1. A. A speech-language pathology assistant may provide only services which assist the direct services provided by a supervising speech-language pathologist, and not services which are alternatives to direct services.

2. B. Activities within the scope of practice of a speech-language pathology assistant or an audiology assistant shall include the following:

   1. (1) Engaging only in those duties planned, designed, and supervised by a supervising speech-language pathologist or audiologist;
   2. (2) Following treatment plans or protocols developed by the supervising speech-language pathologist or audiologist who maintains professional responsibility for the plans of care;
   3. (3) Adhering at all times to the code of ethics of the Board;
   4. (4) Identifying the licensee as a speech-language pathology assistant or an audiology assistant to consumers and co-professionals;
   5. (5) Following specified screening protocols developed by the supervising speech-language pathologist or audiologist when conducting speech-language or audiology screenings; and
   6. (6) Reporting documented evidence of treatment and non-interpretive data regarding the client’s performance to the supervising speech-language pathologist or audiologist.

3. C. Activities within the scope of practice of a speech-language pathology assistant or an audiology assistant may include the following:

   1. (1) Performing preparation of materials;
   2. (2) Scheduling activities;
   3. (3) Preparing charts, records, graphs, and other clerical duties;
   4. (4) Performing checks and maintenance of equipment;
   5. (5) Participating with the supervising speech-language pathologist or audiologist in research projects, in-service training, and public relations programs;
   6. (6) Assisting the speech-language pathologists or audiologists during patient assessments; and
   7. (7) Assisting the audiologists with basic diagnostic tests, such as audiometry and tympanometry.

4. D. Activities not within the scope of practice of a speech-language pathology assistant or an audiology assistant include:

   1. (1) Performing or interpreting the results of diagnostic evaluations;
   2. (2) Participating in parent conferences, case conferences, or interdisciplinary team meetings without the presence of the supervising speech-language pathologist or audiologist, or other licensed speech-language pathologist or audiologist designated by the supervising speech-language pathologist or audiologist;
   3. (3) Providing client or family counseling;
   4. (4) Selecting clients for services;
   5. (5) Discharging a client from services;
   6. (6) Making referral recommendations;
   7. (7) Disclosing clinical or confidential information either orally or in writing to anyone other than the supervising speech-language pathologist or audiologist; or
   8. (8) Providing specialized treatment that requires advanced knowledge and training.

5. E. Audiology assistants may not perform any task:

   1. (1) Without the express knowledge and approval of the supervising audiologist; and
   2. (2) That may be prohibited by state or federal law.

Authority: Health Occupations Article, §§2-205, 2-308, 2-311(c), 2-312(b), 2-314(10) and (11), and 2-319, Annotated Code of Maryland

Effective date: April 1, 2002 (29:6 Md. R. 567)

Regulation .02 amended effective February 27, 2017 (44:4 Md. R. 255)

Regulation .02A amended as an emergency provision effective January 11, 2008 (35:3 Md. R. 286); amended permanently effective May 19, 2008 (35:10 Md. R. 972)

Regulation .03 amended as an emergency provision effective January 11, 2008 (35:3 Md. R. 286); amended permanently effective May 19, 2008 (35:10 Md. R. 972)

Regulation .03A amended effective June 20, 2016 (43:12 Md. R. 667)

Regulation .04A amended as an emergency provision effective January 11, 2008 (35:3 Md. R. 286); amended permanently effective May 19, 2008 (35:10 Md. R. 972)

Regulation .05A amended as an emergency provision effective January 11, 2008 (35:3 Md. R. 286); amended permanently effective May 19, 2008 (35:10 Md. R. 972)

Regulation .06D amended as an emergency provision effective January 11, 2008 (35:3 Md. R. 286); amended permanently effective May 19, 2008 (35:10 Md. R. 972)

Regulation .07D amended as an emergency provision effective January 11, 2008 (35:3 Md. R. 286); amended permanently effective May 19, 2008 (35:10 Md. R. 972)

Regulation .08F, G adopted effective June 8, 2015 (42:11 Md. R. 725)

Regulation .09E amended as an emergency provision effective January 11, 2008 (35:3 Md. R. 286); amended permanently effective May 19, 2008 (35:10 Md. R. 972)

Regulation .10 adopted effective June 20, 2016 (43:12 Md. R. 667)