Agency improves license processing times; PA leader calls for modernization

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

(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.

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