House Process

The annual business of the House follows parliamentary procedure and is conducted through the introduction of delegate-proposed motions, which may amend APTA's bylaws, direct a course of action, articulate an association attitude on the physical therapy needs of the public or the needs of members, or describe a goal the association wishes to achieve.

The House begins with an opening ceremony and ends with a closing ceremony. Elections for the national offices of APTA are held while the House is in session.

About Motions

A main motion is the means by which business is brought before the House. A main motion, if adopted, becomes the official recorded statement of action taken by the House. Main motions, other than bylaw amendments, should direct a course of action, articulate an association attitude on the physical therapy needs of the public or the needs of members, or describe a goal the association wishes to achieve.

Bylaw amendments are a type of motion directed at changing APTA's bylaws, the association's internal governing rules. Current APTA bylaws make it easier to amend the bylaws in years ending in zero (0) and five (5). In years ending in other than zero or five, it requires the consent of two-thirds (2/3) of the component delegates to consider a proposed bylaw amendment.

While bylaw amendments and main motions must be submitted to APTA's National Governance and Leadership department by the published deadlines, it is encouraged that all motions be discussed and developed year round. Main motions for the House of Delegates can be found on the House of Delegates community.

Proposing a Main Motion to the House

Please visit the Motion Making Tools and Resources section of the House of Delegates Community to find out more about proposing a motion.