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New Law Bars Sex Offenders From Medical Profession

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (CBS) -- Registered sex offenders are no longer allowed to work in the health care professions, under a bill signed into law this week.

As WBBM Newsradio 780's Dave Marsett reports, Gov. Pat Quinn on Thursday signed a law that will deny a health care license for anyone who is required to register as a sex offender.

LISTEN: Newsradio 780's Dave Marsett reports

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The same ban also will apply to people convicted of any forcible felony, even if it doesn't involve sex.

The ban goes into effect on Aug. 20.

Illinois State Sen. Kirk Dillard (R-Hinsdale) said he introduced the legislation after learning that a handful of Illinois doctors were on the state sex offender registry.

Supporters of the law say patients shouldn't be vulnerable to criminals when they need medical care.

(TM and © Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS Radio and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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