Defining the system of care concept and philosophy: to update or not to update?

This commentary considers the task of updating the system of care concept and philosophy within its historical context, reviewing the original intent of the definition and clarifying misconceptions about its meaning. The authors identify the aspects of the concept and philosophy that should be updated based on the latest thinking, experience, and data, such as incorporating applicability to a broader range of populations, increasing the emphasis on the core values, specifying desired outcomes, and adding accountability as a critical element. An updated definition and values and principles are proposed, and the importance of always presenting the definition along with the accompanying specification of the philosophy is emphasized in order to increase its utility in assisting the field to move from theory to practice.