Who Is in the House?

The House is the representative body of APTA members, comprised of delegations as outlined in APTA Bylaws. These delegations can be from chapters, sections/academies, the APTA PTA Council, the APTA Board of Directors, the APTA Student Council, or House committees. Voting rights are outlined in the APTA Bylaws, and the size of each delegation is determined by the association's standing rules.

What Does the House Do?

The House shall speak and act on behalf of the membership, making decisions on issues that may have far-reaching implications for the association and for the profession of physical therapy. At its annual meeting, the House shall establish association policies and positions for the profession, create and amend the bylaws and standing rules,  and recommend future action on behalf of the profession. The House also elects national leaders, including the APTA Board of Directors and APTA Nominating Committee members, through APTA National Elections.

How Does the House Work?

The business at the House follows parliamentary procedure and is conducted through the introduction of delegate-proposed motions. Main motions recommend a course of action, articulate an association attitude on the physical therapy needs of the public or the needs of members, or describe a goal the association wishes to achieve.

Bylaw amendments are a type of motion directed at changing APTA's Bylaws, the association's internal governing rules.

While bylaw amendments and main motions must be submitted to APTA's National Governance and Leadership department by published deadlines, it is encouraged that all motions be discussed and developed year-round. Main motions submitted to the House can be found on the House of Delegates page on the APTA Community. Once the House hears a motion and acts upon it, it is included within the minutes from that meeting. The minutes serve as the official record of House proceedings and include the final language of the motions, which are ultimately published as a position or policy if appropriate.

If you have any questions about the House or have an idea about a possible motion, please contact your delegation. 

For more information, email APTA governance staff.

APTA members are welcome to attend upcoming House meetings:

• July 12 and 13, 2026, Portland, OR
• July 25 and 26, 2027, Washington, DC