Oct 1, 2025/Policies & Bylaws

House position: Physical therapists shall establish a diagnosis for each patient/client. 

Oct 26, 2022/Policies & Bylaws

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

Aug 30, 2018/Policies & Bylaws

House position: Provides an overview of electrophysiologic examinations and evaluations as practiced by physical therapists.

Oct 1, 2025/Policies & Bylaws

House position: APTA supports the development and utilization of evidence‐based practice.

Aug 30, 2018/Policies & Bylaws

House position: Physical therapists' practice responsibility includes all elements of patient and client management: examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, intervention, and outcomes.

Jun 3, 2015/Policies & Bylaws

House position: Outlines management of the movement system.

Oct 1, 2025/Policies & Bylaws

House position: Physical therapist management may prevent the need for or reduce the use of medications. Physical therapist management includes counseling patients and clients on the need for, and the benefits and risks of, medication, and supplements.

Aug 30, 2018/Policies & Bylaws

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.

Sep 20, 2019/Policies & Bylaws

House position: Physical therapist and physical therapist assistants in safe patient handling and mobility.

Oct 1, 2013/Policies & Bylaws

House position: APTA shall pursue documentation standards that focus primarily on clinical reasoning and decision making in the provision of physical therapist services.