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APTA bylaws, positions, standards, guidelines, policies, and procedures are adopted and amended by the Board of Directors and the House of Delegates using parliamentary procedure.
APTA Bylaws
APTA's bylaws provide comprehensive guidelines in which the association operates.
Standing Rules
Standing rules outline the administration of the association.
Search APTA Policies
Browse Positions, Standards, Guidelines, Policies, and Procedures
Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education Programs
SEPTEMBER 20, 2018
House position: APTA's Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education is the one agency for accreditation of physical therapy education programs
APTA CEO Performance Assessment
DECEMBER 21, 2015
Board policy: The APTA Board of Directors will conduct an annual review of the performance of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
APTA's Name and "Mark"/Logo Usage
SEPTEMBER 03, 2019
Board policy: The association’s official mark/logo and other brand elements developed by the association according to its Brand Guidelines are the property of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).
JULY 09, 2012
Board policy: Outlines the process that will occur in the event of a departure or dismissal of APTA's Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
APRIL 26, 2019
Board policy: Describes how APTA makes charitable contributions and the handling process for contribution requests.
JULY 30, 2012
Board policy: Describes the role and responsibilities of APTA's Chief Executive Officer.
JULY 30, 2012
Board policy: Outlines the process to make editorial corrections in association programs or policies.JULY 30, 2012
Board policy: Describes the goal of APTA's governance.
JULY 30, 2012
Board policy: Describes the purpose, eligibility and criteria for selection for the Emerging Leader AwardJULY 27, 2020
Board policy: Policy and procedures regarding APTA's Honors & Awards Program.JULY 27, 2020
House Policy: Details on Establishing an Award to Recognize the Contributions of a Member or Establishing a Corporate-Sponsored Award.AUGUST 01, 2012
Board policy: Describes how component dues will be collected.
DECEMBER 20, 2019
Board policy: Describes the financial documents components are required to submit for annual review.JANUARY 14, 2021
Board policy: APTA's federated model is strengthened by ensuring consistency with APTA documents, policies, and positions.
DECEMBER 16, 2020
Board policy: Describes the purpose, composition, and operations of the Physical Therapist Assistant Caucus.AUGUST 01, 2012
Board policy: Describes annual meeting requirements for sections and assemblies.American Board of Physical Therapy Residency And Fellowship Education
OCTOBER 04, 2019
Board guideline: American Board Of Physical Therapy Residency And Fellowship Education
Guidelines to Promote Excellence in Clinical Education Partnerships
SEPTEMBER 20, 2019
House guideline: Provides guidelines and describes aspects of the clinical partner site, the site coordinator of clinical education, and the clinical instructor that are necessary to promote excellence in clinical education.
SEPTEMBER 20, 2019
House position: Describes how individuals other than PTs and PTAs may participate in continuing education.
Commitment to Interprofessional Education and Practice
SEPTEMBER 20, 2019
House position: Describes the core competencies that should be integrated into education and practice initiatives to support interprofessional education and practice.
Definition of Underrepresented Minority Populations in PT Education
AUGUST 28, 2014
House position: Defines the term "underrepresented" in relation to physical therapy education.
Educational Degree Qualifications and Nomenclature for PTs and PTAs
AUGUST 30, 2018
House position: Describes the minimum professional education qualification for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants.
Enhanced Proficiency and Continuing Education for the PTA
AUGUST 31, 2018
House position: Describes how physical therapist assistants may participate in continuing education.
Financial Transparency of Physical Therapy Education Programs
AUGUST 20, 2020
House position: Supports collaboration among all physical therapy education stakeholders to achieve financial transparency.
Guidelines: Commitment of Students and Clinicians to Patients, Clients, Society, and the Profession
August 12, 2020
House guideline: APTA supports students, PTs, and PTAs expressing their commitment to patients, clients, society, and the profession with an oath or pledge.
SEPTEMBER 20, 2019
House position: Outlines expectations for all physical therapy education programs in meeting quality standards.SEPTEMBER 20, 2019
House position: Describes the role of physical therapy education programs in promoting membership with the American Physical Therapy Association.Guidelines: Recruiting and Hiring Internationally Educated Physical Therapists
JULY 27, 2012
House guideline: Outlines the process to recruit and hire internationally-educated physical therapists.
AUGUST 30, 2018
House position: Describes the role the association and its members will have with the World Confederation for Physical Therapy and other organizations to enhance physical therapy services.
APRIL 14, 2014
Board policy: Describes the association's position on endorsements in various contexts.Code of Ethics for the Physical Therapist
JUNE 01, 2019
House standard: Outlines and describes the code of ethics for physical therapists.
