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- Referred 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 Assembly Committee · Higher Education · Sponsor Rory Lancman
Full text
The text isn't available here yet. Check nysenate.gov.
Sponsor's memo
BILL NUMBER:S4561
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
This legislation establishes a system for the licensing of therapeutic recreation specialists to ensure recreational therapy is performed by trained professionals and establishes standards for recreational therapy to preserve the quality of patient care.
Summary of 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 practicing therapeutic recreation, prohibits coercing a licensed recreational 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 jurisdictions.
Justification
Therapeutic recreation specialists provide vital treatment 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 therapeutic recreation specialists by creating a proper system for licensing to make sure that recreation therapy is performed by qualified individuals.
Legislative history
2010: S.6252 - Referred to Higher Education/A.8073 - Referred to Higher Education. 2009: S.6252 - Referred to Rules/A.8073 - Referred to Higher Education.
Fiscal implications
None.
Effective date
January 1 next succeeding the date after it shall have become a law; with provisions.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.