Virginia Law

A. Activities shall be planned to support the plans of care for the participants and shall be consistent with the program statement and the admission policies.

B. Activities shall:

1. Support the physical, social, mental, and emotional skills and abilities of participants in order to promote or maintain their highest level of independence or functioning;

2. Accommodate individual differences by providing a variety of types of activities and levels of involvement; and

3. Offer participants a varied mix of activities including the following categories: physical; social; cognitive, intellectual, or creative; productive; sensory; reflective or contemplative; outdoor; and nature or the natural world. Community resources as well as center resources may be used to provide activities. Any given activity may fall under more than one category.

C. Participation in activities.

1. Participants shall be encouraged but not forced to participate in activity programs offered by the center and the community.

2. During an activity, each participant shall be encouraged but not coerced to join in the activity at his level of functioning, which may include his observation of the activity.

3. If appropriate to meet the needs of the participant with a short attention span, multiple short activities shall be provided.

4. Any restrictions on participation imposed by a physician shall be followed and documented in the participant's record and the plan of care.

D. There shall be a designated staff person who is routinely present in the center and who shall be responsible for managing or coordinating the structured activities program. This staff person shall maintain personal interaction with the participants and familiarity with their needs and interests and shall meet at least one of the following qualifications:

1. Be a qualified therapeutic recreation specialist or an activities professional;

2. Be eligible for certification as a therapeutic recreation specialist or an activities professional by a recognized accrediting body;

3. Be a qualified occupational therapist or an occupational therapy assistant;

4. Have at least an associate's degree in a discipline focusing on the provision of activities for adults; or

5. Have one year full-time work experience within the last five years in an activities program in an adult care setting.

E. The requirements of subsection D shall be met by June 28, 2020.

F. Participants, staff, and family members shall be encouraged to be involved in the planning of the activities.

G. Schedule of activities.

1. There shall be planned activities and programs throughout the day whenever the center is in operation.

2. A written schedule of activities shall be developed on a monthly basis.

3. The schedule shall include:

a. Group activities for all participants or small groups of participants; and

b. The name, type, date, and hour of the activity.

4. If one activity is substituted for another, the change shall be noted on the schedule.

5. The current month's schedule shall be posted in a readily accessible location in the center and also may be made available to participants and their families.

6. The schedule of activities for the preceding two years shall be kept at the center.

7. If a participant requires an individual schedule of activities, that schedule shall be a part of the plan of care.

H. During an activity, when needed to ensure that each of the following is adequately accomplished, there shall be staff persons or volunteers to:

1. Lead the activity;

2. Assist the participants with the activity;

3. Supervise the general area;

4. Redirect any individuals who require different activities; and

5. Protect the health, safety, and welfare of the participants involved in the activity.

I. The staff person or volunteer leading the activity shall have a general understanding of the following:

1. Attention spans and functional levels of each of the participants;

2. Methods to adapt the activity to meet the needs and abilities of the participants;

3. Various methods of engaging and motivating individuals to participate; and

4. The importance of providing appropriate instruction, education, and guidance throughout the activity.

J. Adequate supplies and equipment appropriate for the program activities shall be available in the center.

K. All equipment and supplies used shall be accounted for at the end of the activity so that a safe environment can be maintained.

L. In addition to the required scheduled activities, there shall be unscheduled staff and participant interaction throughout the day that fosters an environment that promotes socialization opportunities for participants.