AUGUST 30, 2018
House position: Addresses the responsibility of physical therapists and physical therapist assistants to ensure that the best interests of the person remain at the center of services provided.SEPTEMBER 20, 2019
House position: Outlines how the core values guide the behavior of physical therapists and physical therapist assistants to provide the highest quality of physical therapy services.AUGUST 30, 2018
House position: Outlines expectations to provide clinical education that complies with legal and ethical standards for patient and client management, is consistent with the association's positions and promotes professional development.JULY 27, 2012
House position: Describes the association's position on the inclusion of recognized ethical standards of the profession in practice acts and/or rules and regulations in all jurisdictions.JULY 27, 2012
House policy: Describes various circumstances that may create or cause a conflict of interest and outlines general guidance on how to uphold integrity in those situations.JUNE 01, 2019
House standard: Outlines the standards of ethical conduct for physical therapist assistants.Authorization to Establish Accounts and Use Funds
FEBRUARY 12, 2020
Board policy: Describes establishment of financial accounts and the use of funds by designated and authorized staff.
DECEMBER 20, 2019
Board policy: Describes the grace period for membership dues.APRIL 26, 2019
Board guideline: Outlines the objectives of APTA's Investment Program.AUGUST 01, 2012
Board policy: Outlines indemnification of the association's Directors, officers, staff or appointees for any loss which such individuals shall become legally obligated to pay.APRIL 26, 2019
Board policy: Defines investments held for reserve and the annual goal for the assets in this category.APRIL 26, 2019
Board policy: Outlines travel and meal reimbursement procedures for the association.DECEMBER 16, 2019
Board policy: Outlines procedures related to unbudgeted expenses exceeding $50,000 not related to personnel.Board of Directors as a Delegation to the House of Delegates
SEPTEMBER 06, 2019
Board policy: Outlines the duty of APTA's Board of Directors as a delegation to the House of Delegates.
Board of Directors Public Member
December 16, 2020
Board policy: The process by which the public member is appointed, and their duties and responsibilities.
Board of Directors and Volunteers Whistleblower Protection
February 3, 2020
Board Policy: This policy is intended to encourage and enable members of the Board of Directors and volunteers to raise serious concerns internally so that APTA can address and correct inappropriate conduct and actions.
Honoraria for Board of Directors
December 16, 2020
Board policy: Outlines honoraria for members of APTA's Board of Directors.
APTA Board Member Participation in Elections for National Office
JULY 27, 2020
Board policy: Outlines the role of APTA's Board of Directors during the election process.
SEPTEMBER 06, 2019
Board policy: Describes and outlines the code of conduct for APTA's Board of Directors.
Conflict of Interest and Disclosure
SEPTEMBER 06, 2019
Board policy: Describes and reaffirms the association's commitment to conducting its activities in accordance with the highest ethical standards.
Councils: Purpose, Member Qualifications, Governance and Deliverables
JULY 27, 2020
Board policy: Describes the purpose of an APTA council and provides information on existing councils within the association.
DECEMBER 20, 2019
Board policy: Outlines the procedures to be taken in the event of a vacancy on APTA's Board of Directors.SEPTEMBER 20, 2019
House policy: Outlines honoraria for members of APTA's Board of Directors.Acknowledgement of Service and Support in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic
AUGUST 20, 2020
House position: Honor the commitment of APTA staff, leaders of our association, and members of our profession in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Americans with Disabilities: Role of the APTA
AUGUST 01, 2012
House position: Outlines role of the APTA as an advocate for full inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of community life and within the profession of physical therapy.
APTA Statement in Support of Essential Health Benefits
AUGUST 30, 2018
House position: Statement on APTA supporting the inclusion of a defined package of essential health benefits in all insurance plans to ensure individuals have adequate access to comprehensive health services that meet their unique needs.
AUGUST 30, 2018
House position: Outlines how APTA supports certification in basic life support for all physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, student physical therapists and student physical therapist assistants.
Communicable and Infectious Diseases/Conditions: Rights of Patients & Providers
SEPTEMBER 20, 2019
House position: Describes the rights of patients and providers in physical therapy in relation to communicable and/or infectious diseases and conditions.
Complementary and Integrative Interventions
AUGUST 30, 2018
House position: Describes APTA's role in supporting the continued use of evidence-based complementary and integrative interventions in physical therapist practice.
Designation of Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
JUNE 03, 2015
House position: Describes the designation of individuals with intellectual disabilities and developmental disabilities, or both, as a medically under-served population.
