NYSTRA - New York State Therapeutic Recreation Association

Do we own it?

Close to 100 people attended the two sessions on Licensure hosted by NYSRPS with NYSTRA support in Syracuse on Sept. 12th and at St. Joseph’s College, Long Island on Sept. 19th. I would like to thank Kari Baldwin and the staff of NYSRPS for their hard work in putting this event together and Virginia Hutchins and Charlynn Willis for their work on behalf of NYSTRA. There was much discussion on present perspectives of where the profession is, how it affects us, and reasons for wanting licensure. Most attendees filled out a questionnaire before the beginning of the session and the answers appeared to reflect what is reality for the NYSTRA organization:

1) 72% of CTRSs present at the event are not delivering recreation therapy under Dr’s. Orders. This sends a message that the profession is at present unable to provide the services we should be delivering. The reasons we are not are for various reasons and future dialogue on this topic might help bring a new awareness on how we might effect change for the better. The recent announcement by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services stated in the Federal Register that recreational therapy services provided within an inpatient rehabilitation facility are covered services and should be provided when medically indicated is an achievement that many professionals have worked hard for, over many years. They should be congratulated and recognized for the efforts they have made on behalf of us all. We should be very proud and happy at this recognition but at the same time continue the work necessary to expand the services to other areas of our profession.

2) The main reasons for wanting licensure by the attendees were: #1 - Increased respect for the profession #2 - Increase of salary #3 - Defined scope of practice. Only two people felt protection of the consumer was the most important reason to try and obtain licensure. The percentages at both locations were similar on which reasons for wanting licensure were most important. This unfortunately does not look well when you examine what legislative bodies consider important reasons for licensure.

For a full overview on Licensure in Therapeutic Recreation I recommend going to the web site: http://www.lib.niu.edu/ipo/ip900110.html. The article by Norma Stumbo provides much information on licensure and our profession’s current relationship to it, along with what we would need to do to continue the process. To quote from the article under Licensure Issues: “The group proposing a licensure bill must usually convince a legislative body that the consumer or public is being harmed by the lack of regulation.” Protecting the customer is not presently reflected in why most members desire to pursue licensure.

It might help us if we looked deeply at what we want and need as a profession to 1) provide the best quality services available and 2) receive the respect/ acknowledgment we feel we are not getting.
“I want more respect... They don’t know what we do... I’ve worked in this field for decades and we still aren’t where we should be...” Sound familiar? These were some of the comments shared at the two seminars.

Bottom line: When are we going to “own it”?

As directors, managers, therapists, activity leaders, activity assistants (whatever your title and position in the profession) to act/talk/take the opportunities that present themselves and advocate for ourselves and our profession is “owning it”. When we educate others we “own it”. Situations come up daily when we can advocate for our profession or ourselves. If you aren’t presently doing so, give it a try. You will feel empowered and proud. If you don’t know how or are unsure of how to say it, ask a peer or network with a board member or friend in the profession. Some clinicians and professionals are already doing it and getting positive results. True, there will be situations or people that will not listen or don’t want to be educated. But if we do not try and make an effort, we will not continue to make progress.

At the Long Island seminar of over 50 attendees the majority appeared to want to continue the process towards licensure. An opportunity was provided for people to sign up to work on a committee. Four people signed up. Until we own it and do it ourselves, as a collective team, it will not happen. Be it getting the respect and acknowledgment we desire or being licensed professionals - it is up to us.

A NYSTRA board meeting was held September 22, 2003. The topic of licensure was discussed and the board felt that this dialogue needed to be continued. We will include an opportunity to address this issue at the conference and the session will be set up to review the process, discuss the reasons for pursuing licensure and hopefully coming to a closer decision to decide if NYSTRA members are willing to take on the long process to make it happen. Details will be made available as the conference program committee discusses the format and issues to be discussed.

Another topic at the board meeting was the web site. We will be adding a link for resource information to help you expand the variety of materials and educational resources to enhance your services. If you have any resources you have used and feel are quality, send them to our secretary, Isabel Kellerman. Her address is noted under the “board” link.

The next State Options Committee meeting will be held at Lehman on October 14, 2003 at 10:30am.This is another great group to get involved with to make an impact on the profession in this state. You can contact Fred Greenblatt for details.

I would like to thank those members who responded to our workshop site questionnaire. The information you provided will help us bring you more topical workshops, more often, to those regions that responded. Please keep your suggestions and information coming. Till next time, may you find the time to relax and recreate.