A recent law in Illinois allows physicians and certain other health professionals with valid medical licenses to request that their license be changed to a “volunteer” status through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). With this new status, licensed healthcare professionals must confirm that they will only provide care without receiving payment for their services. This applies to those working without compensation at free clinics or in other volunteer roles.
The legislation is aimed at retired physicians who want to keep their medical license active while volunteering. Those who wish to switch their license to volunteer status will be able to renew it this summer without paying a fee, which currently stands at $543.
The IDFPR has not yet provided specific guidance or an online application for requesting the volunteer status, but it is expected that the process will be available by the end of March. The Illinois State Medical Society encourages interested individuals to monitor its website for further updates.
Questions about the new law can be directed to the ISMS Health Policy Research and Advocacy team via email.
