Licensure in Illinois

 

General information

  • In order to practice as an occupational therapist or certified occupational therapy assistant in the state of Illinois, you must hold a license issued by the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation.
  • Illinois licenses expire on December 31 of each odd numbered year. The State of Illinois requires the completion of 24 contact hours of continuing education each renewal period. It is the responsibility of the licensee to complete the required renewal process in a timely manner.
  • It is the responsibility of each licensee to notify the Department of Professional Regulation of any change of address.  Failure to receive a renewal form from the Department shall not constitute an excuse for failure to pay the renewal fee or to renew one's license.
  • It is recommended that experienced therapists moving to Illinois or those renewing an Illinois license complete all paperwork with enough time for the paperwork to be processed and the new license to be received. Completing the application process or being told the license is in the mail is not adequate to practice.  A license must be in procession in order to be valid.
  • Procedures for applying for new license as a new graduate can be explained by your school.
  • No individual can practice occupational therapy in the State of Illinois without a valid license.
  • Information regarding the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation can be found at www.idfpr.com
  • Information specifically directed to the field of Occupational Therapy can be found at www.idfpr.com/dpr/who/ot.asp

IDPR Contact information

Mailing Address
Springfield Office:
320 West Washington St
Springfield, IL 62786

Chicago Office:
James R. Thompson Ctr
100 W. Randolph St
Suite 9-300
Chicago, IL 60601

Telephone
Springfield Office:
(217)785-0800
(217)524-6735 TDD
(217)782-7645 FAX
Chicago:
(312)814-4500

What part does ILOTA play in Illinois Licensure?

ILOTA does not license OT’s. The State of Illinois controls the application process, disciplinary actions, fees and licensing requirements including the statement of Professional Conduct required by each licensed professional.

The ILOTA does provide input and lobbying functions in order to protect the integrity of the OT license in the State of Illinois. Lobbying for our profession is only made possible through an active and supportive membership. Each occupational therapy professional in the state of Illinois should maintain membership with the ILOTA in order to support this vital function.

 

Current Licensure Board Members

Nancy Richman, OTR/L (Chair)

1268 Sheridan Road

Highland Park, IL  60035

(847) 432-3833

Email:nzrichman@aol.com

 

Karin Grear, COTA/L

7358 South Green

Chicago, IL  60621

(312) 942-2786

Email:karingrear@hotmail.com

 

Proshanta K. Nandi Ph.D

501 Colbrook Drive

Springfield, IL

(217)787-2950

Email:pnandi@att.net

 

Ruth J. Bixby, OTR/L

5220 Shepherd Road

P.O. Box 19256

Springfield, IL

(217) 786-2872

Email:ruthbixby@llcc.edu

 

ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF PROFESSIONAL REGULATION

INTERNET WEB SITE:  www.IDFPR.com

Look on the menu on the left side of the page to go into the Professional Regulation section. The following information is available on the Department’s web site:

  • List of professions regulated, their Acts and Rules
  • Board/Committee information and member listings
  • Monthly Disciplinary Reports
  • How to file a complaint against a licensee
  • Obtain an application for licensure

 

APPLICATIONS:  217-782-8556

A person with inquires about application requirements or pending applications.

 

LICENSURE MAINTENANCE (LMU):  217-782-0458 Fax: 217-782-7645

If you need assistance or have a question about an existing license, please direct your inquiry to the Licensure Maintenance Unit (LMU).

  • Change of name and address
  • Renewals
  • Certification to another state or country
  • Reinstatements and restorations
  • Inactive status adjustments
  • Requests for professional acts and rules
  • Requests for applications forms

 

COMPLAINTS AND INVESTIGATIONS:  312-814-6910

If you have a complaint against any individual or entity regulated by the Department of Professional Regulation, you may contact the Complaint Intake Unit.  All complaints that are received will be promptly forwarded to a Department investigator.   Complaints may also be submitted in writing to the Complaint Intake Unit at 100 West Randolph Street, Suite 9-300, Chicago, Illinois 60601, or can be made in person at either the Department’s Springfield or Chicago office.  When submitting a written complaint, please be as detailed as possible, and include your name, address, and telephone number so that the Department investigator can contact you if necessary.