The 2013 APTA House of Delegates adopted a landmark new vision of the profession of physical therapy: "Transforming society by optimizing movement to improve the human experience."

Building on the foundation of APTA's Vision 2020 and working through a collaborative process of literature review, interviews and surveys, meetings, and input from the Board of Directors and others, a Board-appointed task force met the charge of the 2010 House of Delegates to bring a proposed new vision statement to the 2013 House for consideration.

Most significant about the new vision is its outward perspective. This reflects physical therapy’s maturation from an inward-facing profession that aspired to the elements outlined in Vision 2020—autonomous practice, direct access, doctor of physical therapy, evidence-based practice, practitioner of choice, and professionalism. Now that the profession has largely achieved these aspirations, it can envision the impact that physical therapy can and must have on individuals, communities, and populations. APTA Board of Directors member Lisa Saladin, PT, PhD, the Board liaison for the vision-related motions brought to the House floor, assured delegates that these elements haven’t been lost in the concise, bold new vision. They are addressed in companion Guiding Principles to Achieve the Vision, which the 2013 House also considered and adopted. These 8 principles demonstrate how the profession and society will look when this new vision is achieved:

Identity explains the importance of validating the movement system along with other body systems and affirming the physical therapy profession’s responsibility to define it, promote it, and evaluate and manage it in patients and clients.

Quality commits the profession to establish and adopt best practice standards.

Collaboration charges the profession to join others in solving the health-related challenges that society faces.

Value includes accountability in demonstrating that services are safe, effective, patient-centered, timely, efficient, and equitable.

Innovation describes the creativity and proactivity of the profession that will enhance health services delivery and increase the value of physical therapy to society.

Consumer-centricity indicates that patient/client/consumer values and goals are central to all efforts of the profession.

Access/equity acknowledges the profession’s obligation to recognize and ameliorate health inequities and disparities.

Advocacy identifies the profession’s role to advocate for patients/clients/consumers as individuals and as a population. [RC 14A-13, RC 15-13]

Draft language adopted by the 2013 House of Delegates will be available on the House Community no later than July 12. Final language for all actions taken by the June 2013 House will be available by September after the minutes have been approved.

See more results of the 2013 House of Delegates by following this link, or click on July 9 from the News Now calendar.

APTA Director Lisa K. Saladin, PT, PhD, discusses the 2013 APTA House of Delegates adoption of a new vision for the profession.

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