The overriding principle is that speech-language pathologists will provide only those services for which they are adequately prepared through their academic and clinical training, their experience, and their continuing education. The practice of speech-language pathology includes:

1. (a) Providing screening, identification, assessment, diagnosis, treatment, intervention (i.e. prevention, restoration, amelioration, compensation) and follow-up services for disorders of:

   1. (e) Selecting, fitting, and establishing effective use of appropriate prosthetic/adaptive devices for speaking and swallowing (e.g. tracheoesophageal valves, electrolarynges, speaking valves);
   2. (f) Using instrumental technology to diagnose and treat disorders of communication and swallowing (e.g., videofluoroscopy, nasenodoscopy, ultrasonography, stroboscopy);
   3. (g) Providing aural rehabilitation and related counseling services to individuals with hearing loss and their families;
   4. (h) Collaborating in the assessment of central auditory processing disorders in cases in which there is evidence of speech, language, and/or other cognitive-communication disorders; providing intervention for individuals with central auditory processing disorders;
   5. (i) Conducting pure tone air conduction hearing screening and screening tympanometry for the purpose of the initial identification and/or referral of individuals with other communication disorders or possible middle ear pathology;
   6. (j) Enhancing speech and language proficiency and communication effectiveness, including but not limited to accent reduction, collaboration with teachers of English as a second language, and improvement of voice, performance, and singing;
   7. (k) Training and supervising support personnel;
   8. (l) Developing and managing academic and clinical programs in communication sciences and disorders;
   9. (m) Conducting, disseminating, and applying research in communication sciences and disorders;
   10. (n) Measuring outcomes of treatment and conducting continuous evaluation of the effectiveness of practices and programs to improve and maintain quality of services.

Author: Denise P. Gibbs, Richard Talbott

Statutory Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §34-28A-42, et seq.

History: New Rule: Filed October 18, 1994; effective November 21, 1994. Amended: Filed August 29, 1997; effective October 3, 1997. Repealed and New Rule: Filed September 24, 1999; effective October 29, 1999. Amended: Filed: August 17, 2015; effective September 21, 2015.