Unqualified Activity Director Leads Activities Program
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that the activities program was directed by a qualified professional, as required. Record review showed that the activity director (AD), hired on July 17, 2024, did not have evidence of certification or training as a qualified therapeutic recreation specialist or as an activities professional meeting state licensing requirements. The AD acknowledged during an interview that she had not completed the required course due to financial and time constraints. The job description for the AD position, signed at the time of hire, specified that successful completion of a state-approved and certified course in patient activities was required within nine months of employment. The administrator (ADMN) confirmed awareness that the AD was not certified at the time of hire and stated that the AD was responsible for completing the required courses. The ADMN explained that financial issues delayed the AD's enrollment in the program and that it took additional time for the facility's corporate organization to agree to pay for the course. At the time of the survey, the AD had not yet received the course, and there was no documentation of completed certification or training in the employee file.