17 CAR § 180-1316 – Exclusive responsibilities of the supervising speech-language pathologist

(a) Complete initial supervision training prior to accepting an assistant for supervision and upgrade supervision training on a regular basis.
(b) Participate significantly in hiring the assistant.
(c) Document preservice training and credentials of the assistant.
(d) Inform patients/clients and families about the level (professional vs. support personnel), frequency, and duration of services as well as supervision.
(e)
1. (1) Represent the speech-language pathology team in all collaborative, interprofessional, interagency meetings, correspondence, and reports.
2. (2) This would not preclude the assistant from attending meetings along with the speech-language pathologist as a team member or drafting correspondence and reports for editing, approval, and signature by the speech-language pathologist.
(f) Make all clinical decisions, including:
1. (1) Determining patient/client selection for inclusion/exclusion in the case load; and
2. (2) Dismissing patients/clients from treatment.
(g) Communicate with patients/clients, parents, and family members about:
1. (1) Diagnosis;
2. (2) Prognosis;
3. (3) Treatment plan; and
4. (4) Progress.
(h) Conduct diagnostic evaluations, assessments, or appraisals, and interpret obtained data in reports.
(i) Review each treatment plan with the assistant at least:
1. (1) Weekly; or
2. (2) Every five (5) sessions.
(j) Delegate specific tasks to the assistant while retaining legal and ethical responsibility for all patient/client services provided or omitted.
(k) Prepare an individualized treatment plan and make modifications prior to or during implementation.
(l) Discuss the case with or refer the patient/client to other professionals.
(m)
1. (1) Sign all formal documents (e.g., treatment plans, reimbursement forms, reports).
2. (2) The supervisor should indicate on documents that the SLPA performed certain activities.
(n) Review and sign all informal progress notes prepared by the SLPA.
(o) Provide ongoing training to the SLPA on the job.
(p) Provide and document appropriate supervision of the SLPA.
(q) Ensure that the SLPA only performs tasks that are within the scope of responsibility of the SLPA.
(r) Participate in the performance appraisal of the speech-language pathology assistant.