![]() ![]() “Every consumer has the legal right to directly access a physical therapist throughout his/her lifespan for the diagnosis of, interventions for, and prevention of, impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities related to movement, function and health.”Īs of year 12 in the APTA’s 20 year “Vision 2020” mission, there are 17 states with real, gatekeeper-free direct access and professional autonomy. A self-image extreme makeover would be beneficial.ĭirect Access. The defining issue of professional autonomy is the state licensure exams and practice acts. For some reason, this has become more of a self image problem than anything else. If you are in a room of 10 physical therapists, you won’t get agreement on what professional autonomy looks like, yet in reality (and from a medico-legal perspective), all practice with “professional judgment and action”. Autonomous physical therapist practice is characterized by independent, self-determined, professional judgment and action.” “Physical therapists accept the responsibility to practice autonomously and collaboratively in all practice environments to provide best practice to the patient/client. Each of the six primary elements of Vision 2020 are noted, along with their separate operational definitions per the APTA.Īutonomous Physical Therapist Practice. ![]() With that background information, here is my Vision 2020 report card. With Vision 2020, the entry-level degree would become a Doctorate degree. Over time, the APTA forged ahead with a goal of having a Master’s degree as the entry-level to practice. Licensure is “the great equalizer” in terms of professional education. Also, it is important to note that foreign-trained physical therapists must still pass the licensure exam, regardless of their own entry-level degree, if they are to practice in the United States. This is still currently the standard in most countries around the world. Although you may have a physical therapy degree, you still have to pass a licensure exam in order to practice as a physical therapist.Ī number of years ago, the entry-level PT degree in this country was a Bachelor’s degree. The entry-level physical therapy degree is that what is required to take the state licensure exam. So with that said, let’s take a look at where we stand on all of this, 12 years down the road.įirst, a quick history lesson of sorts. ![]() I would like to believe that the association exists to serve the membership, and thus here is one member’s personal report card.įor those that need a refresher, here is what the APTA’s House Of Delegates put forth in 2000: “By 2020, physical therapy will be provided by physical therapists who are doctors of physical therapy, recognized by consumers and other health care professionals as the practitioners of choice to whom consumers have direct access for the diagnosis of, interventions for, and prevention of impairments, activity limitations, participation restrictions, and environmental barriers related to movement, function, and health.” With the APTA National Conference right around the corner, I think it is important to assess the accountability of the organization in meeting the goals of Vision 2020. We are now into year 12 of the APTA’s 20 year “ Vision 2020” mission statement. ![]()
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