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S.B. 53 Enrolled

             1     

RECREATIONAL THERAPY PRACTICE ACT AMENDMENTS

             2     
2012 GENERAL SESSION

             3     
STATE OF UTAH

             4     
Chief Sponsor: Gene Davis

             5     
House Sponsor: Lynn N. Hemingway

             6     
             7      LONG TITLE
             8      General Description:
             9          This bill renumbers and modifies the Recreational Therapy Practice Act in relation to
             10      licensure, scope of practice, and other matters.
             11      Highlighted Provisions:
             12          This bill:
             13          .    defines terms;
             14          .    renumbers the Recreational Therapy Practice Act in relation to licensure, scope of
             15      practice, and other matters;
             16          .    provides that one member of the board assist the division in reviewing complaints;
             17          .    provides requirements for licensure under the act;
             18          .    provides exemptions from licensure under the act;
             19          .    clarifies the scope of practice and other requirements of a person licensed under the
             20      act;
             21          .    extends the sunset date of the Recreational Therapy Practice Act; and
             22          .    makes technical changes.
             23      Money Appropriated in this Bill:
             24          None
             25      Other Special Clauses:
             26          None
             27      Utah Code Sections Affected:
             28      AMENDS:
             29          63I-1-258, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2010, Chapter 188


             30      ENACTS:
             31          58-40-103, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             32          58-40-301, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             33          58-40-302, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             34          58-40-304, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             35          58-40-305, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             36          58-40-501, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             37          58-40-502, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             38      RENUMBERS AND AMENDS:
             39          58-40-101, (Renumbered from 58-40-1, as last amended by Laws of Utah 1985,
             40      Chapter 53)
             41          58-40-102, (Renumbered from 58-40-2, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2004,
             42      Chapter 11)
             43          58-40-201, (Renumbered from 58-40-4, as last amended by Laws of Utah 1993,
             44      Chapter 297)
             45          58-40-303, (Renumbered from 58-40-11, as repealed and reenacted by Laws of Utah
             46      1993, Chapter 297)
             47          58-40-401, (Renumbered from 58-40-8, as repealed and reenacted by Laws of Utah
             48      1993, Chapter 297)
             49          58-40-601, (Renumbered from 58-40-6, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2004,
             50      Chapter 11)
             51          58-40-602, (Renumbered from 58-40-7, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2004,
             52      Chapter 11)
             53      REPEALS:
             54          58-40-3, as repealed and reenacted by Laws of Utah 1992, Chapter 108
             55     
             56      Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
             57          Section 1. Section 58-40-101 , which is renumbered from Section 58-40-1 is


             58      renumbered and amended to read:
             59     
CHAPTER 40. RECREATIONAL THERAPY PRACTICE ACT

             60     
Part 1. General Provisions

             61           [58-40-1].     58-40-101. Title.
             62          This chapter is known as the "Recreational Therapy Practice Act."
             63          Section 2. Section 58-40-102 , which is renumbered from Section 58-40-2 is
             64      renumbered and amended to read:
             65           [58-40-2].     58-40-102. Definitions.
             66          In addition to the definitions in Section 58-1-102 , as used in this chapter:
             67          (1) "Approved[,]" [when used to refer to a course of education, training, experience,
             68      examination, or other licensing requirement,] means [with] approval by the division in
             69      collaboration with the board when used to refer to a licensing requirement.
             70          (2) (a) "Assessment" means [the use of skilled observation or evaluation by
             71      administering and interpreting standardized or nonstandardized tests and measurements to
             72      identify areas for recreational therapy services.]:
             73          (i) a systematic collection of data to identify the strengths and limitations of a person's
             74      physical, cognitive, social, behavioral, emotional, spiritual, and leisure capabilities; and
             75          (ii) interpreting and analyzing collected data to identify and determine a course of
             76      action for recreational therapy services for a patient.
             77          (b) "Assessment" includes:
             78          (i) a record review;
             79          (ii) the implementation of standardized and non-standardized instruments, tests, and
             80      measurements; and
             81          (iii) the skilled observation and interview of a person.
             82          (3) "Board" means the Board of Recreational Therapy created in Section 58-40-201 .
             83          (4) [(a)] "Practice of recreational therapy" means to engage in the paid performance of
             84      providing [therapeutic recreation] recreational therapy services according to the therapeutic
             85      [recreational] recreation process [to individuals] to a person with an emotional, social,


