Section 10.02 - 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;(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) May not 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.Amended by Mass Register Issue 1321, eff. 9/9/2016.