1. (a) Provided that the training, supervision, documentation, and planning are appropriate (i.e., consistent with these guidelines), the following tasks may be designated to a speech-language pathology assistant:

   1. (1) Conduct speech-language screenings (without interpretation) following specified screening protocols developed by the supervising speech-language pathologist;

   2. (2)

      1. (A) Provide routine maintenance/generalization tasks as prescribed by the supervising speech-language pathologist.
      2. (B) The SLP shall be solely responsible for:

2. (i) Performing all tasks associated with the assessment and diagnosis of communication and swallowing disorders;

   1. (ii) Designing all intervention plans; and

      1. (iii) Directly implementing such plans through the acquisition stage of intervention;
   2. (3) Follow documented treatment plans or protocols developed by the supervising speech-language pathologist, not to exceed the activities delineated in subdivision (a)(2) of this section;
   3. (4) Perform pure-tone hearing screenings (without interpretation);
   4. (5) Document patient/client progress toward meeting established objectives as stated in the treatment plan, and report this information to the supervising speech-language pathologist;
   5. (6) Assist the speech-language pathologist during assessment of patients/clients, such as those judged to be difficult to test;
   6. (7) Assist with informal documentation (e.g., tallying notes for the speech-language pathologist to use), prepare materials, and assist with other clerical duties as directed by the speech- language pathologist;
   7. (8) Perform checks and maintenance of equipment; and

   8. (9) Participate with the speech-language pathologist in:

      1. (A) Research projects;
      2. (B) In-service training; and
      3. (C) Public relations programs.

3. (b)

   1. (1) There is a potential for possible misuse of the SLPA, particularly when responsibilities are delegated by administrative staff or nonclinical staff without the knowledge and approval of the supervising speech-language pathologist.
   2. (2) Therefore, the SLPA should not perform any task without the express knowledge and approval of the supervising speech-language pathologist.

   3. (3) An individual’s communication or related disorder or other factors may preclude the use of services from anyone other than a licensed speech-language pathologist.

      1. (c) The SLPA may not:
   4. (1) Perform standardized or nonstandardized diagnostic tests, formal or informal evaluation, or interpret test results;
   5. (2) Perform intervention tasks associated with skill acquisition;
   6. (3) Participate in parent conferences, case conferences, or in any interdisciplinary team without the presence of the supervising speech-language pathologist or other ASHA-certified speech- language pathologist designated by the supervising speech-language pathologist;
   7. (4) Provide patient/client or family counseling;
   8. (5) Write, develop, or modify a patient’s/client’s individualized treatment plan in any way;
   9. (6) Assist with patients/clients without following the individualized treatment plan prepared by the speech-language pathologist or without access to supervision (see 17 CAR § 180-1312, supervision guidelines for a speech-language pathology assistant);

   10. (7)

       1. (A) Sign any formal documents (e.g., treatment plans, reimbursement forms, or reports).
       2. (B) The assistant may sign treatment notes for review and co-signature by the supervising professional;
   11. (8) Select patients/clients for services;
   12. (9) Discharge a patient/client from services;
   13. (10) Disclose clinical or confidential information either orally or in writing to anyone not designated by the supervising speech-language pathologist;
   14. (11) Make referrals for additional services;

   15. (12) Communicate with the patient/client, family, or others regarding any aspect of the patient/client status regarding:

       1. (A) Diagnosis;
       2. (B) Prognosis;
       3. (C) Treatment; and
       4. (D) Progress; or
   16. (13) Represent himself or herself as a speech-language pathologist.

Codification Notes: “SLP” means speech-language pathologist. "ASHA" means American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.