             86      intellectual, or physical pathology.
             87          [(b) A therapeutic recreational process involves minimum skills for competent practice
             88      and includes necessary knowledge to provide the following patient services:]
             89          [(i) assessment of individual needs for therapeutic recreational intervention;]
             90          [(ii) development of an individualized treatment or intervention plan based on assessed
             91      interests and needs;]
             92          [(iii) appropriate implementation of therapeutic intervention services;]
             93          [(iv) evaluation and documentation of patient outcomes; and]
             94          [(v) the organization and management of therapeutic recreational services.]
             95          (5) "Recreational therapy" or "therapeutic recreation" means a person-centered process
             96      that uses recreation and psychoeducational activities as intervention tools to improve the
             97      physical, cognitive, social, behavioral, emotional, or spiritual well-being of a person with an
             98      illness or a disability.
             99          (6) (a) "Recreational therapy services" means using recreation and psychoeducational
             100      activities as intervention tools to improve or maintain the physical, cognitive, social,
             101      behavioral, emotional, or spiritual well-being of a person with an illness or a disability.
             102          (b) "Recreational therapy services" include:
             103          (i) assessing a person's need for recreational therapy treatment or intervention;
             104          (ii) developing an individualized treatment or intervention plan that identifies goals,
             105      objectives, and treatment strategies for a person;
             106          (iii) implementing the individualized treatment or intervention plan;
             107          (iv) documenting a person's response to the individualized treatment or intervention
             108      plan, including documenting the overall outcome of the person's treatment;
             109          (v) regularly evaluating a person's response to the individualized treatment or
             110      intervention plan and modifying the plan when appropriate;
             111          (vi) in collaboration with a person, the person's family, or other team members,
             112      developing a discharge or transition plan for the person;
             113          (vii) serving as a resource to help a person find recreation opportunities that will


             114      promote the person's physical, cognitive, social, behavioral, emotional, or spiritual health and
             115      well-being; and
             116          (viii) organizing and managing recreational services according to a written plan of
             117      operation as defined by rule of the division.
             118          [(5)] (7) "Treatment or intervention plan" means a written record containing the
             119      information required by Section [ 58-40-7 ] 58-40-602 , which is composed for each patient by a
             120      person licensed under this chapter as a master therapeutic [recreational] recreation specialist or
             121      a therapeutic [recreational] recreation specialist [under this chapter].
             122          [(6) "Unlawful conduct" as defined in Section 58-1-501 includes the following conduct
             123      by any individual who is not licensed under this chapter:]
             124          [(a) advertising or representing himself as being able to teach or conduct a recreational
             125      therapy program; or]
             126          [(b) using in connection with his name the initials MTRS, TRS, or TRT, or any term,
             127      title, abbreviation, sign, or device relating to the practice of recreational therapy or the licenses
             128      under this chapter.]
             129          [(7) "Unprofessional conduct" as defined in Section 58-1-501 and as may be further
             130      defined by rule includes:]
             131          [(a) failing to supervise a therapeutic recreational technician, a student intern, or
             132      temporarily licensed therapeutic recreational specialist when required to do so;]
             133          [(b) failing to keep or maintain a recreational therapy treatment plan;]
             134          [(c) making sexual advances to a patient or requesting of a patient sexual favors, sexual
             135      intercourse, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature;]
             136          [(d) possessing or using illegal or unprescribed prescription drugs or medications;]
             137          [(e) using or being under the influence of intoxicating beverages while performing
             138      recreational therapy; or]
             139          [(f) violating Sections 58-40-6 through 58-40-7 .]
             140          (8) "Unlawful conduct" is as defined in Sections 58-1-501 and 58-40-501 .
             141          (9) "Unprofessional conduct" is as defined in Sections 58-1-501 and 58-40-502 .


