1. (a) “Accountability” means being legally responsible and answerable for actions and inactions of self or others during the performance of a task by the speech-language pathology assistant.
2. (b) “Client” shall have the same meaning and effect as the term “patient” and “student,” when referring to services provided in a school or other setting, for purposes of interpreting the provisions in this Article.
3. (c) “Immediate supervision” means the supervising speech-language pathologist is physically present during services provided to the client by the speech-language pathology assistant.
4. (d) “Direct supervision” means on-site observation and guidance or synchronous audiovisual observation and guidance by the supervising speech-language pathologist while a clinical activity is performed by the speech-language pathology assistant. Direct supervision performed by the supervising speech-language pathologist may include, but is not limited to, the following: observation of a portion of the screening or treatment procedures performed by the speech-language pathology assistant, coaching the speech-language pathology assistant, and modeling for the assistant.
5. (e) “Indirect supervision” means the supervising speech-language pathologist is not at the same facility or in close proximity to the speech-language pathology assistant but is available to provide supervision by asynchronous electronic means. Indirect supervision activities performed by the supervising speech-language pathologist may include, but are not limited to, demonstration, record review, review and evaluation of audio or video-taped sessions, interactive television, and supervisory conferences that may be conducted by telephone or electronic mail.
6. (f) “Medically fragile” is the term used to describe a client that is acutely ill and in an unstable condition and if treated by a speech-language pathology assistant, immediate supervision by a speech-language pathologist is required.
7. (g) “Screening” is a pass-fail procedure to identify, without interpretation, clients who may require further assessment following specified screening protocols developed by the supervising speech-language pathologist.
8. (h) “Supervision” for the purposes of this article, means the provision of direction and evaluation of the tasks assigned to a speech-language pathology assistant. Methods for providing supervision include immediate supervision, direct supervision, and indirect supervision.
9. (i) “Support personnel” means individuals who, following academic and/or on-the-job training, perform tasks as prescribed, directed and supervised by a speech-language pathologist. There are different levels of support personnel based on training and scope of responsibilities.
10. (j) “Full-time equivalent” means at least thirty (30) hours per week.
11. (k) “Assistant” means a speech-language pathology assistant.

As used in this article:

Note: Authority cited: Sections 2531.95 and 2538.1, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Section 2538.1, Business and Professions Code.

History

1. New article 12 (sections 1399.170-1399.170.19) and section filed 4-10-2001; operative 4-10-2001 pursuant to Government Code section 11343.4 (Register 2001, No. 15). For prior history of section 1399.170, see Register 99, No. 50).

2. Amendment of section and Note filed 3-19-2024; operative 7-1-2024 (Register 2024, No. 12).