What a dynamic House of Delegates!  When was the last time you were able to sit in a room with 400 people and craft a document that would impact your profession for years to come?
That is what this year’s House of Delegates did with success in the passing of the new Code of Ethics document for the profession.  After hours of significant, stimulating dialogue the House of Delegates passed the expanded version of the Code of Ethics with amendments from the floor.
 
As I think of what goes on in this House of governance, I can only wonder why Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants do not feel they can make a difference or feel that the actions of the House of Delegates do not impact their clinical practice.  The Code of Ethics document elevated to shall statements instead of should documents will result in all Physical Therapists being held accountable to a higher standard.  This document will be applicable to all Licensed Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants.

Is it our responsibility to keep up with the changes in our profession over time?  Whose responsibility is it to make sure you have a job tomorrow?  What evidence do you seek to ensure your practice techniques and approach are up to date?
 
West Virginia would benefit from having an extended voice that will convey what is important to Physical Therapists and Physical Therapists Assistants.  It doesn’t take much to get involved; an email to the WVPTA or to the Chief Delegate, an offer to volunteer on a committee, and an understanding that your participation makes a difference.
 
Delegate Report
By: Shaun Snyder PT Delegate
 
It was truly an incredible year for the 2009 APTA HOD.  The highlight of business was the adoption of a revised Code of Ethics, and Standards of Professional Conduct for the PTA.  This was no simple task.  The House worked diligently to ensure the two documents are concise, thorough, and will help guide the autonomous practice of a doctoring profession.  The House was also given a report on the recently held PASS (Physical Therapy and Society Summit).  PASS was an innovative “think tank” with 30 physical therapists and 30 non-physical therapists representing government, health policy, academia, engineering, bioscience, and information technology.  The purpose of the Summit was to determine areas of opportunity to empower physical therapists to be leaders in: 1) integrating innovative technologies and practice models and 2) establishing collaborative multidisciplinary partnerships that address current, evolving, and future societal health care needs.  The passage of the revised core documents and the PASS conference are just two examples of how the APTA is working hard to advance the profession of physical therapy and its members.  And with healthcare reform on the near horizon, APTA is lobbying to ensure that we have a voice and that we won’t be left behind in this critical time.

The members of the WV delegation request your assistance in year-round governance (bringing up issues of interest to our state chapter that may be relevant to national business.)  We want our state chapter to not only have a strong voice in the business that shapes our Association and profession, but also to initiate motions that may be beneficial to our state chapter.                                                                                                                 

New Leadership Emerges in WV                                                                          

What an exciting time for WVPTA as we look toward 2010 and the  emerging leaders  that are joining us;
Greg Syvertson PT Alternate Delegate, Tom Porto PT alternate Delegate, and Rick Stocker PTA Caucus Representative
 
At the 2009 HOD, Rick Stocker PTA readily shared thoughts and ideas that were able to be crafted into an amendment on the floor by the PTA Caucus of the 2009 HOD and passed for inclusion into the Standards of Ethical Practice for the Physical Therapist Assistant. His suggestion unanimously passed on the House floor.
 
Who says you can’t make a difference !

The Delegation would be happy to join you for clinical dialogue to discuss the needs and directions of the PTs and PTAs in the state.

Chief Delegate Report:
 
WV Representatives present:                                                           Northeast Caucus Meeting
Nancy Koenig PT Chief Delegate (carried one vote )                       Baltimore, MD 11/14/09
Shaun Snyder PT Delegate                                                                Join Us
Stephanie Hampton PTA Caucus Representative                           Let me know if you’re interested
Rick Stocker PTA Caucus Representative alternate
 
Election Results
President:  Scott Ward for second term
Vice President: Paul Rockar
Board of Directors: Amy Klein; Mary Sinnott; Nicole Stout; Kathy Mairella
Nominating Committee: Jim Hughes