An Act amending the act of July 9, 1987 (P.L.220, No.39), known as the Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors Act, further providing for legislative intent, for definitions, for license required, for State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors, for powers and functions of board, for qualifications for license, for procedures for licensing, for reciprocity, for endorsement of out-of-State licenses and for reinstatement of license; providing for restrictions on use of title "Licensed Recreational Therapist"; and further providing for penalties, for license renewal and records and fees and for unlawful practice.
SB 981 amends Pennsylvania's licensing law for social work and therapy professions to specifically regulate "Licensed Recreational Therapists." It defines recreational therapy practice (including 15 methods like assessment, treatment planning, and community integration) and requires a license for anyone using the title "Licensed Recreational Therapist." Unlike other licensed professions under this law, recreational therapists must hold a license for employment by the state, local governments, or nonprofit agencies. The bill also updates the State Board composition to include one licensed recreational therapist member.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Aug 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Aug 25, 2025
Last action Aug 25, 2025
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
1
Key actions
0
Committee
1
Aug 25, 2025
Committee
Referred to Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure
upper
1 primary · 14 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Lynda Culver
RRepublican
Co
Amanda Cappelletti
DDemocratic
Co
Carolyn Comitta
DDemocratic
Co
Dave Argall
RRepublican
Co
Devlin Robinson
RRepublican
Co
Elder Vogel
RRepublican
Co
James Malone
DDemocratic
Co
Jay Costa
DDemocratic
Co
Joe Picozzi
RRepublican
Co
Judy Schwank
DDemocratic
Co
Nikil Saval
DDemocratic
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