             142          Section 3. Section 58-40-103 is enacted to read:
             143          58-40-103. Rulemaking.
             144          When exercising rulemaking authority under this chapter, the division shall comply
             145      with the requirements of Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act.
             146          Section 4. Section 58-40-201 , which is renumbered from Section 58-40-4 is
             147      renumbered and amended to read:
             148     
Part 2. Board

             149           [58-40-4].     58-40-201. Board.
             150          (1) There is created [a] the Board of Recreational Therapy[. It shall be appointed],
             151      consisting of:
             152          (a) two master therapeutic recreation specialists;
             153          (b) one therapeutic recreation specialist;
             154          (c) one therapeutic recreation technician; and
             155          (d) one member of the general public.
             156          (2) The board shall be appointed and serve in accordance with Section 58-1-201 .
             157          [(2) The board shall consist of two master therapeutic recreational specialists, one
             158      therapeutic recreational specialist, one therapeutic recreational technician, and one member
             159      appointed from the general public.]
             160          (3) (a) The [board's duties, functions, and responsibilities] duties and responsibilities of
             161      the board shall [comply] be in accordance with Sections 58-1-202 [through] and 58-1-203 .
             162          (b) In addition, the board shall designate one of its members on a permanent rotating
             163      basis to:
             164          (i) assist the division in reviewing complaints concerning the unlawful or
             165      unprofessional conduct of a licensee; and
             166          (ii) advise the division in its investigation of these complaints.
             167          (4) A board member who has, under Subsection (3), reviewed a complaint or advised
             168      in the investigation of a complaint may be disqualified from participating with the board when
             169      the board serves as a presiding officer in an adjudicative proceeding relating to the complaint.


             170          Section 5. Section 58-40-301 is enacted to read:
             171     
Part 3. Licensing

             172          58-40-301. Licensure required -- License classifications.
             173          (1) A license is required to engage in the practice of recreational therapy, except as
             174      specifically provided in Section 58-40-305 or 58-1-307 .
             175          (2) The division shall issue to a person who qualifies under this chapter a license in the
             176      classification of:
             177          (a) master therapeutic recreation specialist;
             178          (b) therapeutic recreation specialist; or
             179          (c) therapeutic recreation technician.
             180          Section 6. Section 58-40-302 is enacted to read:
             181          58-40-302. Qualifications for licensure.
             182          (1) An applicant for licensure under this chapter shall:
             183          (a) submit an application in a form prescribed by the division;
             184          (b) pay a fee determined by the department under Subsection 63-38-3 (2); and
             185          (c) be of good moral character.
             186          (2) In addition to the requirements of Subsection (1), an applicant for licensure as a
             187      master therapeutic recreation specialist under this chapter shall as defined by division rule:
             188          (a) complete an approved graduate degree;
             189          (b) complete 4,000 qualifying hours of paid experience as:
             190          (i) a licensed therapeutic recreation specialist if completed in the state; or
             191          (ii) a certified therapeutic recreation specialist certified by the National Council for
             192      Therapeutic Recreation Certification if completed outside of the state; and
             193          (c) pass an approved examination.
             194          (3) In addition to the requirements of Subsection (1), an applicant for licensure as a
             195      therapeutic recreation specialist under this chapter shall, as defined by division rule:
             196          (a) complete an approved:
             197          (i) bachelor's degree in therapeutic recreation or recreational therapy;


             198          (ii) bachelor's degree with an approved emphasis, option, or concentration in
             199      therapeutic recreation or recreational therapy; or
             200          (iii) graduate degree;
             201          (b) complete an approved practicum; and
             202          (c) pass an approved examination.
             203          (4) In addition to the requirements of Subsection (1), an applicant for licensure as a
             204      therapeutic recreation technician under this chapter shall, as defined by division rule:
             205          (a) have a high school diploma or GED equivalent;
             206          (b) complete an approved:
             207          (i) educational course in therapeutic recreation taught by a licensed master therapeutic
             208      recreation specialist; or
             209          (ii) six semester hours or nine quarter hours in therapeutic recreation or recreational
             210      therapy from an accredited college or university;
             211          (c) complete an approved practicum under the supervision of:
             212          (i) a licensed master therapeutic recreation specialist; or
             213          (ii) an on-site, full-time, employed therapeutic recreation specialist; and
             214          (d) pass an approved examination.
             215          Section 7. Section 58-40-303 , which is renumbered from Section 58-40-11 is
             216      renumbered and amended to read:
             217           [58-40-11].     58-40-303. Term of license -- Expiration -- Renewal.
             218          (1) [Each license issued] The division shall issue a license under this chapter [shall be
             219      issued] in accordance with a two-year renewal cycle established by rule. [A renewal period
             220      may be extended or shortened]
             221          (2) The division may, by rule, extend or shorten a renewal cycle by as much as one year
             222      to [maintain established renewal cycles or to change an established renewal cycle] stagger the
             223      renewal cycles it administers.
             224          [(2)] (3) [Each] A license automatically expires on the expiration date shown on the
             225      license unless [renewed by the licensee] the licensee renews it in accordance with Section


