La. Admin. Code tit. 46 § LXXV-121

Current through Register Vol. 50, No. 9, September 20, 2024

Section LXXV-121 - Duties: Speech-Language Pathology Assistant License and Provisional Speech-Language Pathology Assistant License

1. All duties performed by the speech-language pathology assistant licensee or provisional speech-language pathology assistant licensee shall be assigned by a licensed speech-language pathologist and shall be supervised in accordance with the rules and regulations specified by the board. Caseload assignments shall be consistent with the knowledge base and training of the licensee for the performance of the following tasks:

a. conduct speech-language screenings. All screening reports shall be cosigned and interpreted by the supervising speech-language pathologist;

b. perform hearing screenings limited to a pass/fail determination, for the purpose of initial identification of disorders, following specified protocols as approved by the supervising speech-language pathologist;

c. provide direct treatment which is within the level of training and experience as prescribed by the supervising speech-language pathologist to a caseload of patients/clients who demonstrate communication disorders. Supervision of treatment shall be in accordance with the rules and regulations specified by the board;

d. follow treatment plans or protocols as developed and documented by the supervising speech-language pathologist;

e. document patient/client progress toward meeting established objectives as stated in the treatment plan;

f. schedule activities, prepare charts, records, graphs, or otherwise display data;

g. perform checks and maintenance of equipment; (Problem: Saving text that is not currently within this Section, hence losing text.)

h. with permission and guidance of the supervising speech-language pathologist, speech-language pathology assistants may participate in parent conferences, individualized educational program meetings (IEP), case conferences, interdisciplinary team conferences, and research projects. Provisional speech-language pathology assistants may participate in these activities only with the supervising speech-language pathologist present.

i. Speech-language pathology assistants may engage in telepractice as directed by their supervisor, provided all supervision guidelines are met. Provisional speech-language pathology assistants may not engage in telepractice.

2. Duties outside the Scope of Practice of a SpeechLanguage Pathology Assistant and Provisional SpeechLanguage Pathology Assistant

a. The speech-language pathology assistant licensee and provisional speech-language pathology assistant shall not:

i. perform clinical tasks without the knowledge and approval of the supervising speech-language pathologist;

ii. conduct evaluations, even under supervision;

iii. interpret test and assessment results;

iv. screen, diagnose, or treat clients for feeding and swallowing disorders;

v. demonstrate swallowing strategies or precautions to clients, family, or staff;

vi. work with a communication or related disorder unless s/he has had sufficient coursework with appropriate supervised practicum in that area obtained through a regionally accredited educational institution or its cooperating programs;

vii. provide patient/client or family counseling;

viii. select and/or discharge patients/clients for services without the approval of the supervising speechlanguage pathologist;

ix. disclose clinical or confidential information either orally or in writing to anyone not designated by the supervising speech-language pathologist and without the authorization of the patient/client or their designee;

x. make referrals for additional services without the approval of the supervising speech-language pathologist;

xi. participate in Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) meetings without the supervising speechlanguage pathologist.

xii. Provisional speech-language pathology assistants may not participate in parent conferences, Individualized Educational Program (IEP), Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) meetings, case conferences, interdisciplinary team conferences, and research projects unless the supervising speech-language pathologist is present.

xiii. Provisional speech-language pathology assistants may not engage in telepractice; however, the individual may function as a facilitator given appropriate training

3. The speech-language pathology assistant and the provisional speech-language pathology assistant shall not perform any clinical task without the knowledge and approval of the supervising speech-language pathologist.

4. Failure to comply with these rules and regulations may result in disciplinary action against the assistant and/or the supervising speech-language pathologist.

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, § LXXV-121

Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, LR 30:2312 (October 2004), amended LR 33:2194 (October 2007), LR 37:2394 (August 2011), amended by the Department of Health, Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, LR 45255 (2/1/2019), Amended LR 482741 (11/1/2022), Repromulgated LR 492957 (12/1/2022).

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:2650 et seq.