The bill amends the Occupational Code to update the terms of office for members of various professional boards, specifying commencement dates for professions such as accountancy, architecture, and cosmetology. It introduces Article 14A, which establishes licensing requirements for professional guardians and conservators, including age, educational qualifications, criminal background checks, and the necessity for professional liability insurance. The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs is tasked with maintaining a list of licensed professionals and overseeing the license renewal process, which incorporates continuing education requirements.

Additionally, the bill enforces strict regulations on the employment of individuals with direct access to incapacitated or protected individuals, prohibiting the hiring of those with certain criminal convictions. It mandates criminal history checks for all applicants and outlines a framework for conditional employment pending these results. The bill also includes provisions for terminating employment if a conditional employee's background check contradicts their statements, imposes misdemeanor charges for providing false information, and establishes ongoing monitoring of employees, including the requirement to report any criminal arraignments or convictions. The Department of State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation will maintain a confidential database for background checks, ensuring that only qualified individuals are employed in these sensitive roles.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 339.303