OAR 335-095-0060: Scope of Duties for the Speech-Language Pathology Assistant

(1) A speech-language pathology assistant may conduct the following tasks under supervision of the licensed Speech-Language Pathologist: (a) Conduct speech and language screenings without interpretation, utilizing screening protocols specified by the supervising speech-language pathologist. (b) Provide direct treatment assistance, excluding dysphagia. Provide feeding for nutritional purposes and provide direct treatment to medically fragile students/patients/clients, to meet communication needs in the areas of augmentative communication, cognitive rehabilitation, life skills, expressive and receptive communication, as deemed appropriate by the supervising speech-language pathologist. (c) Document patient/client progress, without interpretation of findings, toward meeting established objectives as stated in the treatment plan, and report this information to the supervising speech-language pathologist. (d) Assist the speech-language pathologist in collecting and tallying of data for assessment purposes, without interpretation. (e) Act as second-language interpreters during assessments. (f) Assist the speech-language pathologist with informal documentation during an intervention session (collecting and tallying data as directed by the speech-language pathologist), prepare materials, and assist with other clerical duties as specified by the supervising speech-language pathologist. (g) Schedule activities and prepare charts, records, graphs, or other displays of data. (h) Perform checks and maintenance of equipment. (i) Participate with the speech-language pathologist in research projects, in-service training, and public relations programs. (j) Initial each clinical entry and sign each page of records. (k) Provide treatment through telepractice as directed by the supervising speech-language pathologist. (2) The speech-language pathology assistant may not perform the following tasks: (a) May not conduct swallowing screening, assessment, and intervention protocols, including modified barium swallow studies. (b) May not administer standardized or non-standardized diagnostic tests, formal or informal evaluations, or interpret test results. (c) May not participate in parent conferences, case conferences, Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meetings, Individualized Family Services Plan (IFSP) meetings or any interdisciplinary team without the presence of the supervising speech-language pathologist. (d) May not write, develop, or modify a patient/client's treatment plan in any way. (e) May not provide intervention for patients/clients without following the treatment plan prepared by the supervising speech-language pathologist. (f) May not sign any formal documents (e.g. treatment plans, reimbursement forms, individualized education plans (IEPs), individualized family services plans (IFSPs), determination of eligibility statements or reports.) (g) May not select patients/clients for services. (h) May not discharge patients/clients from services. (i) May not disclose clinical or confidential information either orally or in writing to anyone not designated by the speech-language pathologist. (j) May not make referral for additional service. (k) May not communicate with the patient/client, family, or others regarding any aspect of the patient/client status or service without the specific consent of the supervising speech-language pathologist. (l) May not represent him/herself as a speech-language pathologist. (m) May not write a formal screening, diagnostic, or discharge report.