DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL

Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Administrative Act. Provides that the Division of Developmental Disabilities of the Department of Human Services shall implement a direct support professional credential pilot program to assist and attract persons into the field of direct support, advance direct support as a career, and professionalize the developmental disabilities field to promote workforce recruitment and retention efforts, advance skills and competencies, and further ensure the health, safety, and well-being of persons being served. Amends the Health Care Worker Background Check Act. Defines "nursing or nursing-related services for pay". Amends the Nurse Practice Act. Provides that a certified nursing assistant shall lose his or her certification status if he or she goes 24 consecutive months without performing nursing or nursing-related services for pay. Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that the Department of Healthcare and Family Services and the Department of Human Services shall jointly submit the necessary application to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for a waiver or State Plan Amendment to allow remote monitoring and supports services for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities and seniors requiring in-home care, as a waiver reimbursable service. Provides that the application shall be submitted no later than September 30, 2018. Effective immediately.