Section 305 ILCS 5/5-5.09 - Mental health professionals; veterans(a) The General Assembly is proud of and grateful to members of all branches of the United States Armed Forces. The General Assembly recognizes that returning veterans may have unique and specific needs that are better understood and addressed by persons with military exposure. The Department of Healthcare and Family Services shall seek federal approval of an amendment to the Illinois Title XIX State Plan for the purpose of allowing a person who has completed a psychiatric training certification program from any branch of the United States Armed Forces and who has at least one year of experience in a mental health setting to be recognized as a mental health professional.(b) Upon receipt of federal approval of an amendment to the Illinois Title XIX State Plan for this purpose, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, in collaboration with all necessary partners including the Department of Human Services, shall adopt within 180 days after the date upon which federal approval is received any necessary rules that would allow a person who has completed a psychiatric training certification program from any branch of the United States Armed Forces and who has at least one year of experience in a mental health setting to be recognized as a mental health professional for purposes of programs authorized or funded by the Department of Healthcare and Family Services under the standards of practice as authorized by the Department.Added by P.A. 100-0908,§ 5, eff. 1/1/2019.