(1) A speech-language pathology assistant may conduct the following tasks under supervision of the licensed Speech-Language Pathologist:
- (a) Conduct speech and language screenings without interpretation, utilizing screening protocols specified by the supervising speech-language pathologist.
- (b) Provide direct treatment assistance, excluding dysphagia. Provide feeding for nutritional purposes and provide direct treatment to medically fragile students/patients/clients, to meet communication needs in the areas of augmentative communication, cognitive rehabilitation, life skills, expressive and receptive communication, as deemed appropriate by the supervising speech-language pathologist.
- (c) Document patient/client progress, without interpretation of findings, toward meeting established objectives as stated in the treatment plan, and report this information to the supervising speech-language pathologist.
- (d) Assist the speech-language pathologist in collecting and tallying of data for assessment purposes, without interpretation.
- (e) Act as second-language interpreters during assessments.
- (f) Assist the speech-language pathologist with informal documentation during an intervention session (collecting and tallying data as directed by the speech-language pathologist), prepare materials, and assist with other clerical duties as specified by the supervising speech-language pathologist.
- (g) Schedule activities and prepare charts, records, graphs, or other displays of data.
- (h) Perform checks and maintenance of equipment.
- (i) Participate with the speech-language pathologist in research projects, in-service training, and public relations programs.
- (j) Initial each clinical entry and sign each page of records.
- (k) Provide treatment through telepractice as directed by the supervising speech-language pathologist.
(2) The speech-language pathology assistant may not perform the following tasks:
- (a) May not conduct swallowing screening, assessment, and intervention protocols, including modified barium swallow studies.
- (b) May not administer standardized or non-standardized diagnostic tests, formal or informal evaluations, or interpret test results.
- (c) May not participate in parent conferences, case conferences, Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meetings, Individualized Family Services Plan (IFSP) meetings or any interdisciplinary team without the presence of the supervising speech-language pathologist.
- (d) May not write, develop, or modify a patient/client's treatment plan in any way.
- (e) May not provide intervention for patients/clients without following the treatment plan prepared by the supervising speech-language pathologist.
- (f) May not sign any formal documents (e.g. treatment plans, reimbursement forms, individualized education plans (IEPs), individualized family services plans (IFSPs), determination of eligibility statements or reports.)
- (g) May not select patients/clients for services.
- (h) May not discharge patients/clients from services.
- (i) May not disclose clinical or confidential information either orally or in writing to anyone not designated by the speech-language pathologist.
- (j) May not make referral for additional service.
- (k) May not communicate with the patient/client, family, or others regarding any aspect of the patient/client status or service without the specific consent of the supervising speech-language pathologist.
- (l) May not represent him/herself as a speech-language pathologist.
- (m) May not write a formal screening, diagnostic, or discharge report.
Statutory/Other Authority
ORS 681.370, 681.375, 681.420, 681.460 & ORS 681.360
Statutes/Other Implemented
ORS 681.370 & 681.375
History
SPA 2-2019, amend filed 12/05/2019, effective 01/01/2020
SPA 2-2009, f. & cert. ef. 11-16-09
SPA 1-2009, f. 6-9-09, cert. ef. 7-1-09
SPA 3-2008, f. & cert. ef. 4-10-08
SPA 1-2007, f. & cert. ef. 2-1-07
SPA 4-2006, f. & cert. ef. 11-3-06
SPA 1-2003, f. & cert. ef. 5-7-03