Supervision Requirements

PURPOSE: This rule details the supervision requirements for speech-language pathology and audiology aides. (1) All applications for registration to practice as a speechlanguage pathology aide must include a statement from a speech-language pathologist, holding current unrestricted licensure to practice in the state of Missouri pursuant to section 345.015(10), RSMo, acknowledging willingness to provide onthe-job training and acceptance of the legal and ethical responsibilities for supervising the aide. (2) All applications for registration to practice as an audiology aide must include a statement from an audiologist holding current unrestricted licensure to practice in the state of Missouri pursuant to section 345.015(1), RSMo acknowledging willingness to provide on-the-job training and acceptance of the legal and ethical responsibilities for supervising the aide. (3) The supervising speech-language pathologist and/or audiologist is responsible for all of the aide’s activities. (A) It is the responsibility of the supervising speech-language pathologist or supervising audiologist (respective of aide’s registration) to protect the interests of all patients and/or clients at all times during which the aide is practicing and/ or interacting with patients and/or clients; this responsibility includes the supervisor’s and the aide’s compliance with the ethical standards of practice as specified in rule 20 CSR 21504.080. (B) The supervising speech-language pathologist or supervising audiologist (respective of aide’s registration) retains, at all times, the primary role in determining the competency level of the aide. (C) When the speech-language pathology aide or audiology aide is involved in diagnostic and/or intervention activities, the aide must be directly supervised. Direct supervision is defined as on-site, in view of the aide and patient/client. (D) It is the responsibility of the supervising speech-language pathologist or supervising audiologist (respective of aide’s registration) to determine the amount of indirect supervision to be provided to the aide based on the following factors: 1. The skill and experience of the aide; 2. The skill and expertise required for the task assigned; 3. The individual needs of the patient and/or client receiving services; 4. The setting in which the delivery of services is/will be performed. (E) The supervising speech-language pathologist or supervising audiologist (respective of aide’s registration) shall ensure that the scope and intensity of training for the aide encompasses all activities assigned to the aide. (F) The supervising speech-language pathologist or supervising audiologist (respective of aide’s registration) shall provide continual opportunities to ensure that the aides’ practices are current and his/her skills are maintained. (G) The supervising speech-language pathologist or supervising audiologist (respective of the aide’s registration) shall provide the aide with information specifying the aide’s role(s) and function(s). (H) The number of aide’s supervised by a speech-language pathologist and/or audiologist shall be consistent with the delivery of appropriate quality services. AUTHORITY: sections 345.015 and 345.030, RSMo Supp. 2007.* This rule originally filed as 4 CSR 150-4.110. Original rule filed April 2, 1992, effective Dec. 3, 1992. Rescinded and readopted: Filed July 25, 2000, effective Dec. 30, 2000. Moved to 20 CSR 2150-4.110, effective Aug. 28, 2006. Amended: Filed Dec. 14, 2007, effective June 30, 2008. *Original authority: 345.015, RSMo 1973, amended 1986, 1995, 1998, 2004, 2005, 2007 and 345.030, RSMo 1973, amended 1981, 1995, 1998, 2007.