CHICAGO – State investigators who look into complaints against Illinois doctors are being warned that layoffs will start in January unless the Legislature raises doctor licensing fees.

A spokeswoman for the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation said staff members were informed about the layoffs Thursday afternoon. Eighteen positions are targeted for elimination, including more than half the investigators whose work ultimately protects patients from bad doctors.

Investigators review the allegations from the public, law enforcement and other states of doctor sexual misconduct, alcoholism and malpractice. They build cases that can lead to fines and reprimands, and sometimes cause doctors to lose their licenses.