![]() ![]() Support personnel can be used to increase the availability, frequency, and efficiency of services. SLPAs perform tasks as prescribed, directed, and supervised by ASHA-certified and/or state-credentialed SLPs. This scope of practice presents minimum recommendations for the training, use, and supervision of speech-language pathology assistants. It is the position of ASHA that the use of any support personnel be done with the explicit purpose of support for the SLP rather than used as an alternative. The use of speech-language pathologist assistants (SLPAs) is an essential element of aiding those professionals who provide services and individuals who rely on such services. These shortages impede the ability of individuals with communication and related disorders to reach their full academic, social, and emotional potential. Executive SummaryĪSHA has identified critical shortages of speech-language pathologists (SLP) in all regions of the country, particularly in school settings. The Ad Hoc Committee would also like to acknowledge the expertise shared by Marianne Gellert-Jones, MA, CCC-SLP (Pennsylvania), Ianessa Humbert, PhD, CCC-SLP (Washington, D.C.), and Rosemary Montiel, C-SLPA (California). We would like to acknowledge others who provided feedback and insights that aided in the development of this document. In loving memory of Steve Ritch, whose dedication, commitment, and perseverance contributed to ensuring integrity and quality in addressing the topic of SLPAs within the ASHA structure. Given that standards, state credentialing (e.g., licensure, etc.), and practice issues vary from state to state, this document’s purpose is to provide information regarding ASHA’s guidelines for the use of SLPAs for the treatment of communication disorders across practice settings. This information was developed by analyzing current practice standards, certification requirements, methods of academic and clinical training (from academic program directors, clinical educators, etc.), and feedback from stakeholders in communication sciences and disorders. It addresses how services performed by SLPAs should be utilized and what specific responsibilities are within and outside their roles of clinical practice. This document is intended to provide guidance for SLPAs and their SLP supervisors regarding ethical considerations related to the SLPA practice parameters. The composition of the Ad Hoc committee included ASHA-certified speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and SLPAs with specific knowledge and experience working with/as support personnel in clinical practice in schools, health care, and/or private practice settings. Rosa-Lugo, EdD, CCC-SLP, Vice President for Speech-Language Pathology Practice, served as the Board liaison. Christopulos, PhD, CCC-SLP (Utah), Erin Judd, C-SLPA (Minnesota), Ashley Northam, CCC-SLP (Oregon), Katie Orzechowski, MS, CCC-SLP (Illinois), Jennifer Schultz, MA, CCC-SLP (South Dakota), Nancy Thul, MS, CCC-SLP (Minnesota), Nicole Wilson-Friend, C-SLPA (California), and Lemmietta McNeilly, PhD, CCC-SLP (ex officio). Members of the committee were Jerrold Jackson, MA, CCC-SLP (chair, Texas), Tyler T. In January 2021, the ASHA Board of Directors approved a resolution for the development of the ad hoc committee to complete this task. This Scope of Practice for the Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) was developed by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Ad Hoc Committee to Update the Scope of Practice for Speech-Language Pathology Assistants (hereafter, “the Ad Hoc Committee”). Requirements for the Frequency and Amount of Supervision.Minimum Qualifications for a Supervising SLP.Guidelines for SLP Supervision of SLPAs.Responsibilities Outside the Scope of Practice for Speech-Language Pathology Assistants.Responsibilities for Practitioners Who Use Multiple Languages.Responsibilities Within the Scope of Practice for SLPAs.Ad Hoc Committee to Update the Scope of Practice for Speech-Language Pathology Assistants
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