This report presents an overview of the status of programs of health professions education in Illinois and reviews the policies related to these programs that were adopted by the Board of Higher Education in the early 1980s. Specific questions addressed are as follows: (1) Are the number, type, and distribution of health professions programs appropriate for the demands of Illinois healthcare? (2) Are the numbers of graduates from health professions programs adequate to meet the employment demands in Illinois, or will Illinois be able to meet future need with its current educational capacity?; and (3) What is the status of participation by underrepresented groups in the health professions, and has there been progress in increasing minority representation in health professions education? The report is divided into two parts. Part 1 provides background information and discusses health education policies, current trends in health education, and health care issues. Part 2 focuses on trends in enrollment and degrees granted and lists occupational demands in 10 specific medical health professions: dental, podiatric, optometric, chiropractic, veterinary, pharmacy, nursing, health services administration, public health, and the allied health professions. Appendices present Illinois' policies on health professions education and statistical tables. (Contains 16 references.) (GLR)