Speech-language pathology licensed assistants.

11-02-01-08. Speech-language pathology licensed assistants. 1. 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. 3 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. 4 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. History: Effective April 1, 2018. General Authority: NDCC 43-37-06 Law Implemented: NDCC 43-06-04.2 5