SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to address the nursing shortage in Illinois, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton passed a law to extend the time nurses can practice while waiting for the review of their license application.

“Long application waiting periods should not affect a nurse’s ability to work,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “This initiative ensures our medical facilities are filled with qualified professionals who can continue to provide high-quality care under supervision while awaiting their license.”

Under the new measure, advanced practice registered nurses with pending applications will be allowed to practice under supervision for six months while waiting for the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation’s review of their application. Previously, this status was revoked after three months. These nurses would need to have completed at least 250 hours of continuing education in their area of certification and have at least 4,000 hours of clinical experience to be applicable for this opportunity.

According to The Illinois Update, over half of registered nurses in Illinois are over the age of 55, with the state being projected to see a nursing shortage of 15,000 by 2025. Glowiak Hilton’s law will help combat this shortage and bring more nurses to hospitals within the state.

“Illinois’ nursing shortage is a crisis, and we cannot turn away accredited professionals,” said Glowiak Hilton. “Our nurses provide compassion and care for patients — turning them away would cause even more harm for those who desperately need immediate care.”

House Bill 5047 was signed into law Friday and takes effect Jan. 1, 2025.