             226      58-1-308 .
             227          Section 8. Section 58-40-304 is enacted to read:
             228          58-40-304. Continuing education.
             229          In collaboration with the board, the division shall make rules to provide that as a
             230      condition precedent for license renewal, a licensee shall complete continuing education
             231      requirements during each license period.
             232          Section 9. Section 58-40-305 is enacted to read:
             233          58-40-305. Exemptions from licensure.
             234          In addition to the exemptions from licensure in Section 58-1-307 , a person may conduct
             235      or participate in a recreational activity without being licensed under this chapter if the person is
             236      using the recreational activity for the sole outcome of the recreational experience and is not
             237      using recreational activity as a therapeutic intervention following the therapeutic recreation
             238      process.
             239          Section 10. Section 58-40-401 , which is renumbered from Section 58-40-8 is
             240      renumbered and amended to read:
             241     
Part 4. License Denial and Discipline

             242           [58-40-8].     58-40-401. Grounds for denial of license -- Disciplinary
             243      proceedings.
             244          Grounds for [refusal] refusing to issue a license to an applicant, for refusal to renew the
             245      license of a licensee, [to revoke, suspend, restrict, or place] for revoking, suspending,
             246      restricting, or placing on probation the license of a licensee, [to issue] for issuing a public or
             247      private reprimand to a licensee, and [to issue] for issuing a cease and desist [orders] order shall
             248      be in accordance with Section 58-1-401 .
             249          Section 11. Section 58-40-501 is enacted to read:
             250     
Part 5. Unlawful and Unprofessional Conduct -- Penalties

             251          58-40-501. Unlawful conduct.
             252          "Unlawful conduct" includes:
             253          (1) providing, leading, facilitating, teaching, or offering to provide or teach recreational


             254      therapy services unless licensed under this chapter or exempted from licensure under Section
             255      58-1-307 or 58-40-305 ;
             256          (2) using the initials MTRS, TRS, or TRT, or other abbreviation, term, title, or sign
             257      relating to the practice of recreational therapy services unless licensed under this chapter; and
             258          (3) employing or aiding and abetting the employment of an unqualified or unlicensed
             259      person to:
             260          (a) practice as a recreational therapist; or
             261          (b) provide recreational therapy services.
             262          Section 12. Section 58-40-502 is enacted to read:
             263          58-40-502. Unprofessional conduct.
             264          "Unprofessional conduct" includes:
             265          (1) failing to supervise a therapeutic recreation technician, a student intern, or a
             266      temporarily licensed therapeutic recreation specialist when required to do so under this chapter
             267      or by rule;
             268          (2) failing to keep or maintain a recreational therapy treatment plan;
             269          (3) failing to safeguard a person's right to privacy as to the person's identity, condition,
             270      diagnosis, personal effects, or other matters about which the licensee is privileged to know
             271      from providing recreational therapy services;
             272          (4) failing to report to the division the unsafe, unethical, or illegal practice of a person
             273      who is providing recreational therapy services;
             274          (5) making sexual advances to a patient, requesting sexual intercourse or sexual favors
             275      from a patient, or engaging in other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature in the
             276      presence of a patient;
             277          (6) exploiting a patient or former patient for personal gain;
             278          (7) possessing or dispensing illegal or non-prescribed prescription drugs or
             279      medications;
             280          (8) using or being under the influence of alcohol or an illegal or non-prescribed
             281      prescription drug or medication while performing recreational therapy services; and


             282          (9) other actions as defined by division rule.
             283          Section 13. Section 58-40-601 , which is renumbered from Section 58-40-6 is
             284      renumbered and amended to read:
             285     
Part 6. Scope of Practice -- Treatment or Intervention Plans

