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House approves licensure for therapeutic recreation specialists, citing access and workforce goals
Summary
The Arkansas House passed House Bill 12-18 to create licensure for therapeutic recreation specialists and establish the Therapeutic Recreation Practice Act. Supporters said the move will protect vulnerable clients and help retain graduates of Arkansas State’s degree program.
Representative Mayberry explained House Bill 12-18, which would create a licensure pathway for therapeutic recreation specialists and establish a Therapeutic Recreation Practice Act in Arkansas.
Mayberry framed the bill as a public-health and workforce measure. She described site visits, including to Camp Aldersgate, a Little Rock-area summer camp that serves children with oncology, diabetes, spina bifida and other needs. She said recreational therapists enable activities such as canoeing, zip‑lining and adapted scuba swimming that contribute to quality of life and rehabilitation. "This is not about them. This is about the people who they are," Mayberry said, conceding that some might question adding licensure but arguing it protects vulnerable clients and helps keep trained therapists working in state.
On the floor Mayberry noted Arkansas currently has one college program in therapeutic recreation at Arkansas State and an estimated 76 recreational therapists in Arkansas; she contrasted that with about 1,000 in North Carolina as an example of workforce potential.
The House recorded a roll-call vote on the bill: 76 yea, 14 nay, 7 present. The bill passed.
Why it matters
Supporters said licensure will provide consumer protections for patients in parks, camps, veterans' settings and behavioral-health facilities and make Arkansas programs and credentials more portable for graduates and employers.
Ending
The bill now proceeds to the Senate for further consideration; the floor discussion emphasized workforce development at Arkansas State and the public-access mission of state parks and camp programs that use therapeutic recreation services.
