about

NAAP is the only national group that represents activity professionals in geriatric settings exclusively. NAAP serves as a catalyst for both professional and personal growth and has come to be recognized by government officials as the voice of the activity profession on national issues concerning long-term care facilities, retirement living, assisted living, adult day services, and senior citizen centers. NAAP is nationwide in scope with a growing membership in Canada and Bermuda.

* The quality of life of the client/resident/participant/patient served is the primary reason for our services.
* The strength of NAAP lies in the diversity of its members. NAAP recognizes the rich cultural, and educational backgrounds of its members and values the variety of resources represented.
* The strength of NAAP also lies in the development and promotion of scientific research which further defines and supports the activity profession.
* NAAP values the development and maintenance of coalitions with organizations whose mission is similar to that of NAAP's for the purposes of advocacy, research, education, and promotion of activity services and activity professionals.
* NAAP values members who become involved at the state and national level to promote professional standards as well as encourage employers to recognize them as professionals.

* NAAP successfully worked with members of Congress to secure a change in the nursing home reform title of the 1987 Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA). Through our efforts, it became mandatory that an activity program, directed by a qualified professional, be provided in every nursing home that receives Medicare and/or Medicaid funds.

* NAAP was the only professional activity association to participate in HCFA's workgroups that revised OBRA's interpretive guidelines now in effect.

* NAAP provides assistance at the state level to promote certification of activity professionals, working toward uniform professional standards for activity practice.