Types of official and other documents include the following:
I. Types of Official Documents
A. Guidelines
Provide descriptions, examples, or recommendations of procedures pertaining to the education of occupational therapy practitioners and the practice of occupational therapy. [Note: The AOTA Practice Guidelines series are not included in the official document development or adoption process. AOTA’s Practice Guidelines are a product of the Evidence Based Practice Project, and therefore follow a process of development as determined by the Institutes of Medicine and National Guideline Clearinghouse.]
B. Position Papers
Present the official stance of the Association on a substantive issue or subject. They are developed in response to a particular issue, concern, or need of the Association and may be written for internal or external use.
C. Standards
Include a general description of the topic and define the minimum requirements for performance and quality.
D. Statements
Describe and clarify (vs. present an official stance) an aspect or issue related to education or practice and are linked to the fundamental concepts of occupational therapy. They are developed in response to a particular issue, concern, or need of the Association and may be written for internal or external use.
E. Societal Statements
Written in the form of public announcements, these statements identify a societal issue of concern; state how the issue affects the participation of individuals, families groups, or communities in society; and may offer action to be taken by individuals, groups, or communities.
American Occupational Therapy Association. (2014). RACC standard operating procedures—Official documents (Attachment A). (Available from American Occupational Therapy Association, 4720 Montgomery Lane, PO Box 31220, Bethesda, MD 20824-1220) *
* Note: The Representative Assembly adopted the RACC Standard Operating Procedures, Attachment A at the fall online meeting in November 2014. As a result of this motion, the following types of Official Documents will no longer be developed: Concept Papers, Roles Papers, and Specialized Knowledge and Skills Papers. Official Documents of these types will remain available on the website until the next scheduled review cycle.
AOTA Members: Access the official documents.