of these cases, it's just an issue of semantics. One of the docs is in prison until the next century. His license status merely changed from indefinitely suspended to permanently revoked.

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In at least one of these cases, it's just an issue of semantics. One of the docs is in prison until the next century. His license status merely changed from indefinitely suspended to permanently revoked.

At least he's where he belongs, and not still out practicing :)

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Specializes in Home Health.

That law is certainly justified!

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

If the people have actually been covicted, then they should not be practicing and I have no trouble with them losing their licenses. Life does not (and should not) always offer second chances.

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Personally, I am in support of this law. I don't want a sexual predator or someone that committed battery to treat me or my family.

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Here in Illinois today, a law just went into effect, revoking any health care professional who practice under a license or certificate from working in the health care field who were convicted of sexual assault, misdemanor battery against a patient, or any forcible felony against a patient. Many practicing doctors and nurses alike lost their Illinois license...Do you feel that this law is justifiable, or do you think that those who were convicted should be given a second chance especially if they were not a multiple offender. Would like to hear other people views on this issue.
I'm ok with any health care professional in any State having their license/certificate revoked for the 3 offenses you listed.
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