< public policy

States Are Taking the Initiative
Pamela Griffin, M.S., CTRS
ATRA State Initiatives Coordinator

The State Initiatives Program is designed to assist states in developing local public policy initiatives. State initiatives coordinators are working on the local level to advocate on behalf of Recreation Therapy in their state legislative and regulatory arenas. They meet monthly for conference calls to share information, ideas, and strategies relating to the five priority issues identified by the team. These five priorities include:

· advocating for inclusion of Recreation Therapy in the state Medicaid program

· advocating for inclusion of Recreation Therapy in the State Children's Health Initiative Program

· advocating for Recreation Therapy services with case managers of private health insurance plans

· education and advocacy of state legislators and regulatory offices

· determining if Recreation Therapy is defined as a Qualified Health Provider in the state and, if necessary, developing strategies for inclusion of Recreation Therapy

The various state initiative coordinators are progressing with their state advocacy efforts. All of this is a direct result of targeted grassroots effort by dedicated ATRA members. If you are interested in becoming involved with state public policy efforts, now is the time to find out more about the state initiatives program.

If you would like more information on State Initiatives please contact Pamela Griffin, ATRA State Initiatives Coordinator by mail at 31 Woodstown Drive, Freehold, NJ 07728, by phone at 732-409-3590, or send e-mail to griff31@gateway.net.