Definition of Recreational Therapy?

[crazyforthis]

Hello All! I have a question. First, just to clarify ahead of time, we, meaning where I work, do not have a restorative nursing program... that said, under MDS 3.0 Section O #O0400 Therapies, Part F Recreational Therapy ... is this asking about time the activities coordinator worked with patient?

We have an Activities Coordinator, but not anyone with a title of Recreation Therapist... is there a difference?

Thank you!

[Talino]

recreational therapy defined (appendix a)

services that are provided or directly supervised by a qualified recreational therapist who holds a national certification in recreational therapy, also referred to as a certified therapeutic recreation specialist.” recreational therapy includes, but is not limited to, providing treatment services and recreation activities to individuals using a variety of techniques, including arts and crafts,animals, sports, games, dance and movement, drama, music, and community outings. recreation therapists treat and help maintain the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of their clients by seeking to reduce depression, stress, and anxiety; recover basic motor functioning and reasoning abilities; build confidence; and socialize effectively. recreational therapists should not be confused with recreation workers, who organize recreational activities primarily for enjoyment.

[crazyforthis]

Thanks Talino!

Any thoughts anyone about if there is a differance in the activity coordinator verses a recreational therapist? I am trying to figure out if I am missing some points toward the RUG score because I have always just put ZERO for the time patient spent in recreation... but then maybe an activity coordinator is more like a recreational worker?

Ours is not very effective but if we could revamp that department then maybe it would meet the def of the Rec Therapist...

[Talino]

the last sentence in the definition above stated the difference.

scope of education and training of a recreational therapist http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos082.htm#training

granting the educational requirements are met, in order to capture recreational therapy you must meet the criteria sated in p o-19...

for purposes of the mds, providers should record services for respiratory, psychological, and recreational therapies (item o0400d, e, and f) when the following criteria are met:

- the physician orders the therapy;

- the physician’s order includes a statement of frequency, duration, and scope of treatment;

- the services must be directly and specifically related to an active written treatment plan that is based on an initial evaluation performed by qualified personnel (see glossary in appendix a for definitions of respiratory, psychological and recreational therapies);

- the services are required and provided by qualified personnel (see glossary in appendix a for definitions of respiratory, psychological and recreational therapies);

- the services must be reasonable and necessary for treatment of the resident’s condition.

to cut to the chase - the services of the recreational therapist has no effect in the rug score (may be state-specific). it may enhance a resident’s psychosocial well-being.

[crazyforthis]

Thanks again talino, understand completely now... appreciate your help!