PURPOSE: This rule defines the scope of administration for speech-language pathologists performing hearing screening tests.

1. (1) Licensed speech-language pathologists may administer pure-tone air conduction hearing screening and screening tympanometry tests. Audiological tests performed for the purpose of diagnosis or treating disorders of hearing shall not be conducted by speech-language pathologists.

2. (2) Speech-language pathologists may perform automated Auditory Brain-Stem Response (ABR) (also known as Auditory Evoked Potential (AEP)) screening pursuant to the following restrictions:

   1. (A) The speech pathologist may not interpret test results;
   2. (B) Test data must be referred to an audiologist licensed under Chapter 345, RSMo for interpretation. Interpretation shall not mean making a medical diagnosis relating to a patient examination; and
   3. (C) A licensed audiologist must assume responsibility for all referred patients.

AUTHORITY: section 345.015, RSMo Supp. 1998.* This rule originally filed as 4 CSR 20 CSR 2150-4 150-4.085. Original rule filed June 4, 1991, effective Oct. 31, 1991. Amended: Filed Nov. 16, 1998, effective July 30, 1999. Moved to 20 CSR 2150-4.085, effective Aug. 28, 2006.

*Original authority: 345.015, RSMo 1973, amended 1986, 1995, 1998.