Scope of Practice

PURPOSE: This rule details the scope of practice for speechlanguage pathology and audiology aides. (1) The supervising speech-language pathologist shall assign all duties of the speech-language pathology aide. (2) The supervising audiologist shall assign all duties of the audiology aide. (3) Speech-language pathology aides may only engage in tasks that are planned, delegated, and supervised by the supervising speech-language pathologist. (4) Audiology aides may only engage in tasks that are planned, delegated, and supervised by the supervising audiologist. (5) The tasks performed by a speech-language pathology or audiology aide under direct supervision may include orienting the patients and/or clients to the clinical environment. (6) The tasks performed by a speech-language pathology or audiology aide under indirect supervision may include, but not be all inclusive of the following: (A) Setting up the treatment area; (B) Providing checks and service maintenance to equipment; (C) Performing clerical duties; (D) Transporting patients and/or clients to and from treatment areas; (E) Constructing and modifying clinical materials as directed and specified by the supervising speech-language pathologist or supervising audiologist. (7) Aides shall not be allowed to perform the following tasks: (A) Interpret observations and/or data; (B) Make diagnostic statements; (C) Determine case selections; (D) Disclose clinical information (data or impressions relative to patient and/or client performance, behavior, or progress) either verbally or in writing to anyone other than the supervising speech-language pathologist or supervising audiologist; (E) Compose or present clinical reports, verbally or in writing to anyone other than the supervising speech-language pathologist or supervising audiologist; (F) Refer a patient and/or client to other professionals, agencies, or individuals for services; (G) Use a title other than speech-language pathology aide or audiology aide pursuant to respective registration issued by the board; (H) Sign any patient and/or client documents/documentation; (I) Discharge a patient and/or client from services; (J) Administer or interpret hearing screenings or diagnostic tests; (K) Fit or dispense hearing instruments; (L) Make ear impressions; (M) Perform any procedure for which the aide is not qualified, or has not been adequately trained, or both; (N) Provide counseling to a patient and/or client or the patient’s and/or client’s family; or (O) Write, develop or modify treatment plans. AUTHORITY: sections 345.015 and 345.030, RSMo Supp. 1999.* This rule originally filed as 4 CSR 150-4.115. 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 2150-4.115, effective Aug. 28, 2006. *Original authority: 345.015, RSMo 1973, amended 1986, 1995, 1998; 345.030, RSMo 1973, amended 1981, 1995, 1998.