IPTA Assembly of Representatives

What is the Assembly of Representatives?

The Assembly of Representatives is the HIGHEST decision-making body in the IPTA. Governance is the exercise of authority, direction and control. Governance is the way in which IPTA assigns rights and responsibilities to members. Authority to govern within IPTA is shared among 1) Members, 2) The Assembly of Representatives, 3) The Board of Directors, and 4) Some committees with special tasks (Finance, Ethics, and Delegation to the APTA House of Delegates).

Who do Assembly Representatives represent?

District representatives represent the members of the district that elected them. Student representatives represent the students of their school. Special interest group (SIG)representatives represent the members of their SIG.

How are Assembly Representatives elected?

In order to serve, an Assembly Representative must be an IPTA member in one of the following classes of membership: Physical Therapist, Physical Therapist Assistant, Physical Therapist Life or Retired, Physical Therapist Assistant Life or Retired member. Districts may have additional requirements including rules about how long one has to have been a district member.

Districts elect one physical therapist Assembly Representative for each 15 physical therapist district members and one physical therapist assistant Assembly Representative for each 30 physical therapist district member. The term of office for Assembly Representatives is two years, and approximately half of each Districts Representatives are elected each year. Each district establishes its own process for nominating and electing Assembly Representatives and may limit the number of terms that an Assembly Representative may serve.

What are the responsibilities of Assembly representatives?

Before the annual Meeting of the Assembly of Representative, Assembly Representatives read all provided materials and educate members about the issues. During the Meeting, Representatives combine representation of members with their own good judgment when voting. All representatives are encouraged to speak and make motions, but only district representatives and IPTA officers may vote. After the meeting, Representatives report the actions taken by the Assembly to the members.

What is the Meeting of the Assembly of Representatives?

The almost 150 Assembly Representatives meet once a year for a formal meeting that utilizes Roberts Rules of Order.  The IPTA membership must be given 30 days notice in order for a bylaw motion to be heard by the Assembly. Prior notice is highly desirable for all types of motions because it affords all IPTA members an opportunity to discuss motions with Assembly Representatives. Typically, the annual meeting of the Assembly of Representatives is held in April or May and the meeting lasts about 4 hours.