La. Admin. Code tit. 48 § I-5539

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

Section I-5539 - Speech Pathology and Audiology

A. If a facility admits persons with a need for speech pathology and/or audiology services, these shall be rendered as appropriate through:

1. direct contact between speech pathologists, audiologists and the students; and

2. working with other personnel, such as teachers and direct-care staff, in implementing communication improvement programs in environmental settings.

B. Speech pathology and audiology services available to the facility shall include:

1. screening and evaluation of the persons in care with respect to speech and hearing functions;

2. comprehensive audiological assessment of all persons, as indicated by screening results, to include tests of puretone air and bone conduction, speech audiometry, and other procedures, as necessary, and to include assessment of the use of visual cues;

3. assessment of the use of amplification;

4. provision for procurement, maintenance and replacement of hearing aids, as specified by a qualified audiologist;

5. comprehensive speech and language evaluation of each person, as indicated by screening results, including appraisal of articulation, voice, rhythm, and language;

6. participation in the continuing interdisciplinary evaluation of individuals for purposes of initiation, monitoring, and follow-up of individualized habilitation programs;

7. treatment services interpreted as an extension of the evaluation process, that include:

a. direct counseling with the persons in care;

b. consultation with appropriate staff for speech improvement and speech education activities; and

c. collaboration with appropriate staff to develop specialized programs for developing the communication skills of individuals in comprehensive (for example, speech, reading, auditory training, and hearing aid utilization) as well as expression (for example, improvement in articulation, voice, rhythm, and language); and

8. participation in in-service training programs for direct-care and other staff. Evaluation and assessment results shall be reported accurately and systematically, and in such manner as to, where appropriate, provide information useful to other staff working directly with the resident; and provide evaluative and summary reports for inclusion in the individual's record.

C. There shall be available sufficient, appropriately qualified staff, and necessary supporting personnel to carry out the various speech pathology and audiology services, in accordance with stated goals and objectives. Staff who assume independent responsibilities for clinical services shall be licensed, if applicable, by the state in which practicing, and:

1. shall be eligible for a certificate of clinical competence in the appropriate area (speech pathology or audiology) granted by the American Speech and Hearing Association under its requirements in effect on the publication of this provision; or

2. meet the educational requirements for certification, and be in the process of accumulating the supervised experience required for certification.

Adequate, direct and continuing supervision shall be provided personnel, volunteers, or supportive personnel utilized in providing clinical services.

D. To provide efficient and effective speech pathology and audiology services, there shall be adequate space, facilities, equipment and supplies.

E. Speech pathology and/or audiology services, when needed, shall be provided through any reasonable arrangement including, but not limited to, consultation with a speech pathologist/audiologist.

La. Admin. Code tit. 48, § I-5539

Promulgated by the Department of Health and Human Resources, Office of the Secretary, Division of Licensing and Certification, LR 13:246 (April 1987).

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 46:1971 through 1980.