[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 27 (Friday, February 17, 2012)]
[House]
[Page H929]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  NATIONAL THERAPEUTIC RECREATION WEEK

  (Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, recreational therapy 
embraces a definition of health which includes not only the absence of 
illness, but extends to enhancement of physical, cognitive, emotional, 
social, and leisure development. This caring profession touches the 
lives of individuals all across the Nation.
  I have personally witnessed how recreational therapy provides 
independence and dignity in the lives of those facing life-changing 
disease and disability.
  These services are provided by professionals nationally certified by 
the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification as 
Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists. Every day, countless 
individuals face rebuilding lives. These individuals benefit from the 
compassionate and cost-effective care of a Certified Therapeutic 
Recreational Specialist.
  Recreational therapy ultimately aims to improve an individual's 
functioning and keep them as active, healthy, and independent as 
possible. In a time when we need access to cost-effective health care, 
I urge all my colleagues to support the recognition of recreational 
therapy services provided by a CTRS specifically in satisfying the 
inpatient rehab intensity of service requirement.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the caring professionals of the 
therapeutic recreational profession for the services they provide every 
day.

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