"QUALIFICATIONS FOR ACTIVITY DIRECTORS"

The Federal regulations states:

The activities program must be directed by a qualified professional who --

(1) Is a qualified therapeutic recreation specialist or an activities professional who -

(A) is licensed or registered, if applicable, by the State in which practicing, and

(B) Is eligible for certification as a therapeutic recreation specialist or as an activities professional by a recognized accrediting body on or after October 1, 1990: or

(2) Has 2 years of experience in a social or recreational program within the last 5 years, 1 of which was full-time in a patient activities program in a health care setting or

(3) Is a qualified occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant; or

(4) Has completed a training course approved by the State.

Indiana State regulation: 410 IAC 16.22-4. 1-33 states:

The Activity department must be directed by a qualified professional who:

1. Is a qualified therapeutic recreation specialist (CTRS) or an activities professional who

Is licensed or registered, if applicable, by the state in which practicing; and
Is eligible for certification as a therapeutic recreation or as an activities professional by a recognized accrediting body on or after October 1, 1990; or

2. Has two years of experience in a social or recreational program, approved by the state within the last five years, one of which was full time in a resident activities program in a health care setting; or

3. Is a qualified occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant; or

4. Has satisfactorily completed, or will complete within six months, a ninety hour training course approved by the division and has at least a high school diploma or its equivalent current employment as an activities director who completed an approved activities director course prior to the effective date of this rule, shall be allowed to maintain a position as an activities director in health care facilities.

5. After July 1, 1984, any person who has not completed an activities director course approved by the state and is assigned responsibility for the activities program shall receive consultation until the person has completed such a course. Consultation shall be provided by:

· A recreation therapist;

· An occupational therapist or occupational therapist assistant; or

· A person who has completed a state approved course and has two years experience.

The IADA does provide an accreditation test which is offered after 1 year of experience. . So get on board and work towards your IADA accreditation and national certification. The ending date for track five is June 30^th.

Indiana Activity Directors Association offers an Activity Directors 90 hours course Approved by the State of Indiana and National approved by the National Association of Activity Professionals.

IADA office can assist in any help you need.