“First, do no harm” is a guiding principle in medicine, reflecting the commitment from doctors and nurses to ensure treatment and care to protect patients while not worsening outcomes.
Illinois’ licensing rules for medical professionals who want to volunteer in retirement run counter to this core tenet.
Physician and state Rep. William Hauter, R-Morton, introduced a bill to fix the problem. Several Democrats have signed on as co-sponsors.
Hauter’s House Bill 1270 would allow retired health care professionals in Illinois to switch from an active medical license, which costs $543 for a three-year renewal, to a free volunteer license, provided they meet certain conditions and do not receive compensation.
Click here to read the full editorial in the Chicago Tribune.