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Who cares
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Sponsors
3 Co-sponsors
History
- Print number 3754b
- Amend and recommit to higher education
- Referred to higher education
- Print number 3754a
- 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.
Defines the practice of recreational therapy and establishes procedures for licensure of recreational therapists and requirements for continuing education for recreational therapists
In Assembly Committee · Higher Education · Sponsor Kenneth Zebrowski
Full text
The text isn't available here yet. Check nysenate.gov.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the education law, in relation to defining the practice of recreational therapy and establishing procedures for licensure of recreational therapists and requirements for continuing education for recreational therapists
Purpose of the bill
This legislation establishes a system for licensing therapeutic recreation specialists to ensure recreational therapy is performed by trained professionals by establishing standards for recreational therapy to preserve the quality of patient care. This bill would create clear definitions for practice of recreational therapy, requirements for a professional license, and procedure surrounding the occupation.
Summary of provisions
Section one of the bill amends the education law by adding a new article 158 as it relates to licensing recreational therapists. Article 158 establishes 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.
Section two of the bill relates to the effective date.
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.
Prior legislative history
2014: S.2141 Referred to Higher Education / A.5303 Referred to Higher Education
Fiscal implications for state
To be determined.
Effective date
This act shall take effect on the one hundred twentieth after it shall have become law.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.