Section 11-02-01-08 - Speech-language pathology licensed assistants1. Definitions. a. "Direct supervision" means face-to-face contact that occurs either in-person or through video conferencing. Activities that occur during direct supervision include observation, modeling, cotreatment, discussions, and teaching.b. "Indirect supervision" means other than face-to-face contact. Activities that occur during indirect supervision include telephone conversations, written correspondence, electronic exchanges, or other methods using secure telecommunication technology.2. Minimum qualifications for a speech-language pathology licensed assistant. A bachelor's degree in speech-language pathology or communication disorders as approved by the board that includes a minimum of six semester credit-hours in disordered communication, a minimum of three semester credit-hours in clinical techniques, and successful completion of an internship requiring a minimum of one hundred hours of clinical experience overseen by a supervising speech-language pathologist.3. Scope of practice. a. Provide speech-language pathology services only in settings in which direct and indirect supervision are provided on a regular and systematic basis by a supervising speech-language pathologist.b. Self identify as a speech-language pathology licensed assistant to consumers.c. Perform only those tasks prescribed by the supervising speech-language pathologist.d. Tasks that a supervising speech pathologist may delegate to a speech-language pathology assistant are limited to the following:(1) Assist with speech, language, and hearing screenings without clinical interpretation as developed and directed by the supervising speech-language pathologist.(2) Assist during assessment as developed and directed by the supervising speech-language pathologist. In carrying out assessments, a speech-language pathology licensed assistant may not provide a clinical interpretation.(3) Deliver services set forth in treatment plans or protocols developed and directed by supervising speech-language pathologist.(4) Document consumer performance and report this information to the supervising speech-language pathologist.(5) Program and provide instruction in the use of augmentative and alternative communication devices as developed and directed by the supervising speech-language pathologist.(6) Demonstrate to and share information with consumers regarding feeding and swallowing strategies developed and directed by the supervising speech-language pathologist.(7) Participate in formal parent or guardian conferences, case conferences, or an interdisciplinary team with the presence of the supervising speech-language pathologist.4. Supervision. a. A speech-language pathology licensed assistant must be supervised by a licensed speech-language pathologist who has been actively practicing for a minimum of three of the last five years.b. A supervising speech-language pathologist is responsible for the extent, kind, and quality of the service provided by the speech-language pathology licensed assistant, consistent with the standards and requirements approved by the board.c. A speech-language pathologist may be the supervisor of record for no more than two speech-language pathology licensed assistants at the same time.d. The supervising speech-language pathologist is responsible for the professional services provided by the speech-language pathology licensed assistant.e. A supervising speech-language pathologist must provide direct and indirect supervision as determined by the supervising speech-language pathologist's assessment of the competence of the speech-language pathology licensed assistant and within the scope of the rules adopted by the board. In determining the methods, frequency, and content of supervision, a supervising speech-language pathologist shall consider:(1) The complexity of clients' needs;(2) The number and diversity of clients;(3) The knowledge, competence, and skills of the speech-language pathology licensed assistant;(4) The type of practice setting;(5) Any requirements particular to the practice setting; and(6) Other regulatory requirements.f. A supervising speech-language pathologist and a supervised speech-language pathology licensed assistant shall make a written supervision plan that must be in effect for the duration of the supervision, that may be requested by the board at any time, and that includes the following:(1) Periodic evaluation and documentation reflecting the speech-language pathology licensed assistant's competence to perform the services prescribed.(2) Periodic documentation of the frequency, methods, and content of the supervision.g. A supervising speech-language pathologist shall provide direct and indirect supervision that meets the following guidelines:(1) During the first ninety days, a supervising speech-language pathologist shall provide direct supervision for at least twenty percent of the client contact hours worked each week by the speech-language pathology licensed assistant, and indirect supervision for at least ten percent of the client contact hours worked by the speech-language pathology licensed assistant.(2) After the initial ninety workdays are complete, the supervising speech-language pathologist shall provide direct supervision for at least ten percent of the client contact hours worked each week by the speech-language pathology licensed assistant and indirect supervision for at least ten percent of the client contact hours worked by the speech-language pathology licensed assistant.(3) The board may request supervision records at any time.N.D. Admin Code 11-02-01-08
Adopted by Administrative Rules Supplement 368, April 2018, effective 4/1/2018..General Authority: NDCC 43-37-06
Law Implemented: NDCC 43-06-04.2