D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 17, r. 17-10205

Current through Register Vol. 71, No. 49, December 6, 2024

Rule 17-10205 - SCOPE OF PRACTICE

10205.1

No person may practice as a speech- language pathology assistant unless registered in accordance with the requirements of this chapter.

10205.2

A speech- language pathology assistant may only practice under the supervision of a licensed speech- language pathologist who meets the requirements of § 10207.2 of this title.

10205.4 [10205.3]

A speech-language pathology assistant may assist a speech- language pathologist in providing speech-language pathology services and treatments, which may include the following duties:

(a) Participating in parent conferences, case conferences, or any interdisciplinary team;

(b) Signing or initialing informal treatment notes to be reviewed and co-signed by the supervising speech- language pathologist;

(c) Using a checklist or tabulating results of feeding or swallowing evaluations; or

(d) Treating medically fragile students, patients, or clients.

10205.5 [10205.4]

A speech- language pathology assistant shall not engage in any of the following conducts:

(a) Representing himself or herself as a speech- language pathologist;

(b) Performing standardized or non-standardized diagnostic tests, formal or informal evaluations, or swallowing screenings/checklists;

(c) Performing procedures that require a high level of clinical acumen and technical skills, including but not limited to vocal tract prosthesis shaping or fitting, vocal tract imaging, and oral pharyngeal swallow therapy with bolus material;

(d) Interpreting clinical results or observations;

(e) Participating in formal parent conferences, case conferences, or any interdisciplinary team without the presence of the supervising speech-language pathologist or other designated supervising speech- language pathologist;

(f) Providing interpretative information to the student/patient/client, family, or others regarding the patient/client status or service;

(g) Writing, developing, or modifying a student's, patient's, or client's treatment plan in any way;

(h) Assisting with students, patients, or clients without following the individualized treatment plan prepared by the certified speech- language pathologist or without access to supervision;

(i) Signing any formal documents (e.g., treatment plans, reimbursement forms, or reports; the speech- language assistant may sign or initial informal treatment notes for review and co-sign with the supervising speech-language pathologist as requested);

(j) Selecting students, patients, or clients for service;

(k) Discharging a student, patient, or client from services;

(l) Making referrals for additional service;

(m) Disclosing clinical or confidential information either orally or in writing to anyone other than the supervising speech- language pathologist unless mandated by law;

(n) Developing or determining the swallowing strategies or precautions for patients, family, or staff;

(o) Treating medically fragile students/patients/clients independently;

(p) Designing or selecting augmentative and alternative communication systems or devices; or

(q) Invoicing a payor directly for his or her services.

10205.7 [10205.5]

A speech- language pathology assistant shall meet with the supervising speech- language pathologist at least once per month to discuss his or her practice and services.

10205.9 [10205.6]

A speech- language pathology assistant shall cease practice immediately if there is no speech-language pathologist providing current and active supervision.

D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 17, r. 17-10205

Final Rulemaking published at 64 DCR 8280 (8/18/2017)