THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED - 25 YEARS OF DELEGATE ASSEMBLY REPRESENTATIVE ASSEMBLY LEGISLATION

In 1965, the power to legislate the affairs of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) passed from the Board of Management to the newly created Delegate Assembly. AOTA's progress in the 25-year period from 1965 to 1990 can be traced by studying the resolutions deliberated upon by that Assembly and its successor, the Representative Assembly. Of interest historically are not only the resolutions passed, but those defeated as well, because all indicate concern for the issues of the times in which the resolutions originated. This paper discusses certain trends that became evident, such as health care legislation concerns, strategic planning, the position of the certified occupational therapy assistant in AOTA, standards in practice and research, and advanced education. It emphasizes such issues as membership fees, continuing competency and continuing education, recruitment and personnel, and specialization.