1.
The audiology assistant is authorized to perform only those duties described on
the application and approved by the Board.
2. After appropriate training and
demonstration of competency, the types of services an Audiology assistant can
perform include, but are not limited to:
(i)
equipment maintenance,
(ii) hearing
aid repair,
(iii) electroacoustic
analysis, real ear measurements, other verification methods of hearing
aids,
(iv) hearing screening on a
pass/fail basis,
(v) preparation of
patient for electrophysiologic and balance testing,
(vi) hearing conservation and assisting the
audiologist in testing,
(vii)
record-keeping,
(viii) assisting in
clinical research,
(ix) clerical
duties and other administrative support functions
3. Authorized duties of an audiology
assistant shall NOT include:
(i) Performing
diagnostic testing;
(ii) Dispensing
hearing aids;
(iii) Selection of a
hearing aid;
(iv) Making ear mold
impressions;
(v) Fitting a hearing
aid (i.e. including but not limited to initial programming or changes to
prescribed programming;
(vi)
Determining the suitability of hearing aids;
(vii) Interpreting observations or data into
diagnostic statements of clinical management strategies or
procedures;
(viii) Determining case
selection;
(ix) Initiating,
modifying, planning or developing therapy procedures;
(x) Implementing therapy
procedures;
(xi) Functioning
without supervision;
(xii)
Transmitting clinical information; either verbally or in writing to anyone
without the approval of the licensed supervisor of record;
(xiii) Composing clinical reports except for
notes to be reviewed by the supervisor and help in the patient's/client's
records;
(xiv) Referring a
patient/client to other professionals or agencies;
(xv) Referring to himself or herself either
orally or in writing with a title other than "audiology assistant";
(xvi) Signing any formal documents such as
treatment plans, reimbursement forms or reports;
(xvii) Discharging a patient/client from
services;
(xviii) Communicating
with the patient/client, family, or others regarding any aspect of
patient/client status or service without the specific consent of the supervisor
and in accordance with the application approved by the Board;
(xix) Acting for the licensed person at
treatment team meetings or in any matter related to direct care of
patients/clients which requires judgment or decision-making;
(xx) Providing consultation, counseling,
recommendation for assessment, assessment, treatment protocols,
results/outcomes, recommendations, treatment/intervention plans, or
patient/client referrals on any matter regarding care of
patients/clients;
(xxi) Providing
professional training of other staff;
(xxii) Providing program review for
individualized habilitation plans or other forms of care planning for
patients/clients;
(xxiii)
Supervising or managing infant hearing screening programs or occupational
hearing conservation/prevention programs. The supervision and management of
infant hearing screening programs and occupational hearing
conservation/prevention screening programs must be performed by a licensed
audiologist;
(xiv) Performing any
duties not prescribed in the approved registration application nor working for
any other audiologist who is not specified as the supervisor on the approved
registration application;
(xv)
Performing any duties without proper training; and using influence in clinical
matters, when the assistant is the owner of a practice/business providing
services, while being supervised by an employee or consultant of their
business/practice.
4. The
audiology assistant shall not represent herself/himself as a practitioner of
audiology, and shall be clearly identified as an audiology assistant by a badge
worn during all contact with patients/clients.
5. When services are to be rendered by an
audiology assistant, the patient or family must be informed in
writing.
6. The audiology assistant
shall not make advertisement or public announcement of services independent of
the supervisor.
7. The audiology
assistant registration shall become void when the authorized supervisor is no
longer available for supervision.
8. Any experience obtained while acting as an
audiology assistant shall not be creditable toward the supervised clinical
experience required in Rule
609-3-.01(c) or the
professional experience required in
609-3-.01(d).