10205 SCOPE OF PRACTICE

10205.1 No person may practice as a speech-language pathology assistant unless registered in accordance with the requirements of this chapter.10205.2 A speech-language pathology assistant may only practice under the supervision of a licensed speech-language pathologist who meets the requirements of § 10207.2 of this title.10205.3 A speech-language pathology assistant may assist a speech-language pathologist in providing speech-language pathology services and treatments, which may include the following duties:- (a) Participating in parent conferences, case conferences, or any interdisciplinary team;

- (b) Signing or initialing informal treatment notes to be reviewed and co-signed by the supervising speech-language pathologist;

- (c) Using a checklist or tabulating results of feeding or swallowing evaluations; or

- (d) Treating medically fragile students, patients, or clients.10205.4 A speech-language pathology assistant shall not engage in any of the following conducts:- (a) Representing himself or herself as a speech-language pathologist;

- (b) Performing standardized or non-standardized diagnostic tests, formal or informal evaluations, or swallowing screenings/checklists;

- (c) Performing procedures that require a high level of clinical acumen and technical skills, including but not limited to vocal tract prosthesis shaping or fitting, vocal tract imaging, and oral pharyngeal swallow therapy with bolus material;

- (d) Interpreting clinical results or observations;

- (e) Participating in formal parent conferences, case conferences, or any interdisciplinary team without the presence of the supervising speech-language pathologist or other designated supervising speech-language pathologist;

- (f) Providing interpretative information to the student/patient/client, family, Business, Occupations, and Professionals

or others regarding the patient/client status or service;

1. (g) Writing, developing, or modifying a student's, patient's, or client's treatment plan in any way;
2. (h) Assisting with students, patients, or clients without following the individualized treatment plan prepared by the certified speech-language pathologist or without access to supervision;
3. (i) Signing any formal documents (e.g., treatment plans, reimbursement forms, or reports; the speech-language assistant may sign or initial informal treatment notes for review and co-sign with the supervising speech-language pathologist as requested);
4. (j) Selecting students, patients, or clients for service;
5. (k) Discharging a student, patient, or client from services;
6. (l) Making referrals for additional service;
7. (m) Disclosing clinical or confidential information either orally or in writing to anyone other than the supervising speech-language pathologist unless mandated by law;
8. (n) Developing or determining the swallowing strategies or precautions for patients, family, or staff;
9. (o) Treating medically fragile students/patients/clients independently;
10. (p) Designing or selecting augmentative and alternative communication systems or devices; or
11. (q) Invoicing a payor directly for his or her services.

10205.5 A speech-language pathology assistant shall meet with the supervising speech-language pathologist at least once per month to discuss his or her practice and services.

10205.6 A speech-language pathology assistant shall cease practice immediately if there is no speech-language pathologist providing current and active supervision.

SOURCE: Final Rulemaking published at 64 DCR 8280 (August 18, 2017).