Illinois Code § 4
Illinois Code § 4. Reproduced from the official Illinois Compiled Statutes, with a citation summary, verification link, and related provisions.
§ 4.
(a) No person shall undertake to treat cancer unless such person is licensed under the Medical Practice Act of 1987 to practice medicine in all of its branches or is licensed under The Dental Practice Act to practice dentistry or is licensed under the Podiatric Medical Practice Act of 1987 to practice podiatric medicine. However, the treating of a condition or disease before it is diagnosed as cancer does not constitute a violation of subsection (a) of this Section unless the practitioner knew or had strong reason to suspect that the condition or disease was cancer. (b) Any person who violates subsection (a) of this Section shall be guilty of a Class 4 felony. (c) The Attorney General or State's Attorney of the county where a violation of this Act has occurred shall have power to prosecute any violation of this Act and shall have power to maintain an action in the name of the people of the State of Illinois in the circuit court of such county for an injunction to enjoin any person from engaging in any practice which violates this Act. (d) Nothing in this Act shall apply to any person who, as an exercise of religious freedom, treats the sick or suffering by spiritual means through prayer alone, nor to any person, who, because of his or her religious beliefs, in good faith selects and depends upon spiritual means through prayer for treatment or cure of disease. (Source: P.A. 85-1440.)
Source: official Illinois text · Last verified 2026-08-27
At a glance
- Citation: Illinois Compiled Statutes § 4
- Jurisdiction: Illinois
- Code: Illinois Compiled Statutes
- Text: transcribed from the official source (verify below)
Verify the text
Statute text is transcribed from the official Illinois Compiled Statutes. Confirm it against the primary source before relying on it:
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed Illinois attorney.
Common questions
What is the source of Illinois Compiled Statutes § 4?
The text above is transcribed from the Illinois Compiled Statutes, the codified statutes of Illinois. The official publisher link appears under "Verify the text" on this page.
What subject does Illinois Compiled Statutes § 4 address?
It addresses the rule set out in the section text. Read the section together with the surrounding provisions listed under "Nearby provisions" for the full picture.
Is Illinois Compiled Statutes § 4 still in force?
Statutes are amended, repealed, and renumbered every session. Confirm the current version at the official Illinois source before relying on this text.
Can this page be used as legal advice?
No. This is a reference transcription for research. Applying Illinois law to your facts requires a licensed Illinois attorney who can review the specifics.