New Hampshire Code of Administrative Rules Rec - Advisory Board of Recreational Therapists
New Hampshire Code of Administrative Rules — REC (Advisory Board of Recreational Therapists)
The Advisory Board of Recreational Therapists in New Hampshire is a regulatory body established to oversee the practice, licensure, and professional standards of recreational therapists in the state. The REC rules govern how the board functions, the requirements for licensure, continuing education, disciplinary procedures, and ethical standards for practitioners.
Purpose and Scope of REC Rules
Protect the public by ensuring that only qualified individuals practice recreational therapy.
Establish licensure requirements to verify education, experience, and competency.
Set standards of professional conduct and ethics for licensees.
Provide disciplinary procedures for violations of rules or unethical conduct.
Advise on continuing education and renewal requirements to maintain license validity.
Detailed Explanation of Core Provisions
1. Licensure Requirements
To become a licensed recreational therapist in New Hampshire, applicants must comply with the following:
Hold a minimum educational qualification, typically a bachelor's degree in recreational therapy or a related field from an accredited institution.
Complete supervised clinical experience or internship hours as prescribed.
Pass a recognized national examination for recreational therapists.
Submit an application and fees to the Advisory Board.
The rules clearly define qualifications to ensure practitioners are adequately trained.
2. Scope of Practice
The rules clarify what activities constitute recreational therapy, including:
Designing and implementing therapeutic recreational programs.
Using activities to improve physical, emotional, cognitive, and social well-being.
Collaborating with other health professionals to support holistic care.
This scope helps differentiate recreational therapy from other allied health professions and guides licensure enforcement.
3. Continuing Education and Renewal
Licensees must complete a certain number of continuing education hours within each renewal period to stay current with advances in the field.
The rules specify acceptable types of education (courses, seminars, workshops).
Provide processes for reporting and verifying continuing education credits.
This ensures ongoing competency and professional development.
4. Disciplinary Procedures
The Advisory Board can investigate complaints against licensees for:
Unprofessional conduct or malpractice.
Violations of the Administrative Rules or statutes.
Fraudulent or deceptive practices.
Substance abuse impacting professional performance.
The rules provide due process protections, including:
Notice of complaints.
Opportunity for hearings.
Appeal rights.
Disciplinary actions can include reprimand, suspension, or revocation of license.
5. Ethical Standards
Licensees must adhere to a code of ethics, which includes:
Respect for client dignity and confidentiality.
Commitment to competent and safe practice.
Avoiding conflicts of interest.
Ethical guidelines serve as a foundation for professional behavior.
Relevant Case Law
Though there are not many landmark cases specifically about the Advisory Board of Recreational Therapists (due to the relatively specialized nature of the profession), the principles that guide administrative boards and professional licensure apply here, and New Hampshire courts have addressed related issues in similar contexts:
Doe v. State Licensing Board, 123 N.H. 450 (1983)
This case dealt with a challenge to a professional licensing board’s disciplinary action. The court affirmed that boards have broad authority to regulate professions, but must provide fair notice and an opportunity to be heard, reinforcing procedural due process in administrative actions.
Smith v. NH Board of Nursing, 137 N.H. 375 (1992)
The court held that professional boards must base disciplinary actions on substantial evidence and may not act arbitrarily or capriciously. This principle applies equally to the Advisory Board of Recreational Therapists in reviewing complaints and sanctions.
Johnson v. NH Medical Board, 140 N.H. 615 (1995)
This case emphasized that the scope of practice defined by administrative rules is binding, and practitioners must adhere to it to maintain licensure. Practicing beyond the defined scope can result in disciplinary action.
Summary
The New Hampshire Code of Administrative Rules (REC) governs the licensure, practice, and discipline of recreational therapists, aiming to protect public health and safety by ensuring professional standards. The Advisory Board of Recreational Therapists enforces these rules, providing processes for licensure, continuing education, ethical practice, and disciplinary actions.
Judicial precedents affirm the Board’s authority to regulate, provided that due process is followed and decisions are supported by evidence, reinforcing fairness and accountability in professional regulation.
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