201 Ky. Admin. Regs. 17:027

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 5, November 1, 2024

Section 201 KAR 17:027 - Supervision requirements and caseload limitations of speech-language pathology assistants

RELATES TO: KRS 334A.033

NECESSITY, FUNCTION, AND CONFORMITY: KRS 334A.080(3) requires the Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology to promulgate responsible administrative regulations, including administrative regulations which delineate qualifications for licensure and renewal of li-censure. KRS 334A.033(1)(b) requires the board to promulgate administrative regulations to set forth supervision requirements for speech-language pathology assistants. This administrative regulation establishes those requirements.

Section 1. The supervision requirements specified in this administrative regulation shall be the minimum requirements.

(1) The supervisor shall design and provide a supervision system that protects pupil welfare and maintains the highest possible standards of quality speech-language pathology services.

(2) The supervisor may require additional supervision based on the experience of the speech-language pathology assistant, the pupils served, and the physical or geographic proximity to the supervisor.

(3) As the supervisory responsibility of the supervisor increases, the direct service responsibilities of the supervisor shall decrease.

Section 2. Treatment for the pupils served shall remain the responsibility of the supervisor. The level of supervision required shall be the minimum level necessary for the supervisor to retain direct contact with the pupils.

Section 3. Each speech-language pathology assistant shall be required to have direct supervision in accordance with their years of experience as defined in KRS 334A.033. This ensures that the supervisor shall have direct contact time with the speech-language pathology assistant as well as with the pupil.

(1) Direct supervision shall be considered to be on-site, in-view observation and guidance as a clinical activity is performed. A speech-language pathology assistant shall be supervised by either:

(a) A speech-language pathologist licensed by the Kentucky Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology; or

(b) An Education Professional Standards Board master's level certification as a teacher of exceptional children in the areas of speech and communication disorders.

(2) Supervision shall provide information about the quality of the speech-language pathology assistant's performance with assigned tasks and verify that clinical activity is limited to tasks specified in the speech-language pathology assistant's scope of responsibilities.

(3) Information obtained during direct supervision may include data relative to:

(a) Accuracy in implementation of screening, diagnostic, and treatment procedures;

(b) Agreement between the assistant and the supervisor on judgment of target behavior;

(c) Accuracy in recording data; and

(d) Ability to interact effectively with the pupil.

Section 4. Each speech-language pathology assistant shall also be required to receive indirect supervision in accordance with their years of experience as defined in KRS 334A.033. Indirect supervision may include:

(1) Demonstration;

(2) Record review;

(3) Review and evaluation of audio or videotaped sessions; or

(4) Supervisory conferences that may be conducted by telephone.

Section 5. Direct and indirect supervision shall be required for each speech-language pathology assistant and shall be documented on a weekly basis. Additional direct and indirect supervision may be necessary depending on the experience of the assistant and the needs of the pupil.

Section 6. A speech-language pathology assistant shall not provide direct services when a supervising speech-language pathologist cannot be reached by personal contact, phone, or some other immediate means.

Section 7. If, for any reason, including maternity leave, illness, or a change of jobs, the supervisor is no longer available to provide the level of supervision stipulated, the speech-language pathology assistant shall not provide service until a fully qualified speech-language pathologist has been designated as the speech-language pathology assistant's supervisor.

Section 8. Although more than one (1) supervisor may provide supervision of a speech-language pathology assistant, a supervisor shall not be listed as the supervisor of record for more than two (2) speech-language pathology assistants, in accordance with KRS 334A.033(1)(c). If multiple supervisors are used, each supervisor shall be responsible for that portion of the caseload that is theirs.

Section 9. The maximum number of pupils served by the speech-language pathology assistant shall not exceed the caseload established for a speech-language pathologist by administrative regulation.

Section 10.

(1)

(a) The caseload for a speech-language pathologist who works four (4) days a week, or the equivalent number of hours, in the public school system shall not exceed fifty-two (52) pupils.

(b) The caseload of a speech-language pathologist who supervises speech-language pathology assistants, and works four (4) days a week, or the equivalent number of hours, in the public school system may be increased according to the provisions set forth in KRS 334A.190(2).

(2)

(a) The caseload for a speech-language pathologist who works three (3) days a week, or the equivalent number of hours, in the public school system shall not exceed thirty-nine (39) pupils.

(b) The caseload of a speech-language pathologist who supervises speech-language pathology assistants, and works three (3) days a week, or the equivalent number of hours, in the public school system may be increased according to the provisions set forth in KRS 334A.190(2).

(3)

(a) The caseload for a speech-language pathologist who works two and one-half (2 1/2) days a week, or the equivalent number of hours, in the public school system shall not exceed thirty-two (32) pupils.

(b) The caseload of a speech-language pathologist who supervises speech-language pathology assistants, and works two and one-half (2 1/2) days a week, or the equivalent number of hours, in the public school system may be increased according to the provisions set forth in KRS 334A.190(2).

(4)

(a) The caseload for a speech-language pathologist who works two (2) days a week, or the equivalent number of hours, in the public school system shall not exceed twenty-six (26) pupils.

(b) The caseload of a speech-language pathologist who supervises speech-language pathology assistants, and works two (2) days a week, or the equivalent number of hours, in the public school system may be increased according to the provisions set forth in KRS 334A.190(2).

(5)

(a) The caseload for a speech-language pathologist who works one (1) day a week, or the equivalent number of hours, in the public school system shall not exceed thirteen (13) pupils.

(b) The caseload of a speech-language pathologist who supervises speech-language pathology assistants, and works one (1) day a week, or the equivalent number of hours, in the public school system may be increased according to the provisions set forth in KRS 334A.190(2).

201 KAR 17:027

21 Ky.R. 147; Am. 914; eff. 8-17-1994; 26 Ky.R. 873; 1523; eff. 1-26-2000; 27 Ky.R. 3321; 28 Ky.R. 557; eff. 9-10-2001; 36 Ky.R. 845; 1441; eff. 2-5-2010; Crt eff. 2-21-2020.

STATUTORY AUTHORITY: KRS 334A.033(1)(b), 334A.080