             286           [58-40-6].     58-40-601. Scope of practice.
             287          (1) A master therapeutic [recreational] recreation specialist licensed under this chapter
             288      may:
             289          (a) practice recreational therapy [as]:
             290          (i) as an employee of a hospital, clinic, agency, or other facility[,];
             291          (ii) in private practice[,]; or
             292          (iii) as a consultant; and
             293          (b) supervise and train other licensees under this chapter.
             294          (2) A therapeutic [recreational] recreation specialist [may] licensed under this chapter:
             295          (a) may practice recreational therapy as the employee of a hospital, clinic, agency, or
             296      other facility;
             297          (b) may not practice recreational therapy in private practice or as a consultant; and
             298          [(b)] (c) may supervise other licensees under this chapter.
             299          (3) A therapeutic [recreational] recreation technician [may]:
             300          (a) may perform recreational therapy services [only] if:
             301          (i) under the supervision of a master therapeutic [recreational] recreation specialist or a
             302      therapeutic [recreational] recreation specialist employed full-time[,] and on-site in the same
             303      hospital, clinic, or facility; or
             304          (ii) in consultation with a master therapeutic [recreational] recreation specialist;
             305          (b) may maintain the ongoing documentation of services provided in accordance with a
             306      treatment or intervention plan [only] if:
             307          (i) under the supervision of either a master therapeutic [recreational] recreation
             308      specialist or a therapeutic [recreational] recreation specialist employed full-time[,] and on-site
             309      in the same hospital, clinic, or facility; or


             310          (ii) in consultation with a master therapeutic [recreational] recreation specialist; [and]
             311          (c) [not] may perform [assessments or] the portion of an assessment described in
             312      Subsection 58-40-102 (2)(a)(i);
             313          (d) may not perform the portion of an assessment described in Subsection
             314      58-40-102 (2)(a)(ii);
             315          (e) may not prescribe or [modify] create a treatment or intervention plan [or]; and
             316          (f) may not approve or cosign [modifications] a modification to a treatment or
             317      intervention plan.
             318          Section 14. Section 58-40-602 , which is renumbered from Section 58-40-7 is
             319      renumbered and amended to read:
             320           [58-40-7].     58-40-602. Recreational therapy treatment or intervention plans.
             321          (1) [Under this chapter, a] A recreational therapy treatment or intervention plan shall
             322      be maintained for each patient receiving recreational therapy services under this chapter.
             323          (2) The treatment or intervention plan shall include:
             324          [(a) an assessment based on the strengths, limitations, interests, and needs of the
             325      patient;]
             326          [(b) prescribed intervention strategies and approaches;]
             327          [(c) patient goals and measurable treatment or intervention objectives and outcomes;
             328      and]
             329          [(d) evaluations of progress and treatment.]
             330          (a) goals and objectives for a patient that are developed from an assessment based on
             331      the strengths and limitations of the patient's physical, cognitive, social, behavioral, emotional,
             332      spiritual, and leisure capabilities;
             333          (b) the selection and adaptation of interventions designed to achieve and maintain the
             334      highest possible level of functional independence and quality of life for a patient;
             335          (c) a schedule for regular evaluation of goals and objectives to make changes to the
             336      treatment or intervention plan when required; and
             337          (d) expected outcomes related to the goals and objectives.


             338          Section 15. Section 63I-1-258 is amended to read:
             339           63I-1-258. Repeal dates, Title 58.
             340          (1) Title 58, Chapter 9, Funeral Services Licensing Act, is repealed July 1, 2018.
             341          (2) Title 58, Chapter 13, Health Care Providers Immunity from Liability Act, is
             342      repealed July 1, 2016.
             343          (3) Title 58, Chapter 15, Health Facility Administrator Act, is repealed July 1, 2015.
             344          (4) Title 58, Chapter 20a, Environmental Health Scientist Act, is repealed July 1, 2013.
             345          (5) Title 58, Chapter 40, Recreational Therapy Practice Act, is repealed July 1, [2013]
             346      2023.
             347          (6) Title 58, Chapter 41, Speech-language Pathology and Audiology Licensing Act, is
             348      repealed July 1, 2019.
             349          (7) Title 58, Chapter 42a, Occupational Therapy Practice Act, is repealed July 1, 2015.
             350          (8) Title 58, Chapter 46a, Hearing Instrument Specialist Licensing Act, is repealed July
             351      1, 2013.
             352          (9) Title 58, Chapter 47b, Massage Therapy Practice Act, is repealed July 1, 2014.
             353          (10) Title 58, Chapter 72, Acupuncture Licensing Act, is repealed July 1, 2017.
             354          (11) Section 58-13-2.5 is repealed July 1, 2013.
             355          Section 16. Repealer.
             356          This bill repeals:
             357          Section 58-40-3, License classifications.


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