A Missed Moment for Ethical Reflection—and a Concerning Signal About Governance

During today’s AOTA Representative Assembly meeting, the vote to approve the consent agenda passed 55–0 . Included in that consent agenda was a substantial revision to our Code of Ethics —and not one representative moved to pull it for open discussion . Yes, the revisions were reviewed in a task group. Yes, there was a comment period. But those procedural steps, while technically fulfilled, do not substitute for meaningful public deliberation —especially on something so foundational. The Code of Ethics is not just a policy; it reflects the core of our professional identity . When we alter that framework—particularly in ways that introduce a distinct set of social or philosophical assumptions—we should do so through visible, intentional, and inclusive ethical dialogue . That did not happen here. Members reached out. Emails were sent. Concerns were raised. But nothing was pulled. No one spoke. In the lead-up to the vote, I publicly stated the following: “I invite those who helped shape...