Genetics and Genomics Competency for Physical Therapists
SEPTEMBER 20, 2019
House position: Describes the association's position on the concept of genomics competency.
Pro Bono Physical Therapist Services and Organization Support
AUGUST 30, 2018
House guideline: Outlines guiding principles related to member-provided pro bono services or support of organizations that meet the health needs of people who are economically disadvantaged
SEPTEMBER 20, 2019
House position: Describes the association's role and position regarding health and social issues.
SEPTEMBER 20, 2019
House position: Describes the association's position on health literacy.
Impaired Colleagues and Providers
SEPTEMBER 20, 2019
House position: Outlines expectations for members when addressing problems demonstrated by impaired colleagues and providers.
Naloxone Available where PT Services are Provided
SEPTEMBER 20, 2019
House position: Describes the association's position on access and use of naloxone as it relates to physical therapy services.
Public Health Crisis of Firearms-Related Injuries and Deaths in the U.S.
SEPTEMBER 20, 2019
House position: Describes the association's position on firearms-related injuries and deaths in the United States.
Principles and Objectives for Health Services in the United States
SEPTEMBER 20, 2019
House position: Describes the association's position on high-quality services and business models in the United States that are accessible and meet the needs of individuals, patient and client populations, and communities.
Provision of Assistive Technology
AUGUST 01, 2012
House position: Describes the association's position on the provision of assistive technology.
AUGUST 30, 2018
House position: Describes the association's position on sexual harassment.
Support for Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Vaccination Schedules
SEPTEMBER 20, 2019
House position: Describes the association's position on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's recommended vaccination schedules.
World Confederation for Physical Therapy's Policy Statement: Torture
SEPTEMBER 20, 2019
House position: Describes the association's position on the World Confederation for Physical Therapy's Policy Statement: Torture.
Support of Environmentally Responsible Practice
SEPTEMBER 20, 2019
House position: Describes the association's position on environmental stewardship.
Role of Physical Therapy in Palliative Care and Hospice
SEPTEMBER 20, 2019
House position: Outlines the role of physical therapy in palliative care and hospice settings.
AUGUST 20, 2020
House position: Supports interprofessional collaboration in behavioral and mental health to enhance the overall health and well-being of society consistent with APTA's vision.AUGUST 20, 2020
House positon: Supports collaboration between physical therapists and sleep medicine professionals to enhance the health and well-being of society.AUGUST 22, 2016
Board procedure: Outlines the submission process and required documentation for chapter proposals for Honorary Membership in the APTA.Disciplinary Action Procedural Document
MAY 29, 2020
Board procedure: Gives background on the Disciplinary Action Procedural Document.
Access To Durable Medical Equipment
AUGUST 30, 2018
House position: Access to durable medical equipment.
Public Policy Efforts To Improve Consumer Access To Physical Therapists
AUGUST 30, 2018
House position: Public policy and payment efforts to improve consumer access to physical therapists.
The Role Of PT In Health Management For People With Chronic Disability
MAY 14, 2020
House position: Describes the role of PT in health management for people with chronic disease.
SEPTEMBER 29, 2019
House position: Consumer Protection Through Licensure of Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants.
APRIL 26, 2019
Board policy: Delegates and alternate delegates receive a discount of 50% on NEXT Conference.
APTA Dues and Membership and Affiliate Qualifications
DECEMBER 22, 2020
Board policy: The process by which dues are established, defined, and implemented.
Catherine Worthingham Fellows Of The APTA
OCTOBER 05, 2018
Board policy: Membership category and qualifications of Catherine Worthingham Fellows of the APTA.
JULY 27, 2012
House position: APTA is committed to serving the needs of all people who require physical therapy and to meeting the needs of all its members.
SEPTEMBER 20, 2019
House position: The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) supports efforts to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion to better serve the association, the profession, and society.
SEPTEMBER 20, 2019
House position: The American Physical Therapy Association supports cultural competence as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
SEPTEMBER 20, 2019
House policy: APTA opposes discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, or health status.
Board Responsibility for Association's Mission Statement
SEPTEMBER 13, 2017
House policy: Describes the role APTA's Board of Directors in relation to the association's mission statement.
Vision Statement for the Physical Therapy Profession
SEPTEMBER 25, 2019
House position: States the vision statement for the physical therapy profession and outlines the guiding principles to achieve this vision.
MARCH 19, 2018
Board policy: States the association's mission statement.
AUGUST 30, 2018
House policy: The Nominating Committee shall have responsibility to develop questions for candidate statements for individuals slated for national office.
Recommendations And Nominations For National Office
SEPTEMBER 20, 2019
House policy: Recommendations for elected office in the American Physical Therapy Association may be submitted by any individual member.
