The proposed "Therapeutic Recreation Practice Act" seeks to establish licensure for therapeutic recreation specialists in Arkansas by creating a new chapter in the Arkansas Code. This legislation aims to regulate therapeutic recreation services to safeguard public health and welfare, prevent unauthorized practices, and uphold professional standards. It defines therapeutic recreation and the responsibilities of specialists, emphasizing the need for individualized treatment plans. The bill also includes provisions for unlawful practice, exemptions, penalties for violations, and the formation of a Recreational Therapy Technical Advisory Committee to assist the Department of Health with licensure and educational requirements.

Additionally, the bill outlines the qualifications for licensure, including age, education, field experience, and examination completion, while allowing individuals certified by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification before July 1, 2015, to obtain a license without examination. It mandates criminal background checks for applicants and prohibits unlicensed individuals from using the title "therapeutic recreation specialist." The legislation clarifies that therapeutic recreation services can be initiated without a referral, except for medically related conditions requiring a physician's referral. It also addresses the delegation of tasks to ensure client safety and specifies grounds for the denial, revocation, or suspension of licenses based on felony convictions or departmental rule violations.