Activity Certification

The Bureau of Health Provider Standards is the State of Alabama's regulatory agency responsible for licensing and/or certifying health care facilities. The bureau, as part of that responsibility, also certifies applicants as Activity Professionals who meet the requirements as defined in the “Rules of Alabama State Board of Health, Alabama Department of Public Health, Chapter 420-5-10 Nursing Facilities” and the Federal Code of Regulations 42 CFR Part 483.15 (f) (2) Activities.

An "Activities" program in a nursing facility refers to any endeavor, other than routine activities of daily living (ADLs), in which a resident participates, intended to enhance her/his sense of well-being and to promote or enhance physical, cognitive, and emotional health. These include, but are not limited to, activities that promote self-esteem, pleasure, comfort, education, creativity, success, and independence.

Nursing facilities must provide an ongoing program of activities directed by a qualified professional. The activities program must be designed, in accordance with the comprehensive assessment, to meet the interests and the physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being of each resident.

Rules of Alabama Chapter 420-5-10-.08 Quality of Life (f) Activities

1. The facility must provide for an ongoing program of activities designed to meet, in accordance with the comprehensive assessment, the interests and the physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being of each resident.

2. The activities program must be directed by a qualified professional who-

   (i) Is a qualified therapeutic recreation specialist or an activities professional who--

     (I) Is registered by the Alabama Department of Public Health; and

     (II) Is eligible for certification as a therapeutic recreation specialist or as an activities professional by a recognized accrediting body on or after October 1, 1990; or

     (III) Has 2 years of experience in a social or recreational program within the last 5 years, 1 of which was full-time in a resident activities program in a health care setting; or

     (IV) Is a qualified occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant; or

     (V) Has completed a training course approved by the State.

Federal Code of Regulations 42 CFR Part 483.15 (f) (2)

An activity director (qualified professional) is responsible for directing the development, implementation, supervision and ongoing evaluation of the activities program.

A person is a qualified professional if they meet any one of the qualifications listed under the Federal Regulation F249 §483.15(f)(2), which states:

The activities program must be directed by a qualified professional who:

(i) Is a qualified therapeutic recreation specialist or an activities professional who:

   (A)Is licensed or registered, if applicable, by the State in which practicing; and

   (B)Is eligible for certification as a therapeutic recreation specialist or as an
activities professional by a recognized accrediting body on or after October 1,
1990; or

(ii) Has 2 years of experience in a social or recreational program within the last 5
years, one of which was full‐time in a patient activities program in a health care
setting; or

(iii) Is a qualified occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant; or

(iv) Has completed a training course approved by the State

Contact Information

If you have questions about the activity certification process or would like to submit information (application) for activity certification, please address all communications to:

By mail:
Attention: Patient Activities Certification
Bureau of Health Provider Standards
P. O. Box 303017
Montgomery, AL 36130-3017

By phone:
(334) 206-5169

Application

1. Letters of recommendation from (on official facility/company letterhead stationery)
    a. Nursing home Administrator or Director of Nursing (DON)
    b. Activity Department Supervisor
2. Resume, which includes:
    a. Maiden name (if applicable)
    b. Date of birth
    c. Social Security number
    d. Chronologically list employment experience (include facility name, job title, period of employment, location, education and
        copies). Pertinent certificates or other documents supporting education and job training
    e. Current supervisor's name and credentials
    f. Copy of job description signed at the time of employment in the activity department
    g. Job description (current)
3. Qualifications:
    a. Qualified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist w/one year of experience or
    b. Qualified Occupational Therapist or Occupational Assistant w/one year of experience or
    c. Completed a training course approved by the State with one year full-time experience in a recreational/activity program
         in a long-term care facility/nursing home, i.e., a NAAP/NCCAP 90-hour basic course for activity professionals; or
    d. Has two (2) years of experience in a social/ recreational program within the past five (5) years; one (1) of which was full-time
        in a patient activities program in a long-term care facility/nursing home or
    e. If you have ever been approved in the State of Alabama under another name.
4. Verify CNA Certification
5. Education Level
6. Identification (Picture ID)
7. Activity Trainer (Person Train the person)
8. Copy Activity Trainer Credentials