Physical Therapy Commons^™

Development Of A Statement On Autonomous Practice: Practice Committee, Section On Geriatrics, Jason Hardage, Stacey Zeigler, Jennifer Blackwood, Tamara Gravano, Greg Hartley, Jill Heitzman, Joe Libera, Ken Miller

Physical Therapy Faculty Research

Vision 2020 is the official vision statement of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). Drafted by the APTA House of Delegates in 2000, this statement contains 6 elements: autonomous physical therapist practice, direct access, Doctor of Physical Therapy and lifelong education, evidence-based practice, practitioner of choice, and professionalism. Autonomous practice has been operationally defined by the APTA primarily through its characteristics: “Physical therapists accept the responsibility to practice autonomously and collaboratively in all practice environments to provide best practice to the patient/client. Autonomous physical therapist practice is characterized by independent, self-determined, professional judgment and action.” The Section on Geriatrics has …