Code of Massachusetts Regulations
260 CMR - BOARD OF REGISTRATION IN SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY AND AUDIOLOGY
Title 260 CMR 10.00 - Use and Supervision of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Assistants
Section 10.02 - Scope of Practice
Universal Citation: 260 MA Code of Regs 260.10
Current through Register 1537, December 20, 2024
(1) A Speech-language Pathology Assistant or Audiology Assistant may perform the following tasks under the supervision of a Supervising Speech-language Pathologist or Supervising Audiologist:
(a) Assist speech-language and hearing screenings (without interpretation);
(b) Assist with informal documentation as directed by the supervisor;
(c) Follow documented treatment plans or protocols developed by the supervisor;
(d) Document patient/client performance (e.g., tallying data for the Speech-language Pathologist to use; preparing charts, records, and graphs) and report this information to the supervisor;
(e) Assist the Speech-language Pathologist or Audiologist during assessment of patients/ clients;
(f) Assist with clerical duties such as preparing materials and scheduling activities as directed by the supervisor;
(g) Perform checks and maintenance of equipment; (h) Collect data for monitoring quality improvement.
(2) A Speech-language Pathology Assistant or Audiology Assistant may not perform tasks beyond the scope of his or her education and experience. A Speech-language Pathology Assistant or Audiology Assistant:
(a) May not interpret results of standardized or nonstandardized diagnostic tests or formal or informal evaluations;
(b) May not screen or diagnose patients/clients for feeding/swallowing disorders;
(c) May not write, develop, or modify a patient's/client's individualized treatment plan in any way;
(d) May not assist with patients/clients without following the individualized treatment plan prepared by the Speech-language Pathologist/Audiologist, or without access to supervision;
(e) May not sign any formal documents (e.g., treatment plans, reimbursement forms, or reports; the assistant should sign or initial informal treatment notes for review and co-signature by the supervising professional);
(f) May not select patients/clients for service;
(g) May not determine case selection;
(h) May not interpret observations or data into diagnostic statements of clinical management strategies or procedures;
(i) May not compose clinical reports except for progress notes to be reviewed by the supervisor and held in the patient/client records;
(j) May not discharge a patient/client from services;
(k) May not disclose clinical or confidential information either orally or in writing to anyone without a supervisor's approval;
(l) May not make referrals for additional service;
(m) May not consult with the patient/client, family or others, or participate in parent conferences, case conferences, or any interdisciplinary team meetings, regarding the patient/client status or service received without the Supervisor's approval;
(n) May not develop, alter, or initially demonstrate swallowing strategies or precautions to patients, family, or staff;
(o) May not represent himself or herself as a Speech-language Pathologist or Audiologist orally or in writing;
(p) May not perform tasks when a Supervising Speech-language Pathologist or Supervising Audiologist cannot be reached by personal contact, phone, pager, or other immediate means or until a licensed Speech-language Pathologist or licensed Audiologist with at least two years of experience has been designated as the supervisor.
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