FINAL BILL REPORT

SHB 2315

C 216 L 02

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Providing for the registration of recreational therapists.

Sponsors:  By House Committee on Health Care (originally sponsored by Representatives Cody, McDermott, Kenney and Tokuda).

House Committee on Health Care

House Committee on Appropriations

Senate Committee on Health & Long‑Term Care

Background:

The services and activities of recreation therapy are not regulated by the state as a health profession.  Recreation therapists provide the use of recreational and/or community counseling and community integration as treatment intervention to improve the functioning of persons with disabilities.

Summary:

A registration program for recreation therapy is established under the secretary of the Department of Health (DOH). Persons who practice or represent themselves as a registered recreation therapist must register with the DOH.

A recreation therapist performs recreational and/or community activities to include leisure counseling and community integration as treatment intervention to improve functional leisure and community competence of persons with physical, cognitive, emotional, behavioral, or social disabilities.

The secretary is authorized to adopt rules implementing the registration program and establish registration fees and procedures necessary to administer the program.  The secretary must register an applicant who complies with the requirements of the chapter.

The secretary is the disciplining authority under the Uniform Disciplinary Act and will govern the issuance and denial of registration, unauthorized practice, and the discipline of persons registered under this act for unprofessional conduct.

Votes on Final Passage:

House970

Senate389

Effective:  July 1, 2003