Support For Candidates For National Election
AUGUST 30, 2018
House policy: APTA is committed to having a diverse and inclusive elected leadership team.
Access Admission Patient Client Rights
AUGUST 31, 2018
House position: In providing physical therapy services, the physical therapist is accountable first and foremost to the individual receiving physical therapy.
Annual Visit With A Physical Therapist
AUGUST 31, 2018
House position: Outlines recommendation on how often individuals should visit a physical therapist.
Autonomous Physical Therapist Practice
AUGUST 08, 2012
House position: Physical therapists have the responsibility to practice autonomously in all settings, practice environments, and employment relationships.
Clinical Practice Guideline Endorsement
APRIL 27, 2019
Board policy: The Board of Directors (Board) or Executive Committee (EC) approves all clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) submitted to APTA for endorsement.
Delivery Of Value Based Physical Therapy Services
SEPTEMBER 21, 2019
House position: Physical therapists embrace and are accountable for best practice standards to provide high‐quality services that promote value, and that all individuals have access to physical therapist services.
Diagnosis By Physical Therapist
AUGUST 22, 2012
House position: Physical therapists shall establish a diagnosis for each patient/client.
Direction And Supervision Of The Physical Therapist Assistant
AUGUST 30, 2018
House position: Physical therapist practice and the practice of physical therapy are synonymous. Both phrases are inclusive of patient and client management, and direction and supervision. Direction and supervision apply to the physical therapist assistant, who is the only individual who assists a physical therapist in practice. The utilization of other support personnel, whether in the performance of tasks or clerical activities, relates to the efficient operation of the physical therapy service.
AUGUST 30, 2018
House position: The physical therapist has oversight of all documentation regardless of the setting in which physical therapist services are provided and shall comply with jurisdictional documentation requirements.AUGUST 30, 2018
House position: Provides an overview of electrophysiologic examinations and evaluations as practiced by physical therapists.AUGUST 07, 2012
House position: The American Physical Therapy Association endorses the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF).SEPTEMBER 02, 2016 / ARTICLE
House position: Outlines endorsement of efforts addressing the opioid health crisisSEPTEMBER 20, 2019
House position: APTA supports the development and utilization of evidence‐based practice.AUGUST 30, 2018
House position: The use of biophysical agents as a standalone intervention, or the use of multiple biophysical agents with a similar physiologic effect, is not considered physical therapy nor is it considered medically necessary without documentation that justifies the use of the biophysical agents for those purposes.SEPTEMBER 20, 2019
House position: APTA supports the following health priorities for populations and individuals in the areas of prevention, wellness, fitness, health promotion, and management of disease and disability.AUGUST 30, 2018
House position: Physical therapists' practice responsibility includes all elements of patient and client management: examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, intervention, and outcomes.JUNE 03, 2015
House position: Outlines management of the movement system.AUGUST 30, 2018
House position: Physical therapist patient and client management integrates an understanding of a patient’s or client’s prescription and nonprescription medication regimen with consideration of its impact on health, function, movement, and disability.AUGUST 30, 2018
House position: APTA recognizes that inappropriate or indiscriminate use of physical and chemical restraints across the life span is harmful to the quality of life of patients and clients.AUGUST 20, 2020
House position: Supports collaborative practice and business models that are innovative, ethical, and person-centered.SEPTEMBER 20, 2019
House position: Physical therapist and physical therapist assistants in safe patient handling and mobility.AUGUST 30, 2018
House position: Physical therapists make unique contributions as individuals or members of primary care teams and are entry-point providers into the health care system. Physical therapists provide a broad range of services to optimize movement, including screening, examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, intervention, coordination of care, prevention, wellness and fitness, and, when indicated, referral to other providers.AUGUST 29, 2018
House position: APTA supports and encourages physical therapist ownership and operation of physical therapy services.AUGUST 07, 2012
House position: Physical therapists are practitioners of choice in the rehabilitation and management of vestibular-related balance disorders.SEPTEMBER 20, 2019 / ARTICLE
House position: Physical therapists play a unique role in society in prevention, wellness, fitness, health promotion, and management of disease and disability by serving as a dynamic bridge between health and health services delivery for individuals and populations.SEPTEMBER 13, 2017
House position: An individual physical therapist’s scope of practice is influenced by professional, jurisdictional, and personal scopes of practice.OCTOBER 01, 2013
House position: APTA shall pursue documentation standards that focus primarily on clinical reasoning and decision making in the provision of physical therapist services.AUGUST 07, 2012
