PURPOSE: This rule details the scope of practice for speech-language pathology assistants.

1. (1) The supervising speech-language pathologist shall assign all duties of the speech-language pathology assistant.
2. (2) At the initial contact with the patient or client the speech-language pathology assistant shall identify themselves as a speech-language pathology assistant and explain that they do not act independently but under the direction and supervision of a licensed speech-language pathologist.

3. (3) The activities of a speech-language pathology assistant may include, but not be all inclusive of the following:

   1. (A) Conducting speech-language and hearing screenings without interpretation;
   2. (B) Following documented treatment plans or protocols as developed by the supervising speech-language pathologist;
   3. (C) Documenting patient and/or client progress toward meeting established objectives as specified in the treatment plan, with documentation review by the supervising speech-language pathologist;
   4. (D) Reporting changes in a patient and/or client’s performance and progress to the supervising speech-language pathologist;
   5. (E) Assisting the supervising speech-language pathologist during the assessment of a patient and/or client;
   6. (F) Reporting in conferences, team meetings, etc., as directed by the supervising speech-language pathologist;
   7. (G) Scheduling activities, preparing charts, records, graphs or otherwise display data;
   8. (H) Communicating with a patient and/or client, or a patient and/or client’s family, staff, etc., regarding the patient and/or client status as directed by the supervising speechlanguage pathologist;
   9. (I) Constructing or modifying clinical materials;
   10. (J) Participating with the supervising speech-language pathologist in research projects, in-service training, public relation programs or similar activities;
   11. (K) Any and all duties as specified to be within the scope of the speech-language pathology assistant, as provided in Chapter 345, RSMo.

4. (4) Speech-language pathology assistants shall not (this list is not intended to be all inclusive):

   1. (A) Interpret screenings;
   2. (B) Conduct and/or interpret evaluations;
   3. (C) Make diagnostic statements;
   4. (D) Determine case selections;
   5. (E) Interpret observations and/or data;
   6. (F) Refer a patient and/or client to other professionals, agencies or individuals for services;
   7. (G) Write, develop or modify a patient and/or client’s treatment plan;
   8. (H) Assist with the treatment of a patient and/or client without following an individualized treatment plan prepared by the supervising speech-language pathologist;
   9. (I) Discharge a patient and/or client from treatment;
   10. (J) Provide counseling to a patient and/or client and/or the patient’s and/or client’s family;
   11. (K) Perform any procedure for which the assistant is not qualified to perform, or has not been adequately trained to perform, or both;
   12. (L) Disclose clinical or confidential information either orally or in writing to anyone not designated by the supervising speech-language pathologist;
   13. (M) Present written reports to anyone other than the supervising speech-language pathologist, without the supervisor’s signature and approval; 20 CSR 2150-4
   14. (N) Sign any formal documents without review, authorization and/or co-signature of the supervising speech-language pathologist;
   15. (O) Use any title other than speech-language pathology assistant.

AUTHORITY: sections 345.015 and 345.030, RSMo Supp. 1999.* This rule originally filed as 4 CSR 150-4.203. Original rule filed July 31, 2000, effective Feb. 28, 2001. Moved to 20 CSR 2150-4.203, effective Aug. 28, 2006. *Original authority: 345.015, RSMo 1973, amended 1986, 1995, 1998 and 345.030, RSMo 1973, amended 1981, 1995, 1998.