Speech Pathology Services

Speech Pathology Services 1. Qualifications – A speech pathologist must: a. Be licensed by the State of Mississippi; or b. Have completed the academic requirements and is in the process of accumulating the necessary supervised (as directed by the State Certifying body) work experience required for certification. Evidence of this supervision will be retained in the non-certified speech pathologist’s personnel folder. 2. Responsibilities – The speech pathologist shall assist the physician in evaluation of the patient to determine the type of speech or language disorder and the appropriate corrective therapy in a manner consistent with standards of practice to include, but is not limited to, the following: a. Provide rehabilitative services for speech and language disorders; b. Observe, record and report to the physician and the IDT the patient’s reaction to treatment and any changes in the patient’s condition; c. Instruct other health personnel and family members in methods of assisting the patient to improve and correct speech disabilities; d. Communicate with the registered nurse, director of nurses, and/or the IDT the need for continuation of speech pathology services for the patient; e. Participate in hospice IDT meetings as needed; f. Document each visit made to the patient and incorporate notes into the clinical record within one week of the visit; and g. Prepare written discharge summary as indicated, with a copy retained in patient’s clinical record.