State Registration

Recreational Therapy Registration

Pertinent Links

• https://www.doh.wa.gov/LicensesPermitsandCertificates/ProfessionsNewReneworUpdate/RecreationalTherapist/LicenseRequirements

• https://www.doh.wa.gov/LicensesPermitsandCertificates/ProfessionsNewReneworUpdate/RecreationalTherapist/ApplyOnline

• https://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/Pubs/697001.pdf

State registration is provided by the Washington Department of Health.  WSTRA worked long (11 years) and hard to obtain consumer protection, title protection and recognition as a health care profession by the state.  During the 2003 legislative session, RCW 18.230, Recreation Therapy, was passed.  According to RCW 18.230.010, a Recreational Therapist is “a person registered under this [law].”

 

RCW 18.230.020 limits the use of the title, Recreational Therapist.  In addition, RCW 18.130, the Regulation of Health Professions – Uniform Disciplinary Act, governs the issuance and denial of registration, unauthorized practice and discipline.  WAC 246-16, Standards of Professional Conduct, governs acts of sexual misconduct for healthcare providers.  Other relevant laws and interpretive support include:

 

• RCW 26.44.030, Abuse of Children and Adult Dependent Persons
• RCW 34.05, Administrative Procedures Act
• RCW 42.17, Public Disclosure
• RCW 70.02, Medical Records – Health Care Information Access and Disclosure
• RCW 74.34, Abuse of Vulnerable Adults
• WAC 246-927, Recreational Therapy
• WAC 246-12, Administrative Procedures and Requirements for Credentialed Health Care Providers
• WAC 246-15, Whistleblower Complaints in Healthcare Settings
• Disciplinary Guidelines Manual

 

 

Registration requirements

One registration requirement is to complete four (4) hours of education in the prevention, transmission and treatment of AIDS.  You will find classroom and on-line training meeting this requirement at AIDS Classes for Licensure.

Another requirement is an attestation that you have read RCW 18.130.170 and 18.130.180.  We advise you also become familiar with the full RCW 18.130 and 18.230.

Verify registration

 

Special thanks to Debbie Pate, MS, CTRS for her work on the information above.