(a) The facility must provide, based on the comprehensive assessment and care plan and the preferences of each resident, an ongoing program to support a resident in the resident's choice of activities, both facility-sponsored group and individual activities and independent activities, designed to meet the interests of and support the physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being of each resident, encouraging both independence and interaction in the community.
(b) The activities program must be directed by a qualified professional who is a qualified therapeutic recreation specialist or an activities professional who:
  (1) is eligible for certification as a therapeutic recreation specialist or as an activities professional by a recognized accrediting body, such as the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification, on or after October 1, 1990, the Consortium for Therapeutic Recreation/Activities Certification, or the National Certification Council for Activity Professionals;
  (2) has two years of experience in a social or recreational program within the last five years, one of which was full-time in a therapeutic activities program;
  (3) is a qualified occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant; or
  (4) has completed an activity director training course approved by a recognized credentialing body, such as the National Certification Council for Activity Professionals, National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification, or the Consortium for Therapeutic Recreation/Activities Certification, Inc.
(c) An activity director must complete eight hours of approved continuing education or equivalent continuing education units each year. Approval bodies include organizations or associations recognized as such by certified therapeutic recreation specialists or certified activity professionals or registered occupational therapists.
(d) The facility must ensure that activities assessment and care planning are completed and reviewed or updated as provided in §19.801 and §19.802 of this chapter (relating to Resident Assessment and Comprehensive Person-Centered Care Planning). If indicated by the RAI or the resident's need, an in-depth activities assessment is required.
(e) Toys and recreational equipment for a pediatric resident must be appropriate for the size, age, and developmental level of the resident.

Source Note: The provisions of this §554.702 adopted to be effective May 1, 1995, 20 TexReg 2393; amended to be effective April 1, 2001, 26 TexReg 2407; amended to be effective March 24, 2020, 45 TexReg 2025; transferred effective January 15, 2021, as published in the Texas Register December 11, 2020, 45 TexReg 8871