Carbondale Reporter

The application process has been simplified for those attempting to secure a nursing or temporary nursing license in the state of Illinois.

It is now easier to approve third-party negotiations with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). A standard authorization form will now be included in all application packets for licensed practical nurse (LPN), registered nurse (RN) and advanced practice nurse (APN), courtesy of the IDFPR. The form aims to streamline the process for allowing employers or license credentialing companies to communicate with the department about the licensee’s application.

“By making this simple, but effective change, we hope to streamline the application process to allow for a more straightforward, user-friendly applicant experience,” IDFPR Secretary Bryan Schneider said. “Providing a standardized form for individuals or companies to contact IDFPR on behalf of a nursing applicant provides for a more efficient regulatory experience, while improving patient access to a qualified nursing professional.”

The applicant can give permission to individuals or companies to speak with IDFPR representatives regarding basic information on fixing problems, such as missing documents needed from the applicant, or suggesting approved fingerprint vendors. The form also will allow the applicant to be entered into the IDFPR electronic licensing system, giving IDFPR’s licensing department permission to review the applicant’s paperwork and determine whether there are any missing documents, such as transcripts or exam results or absent state certifications.

When needed, deficiency notices will be mailed directly to the applicant during the review process.

“Streamlining the application process is value added to nurses, providers and health systems,” Dale Beatty, chief nursing officer for the University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System. “It allows for our state to assure we are in compliance with the regulations, while at the same time assuring that process is simplified, standardized and customer-focused.”

Those interested in learning more about the third-party authorization document can visit IDFPR’s website, www.idfpr.com, where visitors will find all nurse-licensee application forms.

Criminal history information may not be offered to third-party companies and will be exclusively communicated directly to the applicant, in line with Federal Law (28 CFR 50.12).