Governor Pat Quinn has signed legislation to expand medical access to those in need by expanding volunteer opportunities by medical professionals. The bill will also allow additional qualified medical professionals to administer flu vaccines.
House Bill 4593 authorizes the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to issue volunteer licenses to healthcare professionals such a physicians, dentists, physician assistants, optometrists, and nursing professionals who meet all licensure qualifications and who wish to volunteer at free medical clinics for no compensation.
A health care professional may not hold a non-volunteer license and a volunteer license at the same time. The new law takes effect immediately.