SECTION 690:10-7-10. Roles and responsibilities of Speech-Language Pathology Assistants and Audiology Assistants

(a)   Allowed activities as delegated by the supervising speech-language pathologist:

(1)   Assist the speech-language pathologist with speech-language and hearing screenings.

(2)   Assist with informal documentation as directed by the speech-language pathologist.

(3)   Follow documented treatment plans or protocols developed by the supervising speech-language pathologist.

(4)   Document patient/client performance.

(5)   Assist the speech-language pathologist with assessment of patient/clients.

(6)   Assist with clerical duties.

(7)   Perform checks and maintenance of equipment.

(8)   Support the speech-language pathologist in research projects, in service training, and public relations programs.

(9)   Collect data for monitoring quality improvement.

(10)   Comply with regulations, reimbursement requirements and speech language pathology assistant's job responsibilities.

(b)   Non-allowed activities of the speech-language pathology assistant

(1)   May not perform diagnostic tests, formal or informal evaluations or interpret test results.

(2)   May not evaluate or diagnose patients/clients for feeding/swallowing disorders.

(3)   May not participate in parent conferences, case conferences, or any interdisciplinary team without the presence or prior approval of the supervising Speech-Language Pathologist.

(4)   May not write, develop, or modify a patients/client's individualized treatment plan in any way without the prior approval of the licensed speech-language pathologist.

(5)   May not assist with patients/clients without following the individualized treatment plan approved by the speech-language pathologist or without access to supervision.

(6)   May not sign any formal documents not drafted and/or approved by the speech-language pathologist prior to dissemination of the document.

(c)   Allowed activities of the audiology assistant as delegated by the supervising audiologist.

(1)   Assist the audiologist with screenings of auditory function.

(2)   Assist with informal documentation as directed by the audiologist.

(3)   Follow documented treatment plans or protocols developed by the supervising audiologist.

(4)   Document patient/client performance.

(5)   Assist the audiologist with assessment of patient/clients.

(6)   Assist with clerical duties.

(7)   Perform checks and maintenance of diagnostic equipment as well as hearing aids, amplification systems, and other assistive devices.

(8)   Support the audiologist in research projects, in service training, and public relations programs.

(9)   Collect data for monitoring quality improvement.

(10)   Exhibit compliance with regulations, reimbursement requirements and audiology assistant's job responsibilities.

(11)   Provide explanations of the proper care of amplification and assistive listening devices.

(d)   Non-allowed activities of the audiology assistant.

(1)   May not perform diagnostic tests, formal or informal evaluations or interpret diagnostic test results.

(2)   May not evaluate or diagnose patients/clients for auditory or auditory related disorders.

(3)   May not participate in patient counseling without the presence or prior approval of the supervising audiologist.

(4)   May not write, develop, or modify a patients/client's treatment plan in any way.

(5)   May not assist with patients/clients without following the treatment plan prepared by the audiologist or without access to supervision.

(6)   May not sign any formal documents not drafted and/or specifically approved by the audiologist prior to dissemination of the document.

(e)   Speech-language pathology assistants and audiology assistants must comply with the ethical Rules of Practice in Chapter 15 of Title 690.

[Source: Added at 27 Ok Reg 1961, eff 6-25-10; Amended at 28 Ok Reg 2112, eff 7-11-11; Amended at 31 Ok Reg 2418, eff 9-12-14]