Agency improves license processing times; PA leader calls for modernization
(The Center Square) – The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation says it has reduced the average processing time for initial physician assistant license applications.
State lawmakers suggested last week that physician assistants were going to Iowa to get licensed due to long wait times in Illinois.
Following The Center Square’s report on the issue, IDFPR Secretary Mario Treto Jr. sent a letter to the Legislative Audit Commission on Wednesday, stating that the agency reduced the average processing time from 7.5 weeks in 2024 to 5.7 weeks in 2025.
In the letter, Treto said the average processing time for physician assistant license renewals is 24 hours.
He also cited an approximately 55% increase in the total number of physician assistants licensed in Illinois from 2021 to 2026.
Timothy Kinsey is executive director of the Illinois Academy of Physician Associates.
“The IDFPR has done a great job over the last couple of years of really improving the system from from where it used to be. That’s for sure,” Kinsey told The Center Square.
Kinsey said he did not have data on processing times in other states, but he did have anecdotes.
“We have seen PAs leaving the state of Illinois, going over to Iowa, not just because of faster licensing times, but just really a more modernized practice environment,” Kinsey said.
Kinsey said Senate Bill 3421, proposed by state Sen. Javier Cervantes, D-Chicago, would allow PAs to practice in a modernized way and expand access to care.
“PAs are definitely leaving the state for not just the licensing times, but just, you know, an overall more friendly practice space for PAs,” Kinsey said.
On Thursday, the Illinois Senate Executive Committee unanimously approved Treto’s reappointment as IDFPR secretary.
State Sen. Lakesia Collins, D-Chicago, said Treto is one of her constituents and urged her colleagues to support him.
“I would say that he has done a fantastic job, being in this position since 2021,” Collins said.
Treto’s reappointment now goes to the full Senate for consideration.
###
Partly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Latest News Stories
Frankfort Park District Updates Vehicle Policy on Take-Home Use
Frankfort Approves $1.1 Million in Fleet Upgrades and Sewer Infrastructure Contracts
Everyday Economics: History doesn’t repeat, but the Fed Is hearing an echo
Illinois DHS appointment sparks backlash over alleged voter registration mailer practices
Arctic defense begins in Galveston after Memorial Day
Illinois Quick Hits: Pritzker urges megaprojects support for Bears
Frankfort School District 157-C Approves New Honors Criteria, Hires Student Services Director at April Meeting
Lincoln-Way 210 Backs Mokena Downtown TIF Extension to 2044
Frankfort Township Board Granted Authority to Sell Lighthouse Pointe Senior Housing Lots
Shooting outside White House leaves one dead, one injured
Frankfort Park District Approves $449,000 in Contracts for Commissioners Park Overhaul
Bill to let felons vote from prison draws criticism from Republicans
Supreme Court yet to decide high profile cases
Government spending on seniors’ benefits soon to make up majority of federal budget