The first policy statement describing occupational therapy is published in AJOT: “Occupational therapy is a professional service which uses purposeful activities to aid the patient in recovery from and/or adjustment to disease or injury.  It is prescribed by the patient’s physician and administered by the occupational therapists with consideration not only of the specific disability but also of the patient’s physical, mental, emotional, social and economic needs.” The first AOTA Award of Merit recognizes Eva Otto Munzeheimer for distinguished service to the association; the award is now given to a member “who has made an outstanding global contribution to the profession.”

AOTA adopts the “Personnel Policies for Occupational Therapists,” which covers professional service and development; salary and related considerations; vacation and sick leave; insurance; and charges for services by OTs, non-professional assistants, and facilities.

AOTA establishes the Eleanor Clarke Slagle Lectureship, for “some outstanding practicing occupational therapist who has made significant contributions to the field,” with the first lecture awarded to Florence M. Stattel in 1955. The “Minimum Standards for an Occupational Therapy Department” are published in AJOT. The World Federation of Occupational Therapy is founded by OTs from Australia, Canada, Denmark, India, Israel,  New Zealand, South Africa, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

The AOTA Board of Management forms the Medical Advisory Committee to provide medical input to the Association. This group is replaced in 1969 by the Consultant Advisory Roster, acknowledging that medicine is only one type of external information useful to occupational therapy.

The Vocational Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1954 (P.L. 565) lists occupational therapy under its definition of services provided in rehabilitation facilities.   The AHA/AOTA Institutes begin, which focus on providing continuing education in administration, organization, and supervision.

AOTA publishes the “Policy on Advanced Study,” reinforcing the idea that OTs should maintain their competence by continuing their education. The Association conducts its first educational institute, “A Reassessment of Professional Education and Practice in Occupational Therapy as Related to Rehabilitation,” sponsored by an Office of Vocational Rehabilitation grant. At this time, most OTs have a certificate, not a bachelor’s degree. 

AOTA publishes the “Guide for Professional Responsibilities for the Occupational Therapist.”  The “Allenberry Workshop Conference on the Function and Preparation of the Psychiatric Occupational Therapist” is held in Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania, its purpose being “to maximize the educational and clinical contribution of occupational therapy to the total treatment program for psychiatric patients.” 

AOTA assumes responsibility for and adopts educational standards for Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs) and approves the first OTA educational program for psychiatric COTAs. AOTA publishes the “Guide for the Development of Graduate Education Leading to Higher Degrees in Occupational Therapy,” outlining the requirements for a master’s-level curriculum for the profession.

Pi Theta Epsilon (PTE) is established to honor outstanding students at the University of New Hampshire, under the direction of Anne Henderson. Today there are more than 90 active chapters.