Scope of Practice

(1) A Speech-language Pathology Assistant or Audiology Assistant may perform the following tasks under the supervision of a Supervising Speech-language Pathologist or Supervising Audiologist: (a) Assist speech-language and hearing screenings (without interpretation); (b) Assist with informal documentation as directed by the supervisor; (c) Follow documented treatment plans or protocols developed by the supervisor; (d) Document patient/client performance (e.g., tallying data for the Speech-language Pathologist to use; preparing charts, records, and graphs) and report this information to the supervisor; (e) Assist the Speech-language Pathologist or Audiologist during assessment of patients/ clients; (f) Assist with clerical duties such as preparing materials and scheduling activities as directed by the supervisor; (MA REG. # 1321, Dated 9-9-16) (g) Perform checks and maintenance of equipment; (h) Collect data for monitoring quality improvement. (2) A Speech-language Pathology Assistant or Audiology Assistant may not perform tasks beyond the scope of his or her education and experience. A Speech-language Pathology Assistant or Audiology Assistant: (a) May not interpret results of standardized or nonstandardized diagnostic tests or formal or informal evaluations; (b) May not screen or diagnose patients/clients for feeding/swallowing disorders; (c) May not write, develop, or modify a patient’s/client’s individualized treatment plan in any way; (d) May not assist with patients/clients without following the individualized treatment plan prepared by the Speech-language Pathologist/Audiologist, or without access to supervision; (e) May not sign any formal documents (e.g., treatment plans, reimbursement forms, or reports; the assistant should sign or initial informal treatment notes for review and co­ signature by the supervising professional); (f) May not select patients/clients for service; (g) May not determine case selection; (h) Maynot interpret observations or data into diagnostic statements of clinical management strategies or procedures; (i) May not compose clinical reports except for progress notes to be reviewed by the supervisor and held in the patient/client records; (j) May not discharge a patient/client from services; (k) May not disclose clinical or confidential information either orally or in writing to anyone without a supervisor’s approval; (l) May not make referrals for additional service; (m) May not consult with the patient/client, family or others, or participate in parent conferences, case conferences, or any interdisciplinary team meetings, regarding the patient/client status or service received without the Supervisor’s approval; (n) May not develop, alter, or initially demonstrate swallowing strategies or precautions to patients, family, or staff; (o) May not represent himself or herself as a Speech-language Pathologist or Audiologist orally or in writing; (p) May not perform tasks when a Supervising Speech-language Pathologist or Supervising Audiologist cannot be reached by personal contact, phone, pager, or other immediate means or until a licensed Speech-language Pathologist or licensed Audiologist with at least two years of experience has been designated as the supervisor. (1) Licensees shall provide all services competently. (2) Licensees shall not discriminate in the delivery of professional services or the conduct of research and scholarly activities on the basis of race or ethnicity, gender, age, religion, national Licensees shall adequately maintain and appropriately secure records of professional services rendered, research, and scholarly activities conducted. (4) Licensees shall not reveal, without authorization, any professional or personal information about identified persons served professionally or identified participants involved in research and scholarly activities unless required by law to do so, or unless doing so is necessary to protect the welfare of the person or of the community or otherwise required by law. (5) Licensees shall engage in only those aspects of the professions that are within the scope of their competence, considering their level of education, training and experience. (6) Individuals shall not misrepresent their credentials, competence, education, training, experience or scholarly or research contributions. (7) Licensees shall not participate in professional activities that constitute a conflict of interest. Individuals shall not engage in dishonesty, fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, sexual harassment, or any other form of conduct that adversely reflects on the professions or on the individual’s fitness to serve persons professionally. (9) Licensees shall not engage in sexual activities with patients, clients, or students over whom they exercise professional authority. Licensees shall not provide professional services without exercising independent professional judgment, regardless of referral source or prescription. Licensees shall not discriminate in their relationships with colleagues, students, and members of allied professions on the basis of race or ethnicity, gender, age, religion, national