Quinn authorizes increase of doctors' license fees

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Gov. Pat Quinn has authorized the increase of Illinois doctors' license fees after months of discussions among state officials, the physicians they regulate and the Legislature.

Quinn approved the measure allowing the fee increase Friday.

The cost of a three-year license under the new law is $700, up from $300. The fee hadn't increased since 1987.

Lawmakers say the increase will fix the finances of the state office that licenses doctors and investigates medical malpractice claims. Budget woes forced the office to slash its staff in half in January.

The fee increase will repay a $6.6 million loan that the office will use to rehire the 15 staffers that were let go.

The fee will drop to $500 in 2018.

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The bill is SB622.

Online: http://www.ilga.gov