The proposed "Therapeutic Recreation Practice Act" seeks to establish licensure for therapeutic recreation specialists in Arkansas, creating a new chapter in the Arkansas Code dedicated to regulating therapeutic recreation services. The act aims to protect public health and welfare by preventing unauthorized practices and ensuring high professional standards among practitioners. It defines therapeutic recreation and the role of specialists, highlighting the importance of individualized treatment plans for individuals with disabilities or those undergoing treatment. The bill also outlines unlawful practices, exemptions for certain professionals, penalties for violations, and the formation of a Recreational Therapy Technical Advisory Committee to assist the Department of Health with licensure and education requirements.

Additionally, the bill details the licensure process, including qualifications such as age, education, field experience, and examination completion, while allowing for the issuance of licenses without examination for those already certified by recognized bodies. It mandates criminal background checks for applicants and establishes a renewal process that requires continuing education and practical experience. The legislation protects the title "therapeutic recreation specialist," prohibiting its use by unlicensed individuals, and clarifies that therapeutic recreation services can be initiated without a referral, except for medically diagnosed conditions requiring a physician's referral. The bill also ensures that specialists cannot be coerced into compromising client safety and sets forth grounds for the denial, revocation, or suspension of licenses based on criminal convictions or violations of departmental rules.