What's happening
Writing a plain-English summary… Track this bill to get it by email.
Why it matters
Albany, before your first meeting.
Every bill that moved yesterday, summarized in a sentence and ranked by impact. The Albany Scorecard follows on Sundays.
Free. Unsubscribe in one click. Want alerts on specific bills? Create an account.
Who cares
Headline styles
Sponsors
2 Co-sponsors
2 Multi-sponsors
History
- Referred to higher education
- Print number 8073a
- Amend (t) and recommit to higher education
- Referred to higher education
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Licenses therapeutic recreation specialists
In Senate Committee · Higher Education · Sponsor Andrew J. Lanza
Full text
The text isn't available here yet. Check nysenate.gov.
Sponsor's memo
BILL NUMBER:A8073A
Title of bill
An act to amend the education law, in relation to the licensure of therapeutic recreation specialists; and to amend chapter 676 of the laws of 2002, amending the education law and the social services law relating to licensing mental health practitioners, in relation to preventing prohibitions or limitations on the activities or services of certain persons
Purpose or general idea of bill
This legislation establishes a system for the licensing of therapeutic recreation specialists to ensure recre- ational therapy is performed by trained professionals and establishes standards for recreational therapy to preserve the quality of patient care.
Summary of specific provisions
The education law is amended by adding a new article 156-A. Article 156-A sets standards for evaluation and treatment authorization, prevents persons lacking a license from prac- ticing therapeutic recreation, prohibits coercing a licensed recreation- al therapist under certain circumstances, establishes eligibility requirements for licensure and license renewal, creates disciplinary procedures to guide the revocation, suspension or denial of a license and sets guidelines for the recognition of licenses from other jurisdic- tions.
Justification
Therapeutic recreation specialists provide vital treat- ment for individuals with disabilities or illnesses. Using a variety of techniques, including arts and crafts, animals, sports, games, dance and movement, therapists improve and preserve the physical, mental, and emotional health of their patients. Given the important nature of their work, it is essential that high professional standards are set for ther- apeutic recreation specialists by creating a proper system for licensing to make sure that recreation therapy is performed by qualified individ- uals.
Legislative history
None.
Fiscal implications
None.
Effective date
This act shall take effect on the first of January next succeeding the date on which it shall have become a law.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.