Standards of Practice
WSTRA promotes and adheres to the Standards for the Practice of Therapeutic Recreation as put forth by the American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA). These standards promote and maintain the highest quality of RT/TR practice. They do not stand alone and should not be used without the measurement criteria detailed in Standards for the Practice of Therapeutic Recreation, available for purchase through ATRA. Acceptance of membership in WSTRA commits the member to adherence to these standards.
Standard 1
Assessment
The therapeutic recreation specialist conducts an individualized assessment to collect systematic comprehensive and accurate data necessary to determine a course of action and subsequent individualized treatment plan. Under the clinical supervision of the therapeutic recreation specialist, the therapeutic recreation assistant aids in collecting systematic, comprehensive and accurate data necessary to determine a course of action and subsequent individualized treatment plan.
Standard 2
Treatment Planning
The therapeutic recreation specialist plans and develops an individualized treatment plan that identifies goals, objectives and treatment intervention strategies. The therapeutic recreation assistant helps the therapeutic recreation specialist to plan and develop the indivualized treatment plan.
Standard 3
Plan Implementation
The therapeutic recreation specialist implements an individualized treatment plan using appropriate intervention strategies to restore, remediate or rehabilitate in order to improve functioning and independence as well as reduce or eliminate the effects of illness or disability. Implementation of the treatment plan by the therapeutic recreation specialist is consistent with the overall patient/client treatment program. Under the clinical supervision of the therapeutic recreation specialist, the therapeutic recreation assistant leads activites and engages patients/clients, individuals and/or groups, to achieve treatment goals and objectives.
Standard 4
Reassessment and Evaluation
The therapeutic recreation specialist systematically re-assesses, evaluates and compares the patient's/client's progress relative to the individualized treatment plan. The treatment plan is revised based upon changes in the interventions, diagnosis and patient/client responses. Under the clinical supervision of the therapeutic recreation specialist, the therapeutic recreation assistant aids in the evaluation of the individualized treatment plan.
Standard 5
Discharge and Transition Planning
The therapeutic recreation specialist develops a discharge plan in collaboration with the patient/client, family, significant others and treatment team members in order to continue treatment, as appropriate. Under the clinical supervision of the therapeutic recreation specialist, the therapeutic recreation assistant aids in the development of the discharge plan.
Standard 6
Recreation Services
Recreation and play opportunities are available to patients/clients to promote or improve their general health and well-being.
Standard 7
Ethical Conduct
The therapeutic recreation specialist and the therapeutic recreation assistant adhere to the ATRA Code of Ethics in providing patient/client servicesthat are humane and professional.
Standard 8
Written Plan of Operation
The therapeutic recreation service is governed by a written plan of operation that is based upon the ATRA Standards for the Practice of Therapeutic Recreation and standards of other accrediting/regulatory agencies as appropriate.
Standard 9
Staff Qualifications and Competency Assessment
The therapeutic recreation service has established provisions for assuring that therapeutic recreation staff meet the defined qualifications, maintain appropriate credentials and have opportunities for competency development.
Standard 10
Quality Management
With the therapeutic recreation service, there exists an objective and systematic process for continuously improving the quality and appropriateness of care, and identifying opportunities to improve services and patient/client outcomes.
Standard 11
Resource Management
Therapeutic recreation services are provided in an effective and efficient manner that reflects the reasonable and appropriate use of resources.
Standard 12
Program Evaluation and Research
The therapeutic recreation service engaes in routine, systematic program evaluation and research for the purpose of determining program appropriateness and effectiveness.
Written 1991. Revised 1994. Revised 2000.
