WV Licensure Rule Update

Charlie Dixon, MS, CTRS, and the ATRA Public Policy Committee were largely resposible for getting RTs to respond to oppose the proposed rule to remove CTRSs as being qualified to serve as activity directors in long-term care facilities in West Virginia. Charlie passed along this important information in his recent newsletter:

The proposal to remove Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists from the West Virginia Nursing Home Licensure Rule did not pass. Due overwhelming response to the proposed rule change the licensure office has decided to include CTRS as a qualified professional. Here is an excert of a letter from Deanna Kramer of the WV Office of Health Care Facility Licensure and Certification:

Of the 400+ individual written communications received during the public posting period, approximately 130 letters, faxes, and emails expressed concerns related to the qualifications of the activity director (and the activity consultant).

As a direct result of the feedback received during the public comment period, the CTRS credential has been restored to the list of acceptable qualifications for the activity director position in a licensed nursing home.

Way to go, Charlie, ATRA, and all who responded! By the way, I wrote one of those letters expressing my objection to not including CTRSs. This response shows the power of RTs when they communicate and respond to maintain or better our profession.