Section 150.026 - Therapeutic Activity Directors in Dementia Special Care Units(A) A facility operating one or more DSCUs shall have a therapeutic activity director for the DSCU(s) who is a qualified therapeutic recreation specialist or an activities professional who: (1) Is certified as a therapeutic recreation specialist or as an activities professional by an accrediting body recognized by the Department;(2) Has two years of experience in a social or recreational program within the last five years, one of which was full-time in a resident activities program in a health care setting; or(3) Is a qualified occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant.(B) The responsibilities of the therapeutic activity director shall include:(1) Developing and implementing the therapeutic activity program individualized for each DSCU resident;(2) Supervising the activities personnel who assist with therapeutic activities;(3) Planning and scheduling therapeutic activities and events;(4) Posting in a conspicuous place a monthly calendar of activities and events;(5) Contributing to each resident's comprehensive assessment and plan of care;(6) Providing sufficient oversight of the activities personnel; and(7) Assisting as necessary with other DSCU services.(C) Notwithstanding 105 CMR 150.026(A), if the therapeutic activity director is not certified as a therapeutic recreation specialist or an activities professional by an accrediting body recognized by the Department, or is not a qualified occupational therapist, the therapeutic activity director and the nursing home shall consult with an occupational therapist in the development of a therapeutic activities program that meets the individual needs of each resident in the DSCU.(D) The same individual shall not serve as both the therapeutic activity director for the DSCU(s) and the activity director for the facility, except when the DSCU comprises the entirety of the facility.Amended by Mass Register Issue 1276, eff. 12/19/2014.Amended by Mass Register Issue 1361, eff. 3/23/2018.