House position: APTA supports the provision of physical therapy services to children with special needs.SEPTEMBER 20, 2019
House position: APTA supports a health system that addresses the health needs of older adults.SEPTEMBER 20, 2019
House position: APTA supports physical therapists applying for and being granted practice privileges in institutional settingsSEPTEMBER 13, 2017
House position: APTA supports increased societal access to and recognition of physical therapists for disability evaluation and determination for health, recreation, employment, legal, regulatory, transportation, and insurance purposes.SEPTEMBER 20, 2019
House standard: The physical therapy profession is committed to transforming society by optimizing movement to improve the human experience.SEPTEMBER 20, 2019
House position: Experiential learning focused on development and application of patient‐ and client‐centered skills and behaviors is a crucial component of the education of physical therapists and physical therapist assistants.SEPTEMBER 20, 2019
House position: Telehealth is a well‐defined and established method of health services delivery.SEPTEMBER 20, 2019
House position: The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) supports advocacy for prevention, wellness, fitness, health promotion, and management of disease and disability.SEPTEMBER 20, 2019
House position: APTA supports physical therapists as part of the interdisciplinary team of licensed health services providers who deliver concussion management and rehabilitation.SEPTEMBER 20, 2019
House position: Physical therapy aides are any support personnel who perform designated tasks related to the operation of the physical therapy service.SEPTEMBER 20, 2019
House position: Diet and nutrition are key components of primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention of many conditions managed by physical therapists.AUGUST 20, 2019
House position: Supports emergency physical therapist practice.AUGUST 28, 2014
House position: APTA positions, standards, guidelines, policies, and procedures are intended to communicate best practice for physical therapist practice.AUGUST 20, 2020
House position: Supports and participates in workforce planning efforts with other stakeholders to meet the needs of the profession and society.AUGUST 13, 2020
House position: The American Physical Therapy Association supports efforts by physical therapists and physical therapist assistants to transform the delivery of health services and achieve the goal of zero preventable patient harm.Best Practice in Mentoring in Physical Therapy
AUGUST 30, 2018
House position: Provides information on best practice for mentoring colleagues, physical therapist and physical therapist assistant students, postprofessional students, residents and fellows.
Professional Development Lifelong Learning
JULY 30, 2012
House position: APTA supports the concepts of continuing competence, lifelong learning, and ongoing professional development.
OCTOBER 05, 2018
Board policy: The Board of Directors shall appoint the editor-in-chief of the association's journal, Physical Therapy (PTJ).
SEPTEMBER 20, 2019
House position: Opposition To Physician Ownership Of Physical Therapist Services And Self‐Referral By Physicians.
JULY 27, 2012
House position: Describes APTA's position on referral to physical therapy.
SEPTEMBER 20, 2019
House position: APTA supports rigorous scientific inquiry as an essential requisite for developing and advancing the physical therapy profession.
APTA Clinical Specialization Policy
SEPTEMBER 20, 2019
House policy: Clinical specialization in physical therapy is a voluntary and unrestricted process.
Clinical Specialization In Physical Therapy
SEPTEMBER 20, 2019
House position: The American Physical Therapy Association supports the recognition of physical therapists who have attained voluntary specialization of practice.
SEPTEMBER 20, 2019
House position: APTA supports the following levels of supervision within the context of physical therapist practice.
AUGUST 29, 2018
House position: APTA defines and uses the following terms in its documents and publications to promote consistency and a common understanding and use of these terms external to APTA regarding the provision of physical therapist services.JULY 27, 2012
House position: Physical therapy practitioners have an obligation to provide nonjudgmental care to all people who need it.APTA Board Of Directors Appointed Groups
SEPTEMBER 03, 2019
Board policy: Describes APTA Board of Directors Appointed Groups.
American Board of Physical Therapy Residency And Fellowship Education
OCTOBER 04, 2019
Board guideline: American Board Of Physical Therapy Residency And Fellowship Education
American Board Of Physical Therapy Specialties
OCTOBER 09, 2014
Board guideline: American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties.
Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy
DECEMBER 22, 2015
Board policy: Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy.
World Confederation For Physical Therapy
MAY 13, 2013
Board policy: Describes the role the association and its members will have with the World Confederation for Physical Therapy.
World Confederation for Physical Therapy Congress Dubai 2021
AUGUST 20, 2020
House position: APTA censures WCPT for its egregious disregard for human rights and dignity by selecting Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to host WCPT Congress 2021.
World Confederation for Physical Therapy Congress Location Selection
AUGUST 20, 2020
House position: Supports WCPT selecting meeting locations for future WCPT congresses that adhere to its current policy statement related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.