INVESTIGATIONS

The majority of all licensees reside and conduct business in the Cook and its collar county area, and the majority of complaints received by the agency require investigation in that region. Thus, the Enforcement Division is headquartered in Chicago. Three enforcement teams - Medical, Health Related, and General - have Chicago and Springfield offices.

The disciplinary process begins when the Division becomes aware of a complaint against a licensee. Sources of complaints include members of the public, other licensees, law enforcement agencies, and other governmental agencies. Irregularities also are discovered by the agency during the course of routine enforcement activities and special enforcement programs.

Once reviewed, complaints are assigned to a Division investigator. The investigator is responsible for determining if there has been a potential violation of a licensing law, or Division rules and regulations. After developing the facts in cases where there appears to be a violation, the investigator refers the case to a prosecuting attorney.

If there is insufficient evidence to indicate a violation of the particular licensing statute, the investigative file is normally closed. The investigator also may determine facts that indicate a criminal activity that would lead to a referral to a county State's Attorney or the Illinois Attorney General.