The bill amends the Occupational Code to update the terms of office for members of various professional boards, specifying that these terms will commence on designated 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 every three years.

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 conditions for employment pending these checks. The bill also includes provisions for terminating employment if a conditional employee's background check does not align with their statements, and imposes misdemeanor charges for individuals who provide false information. Furthermore, it establishes ongoing monitoring requirements for employees, including the reporting of any criminal activity and the use of a confidential fingerprint database maintained by the Department of State Police and the FBI, along with an electronic system for employers to conduct background checks.

Statutes affected:
Substitute (H-1): 339.303
House Introduced Bill: 339.303