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 student 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 students, 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 research project, in-service training, and public relations programs.

3. (b)

   1. (1)

      1. (A) There is a potential for possible misuse of the speech-language pathology assistant, particularly when responsibilities are delegated by administrative staff or nonclinical staff without the knowledge and approval of the supervising speech-language pathologist.
      2. (B) Therefore, the speech-language pathology assistant should not perform any task without the express knowledge and approval of the supervising speech-language pathologist.
   2. (2) An individual’s communication or related disorder or other factors may preclude the use of services from anyone other than the licensed/certificated speech-language pathologist.

   3. (3) The SLP-assistant may not:

      1. (A) Perform standardized or nonstandardized diagnostic tests, formal or informal evaluation, or interpret test results;
      2. (B) Perform intervention tasks associated with skill acquisition;
      3. (C) 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;
      4. (D) Provide student or family counseling;
      5. (E) Write, develop, or modify a student’s individualized education program (IEP) in any way;

      6. (F)

         1. (i) Assist with students without following the IEP as prepared by the speech-language pathologist or without access to supervision.
         2. (ii) See 6 CAR § 132-204;

      7. (G)

         1. (i) Sign any formal documents (e.g., treatment plans, reimbursement forms, or reports).
         2. (ii) The assistant may sign treatment notes for review and co-signature by the supervising professional;
      8. (H) Select students for services;
      9. (I) Discharge a student from services;
      10. (J) Disclose clinical or confidential information, either orally or in writing, to anyone not designated by the supervising speech-language pathologist;
      11. (K) Make referrals for additional services;

      12. (L) Communicate with the student, family, or others regarding any aspect of the student status regarding:

          1. (i) Diagnosis;
          2. (ii) Prognosis;
          3. (iii) Treatment; and
          4. (iv) Progress; or
      13. (M) Represent himself or herself as a speech-language pathologist.

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