Table Of ContentSpeech-Language Pathology
Assistants (SLPAs):
Current trends
Jennifer A. Ostergren, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
California State University, Long Beach
Sara Aguilar, M.A., CCC-SLP
Lawndale School District (Lawndale, California)
Disclosures
Jennifer Ostergren Sara Aguilar
I have no relevant I have no relevant
nonfinancial financial or
relationship(s); however, nonfinancial
I am the author of a book relationship(s) within
on the topic of speech- the products or
language pathology services described,
assistants (SLPAs) for reviewed, evaluated
which I receive royalties or compared in this
from Plural Publishing for presentation.
the sales of this book.
•ASHA’s 2013 Scope of Practice for SLPAs:
New Additions/Changes
•Landscape of SLPAs in the United States
•Educational Models and Career Ladders for
SLPAs
•Key Issues in Supervision of SLPAs
•Legal and Ethical Issues
•Resources on SLPAs
•ASHA’s 2013 Scope of Practice for SLPAs:
New Additions/Changes
•Landscape of SLPAs in the United States
•Educational Models and Career Ladders for
SLPAs
•Key Issues in Supervision of SLPAs
•Legal and Ethical Issues
•Resources on SLPAs
SLPAs Defined
(ASHA, 2013, Executive Summary)
“Speech-language pathology assistants (SLPAs),
perform tasks as prescribed, directed, and
supervised by ASHA-certified speech-language
pathologists (SLPs)”
(ASHA, 2013)
SLPAs differ from aides and other support personnel
in “their degree of training and, correspondingly, in
the types of responsibilities that can be assigned to
them
”
(ASHA, 2004, pg. 4).
SLPAs Defined: CAN and IF
(ASHA, 2013, Executive Summary)
“Some tasks, procedures, or activities used to treat individuals
with communication and related disorders CAN be performed
successfully by individuals other than SLPs IF the persons
conducting the activity are properly trained and supervised by
ASHA-certified and/or licensed SLPs.”
SLPAs CAN be used to “increase the availability, frequency,
and efficiency of services” IF, “the decision to shift
responsibility for implementation of the more repetitive,
mechanical, or routine clinical activities to SLPAs…..[is] made
only by qualified professionals and only when the quality of
care and level of professionalism will not be compromised.
IDEA/ESEA: IF and CAN
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA
2004): Section 300.156(b)(2)(iii) of the IDEA 2004 "allows
paraprofessionals and assistants who are appropriately trained and
supervised, in accordance with State law, regulation, or written
policy,...to be used to assist in the provision of special education
and related services...to children with disabilities.“
Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA): Title I of ESEA, also
allows the use of "properly trained paraprofessionals" who work
under the direct supervision of highly qualified teachers and who
may be used to "reinforce and augment a teacher's effort in the
classroom." The role and use of paraprofessionals is defined in this
non-regulatory guidance paper [PDF].
(American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (n.d.). Speech-Language Pathology Assistants. (Practice Portal).
Retrieved November 1, 2014, from www.asha.org/Practice-Portal/Professional-Issues/Speech-Language-Pathology-
Assistants)
SLPAs Defined: Practice Settings
(ASHA, 2013, Practice Settings)
“Under the specified guidance and supervision of an ASHA-
certified SLP, SLPAs may provide services in a wide variety of
settings, which may include, but are not limited to, the following:
•Public, private, and charter elementary and secondary schools;
•Early intervention settings, preschools, and day care settings;
•Hospitals (in- and outpatient);
•Residential health care settings
•Nonresidential health care settings
•Private practice settings;
•University/college clinics;
•Research facilities;
•Corporate and industrial settings;
•Student/patient/client's residences.”
ASHA Responsibilities of an SLPA
(ASHA, 2013)
• Activities INSIDE the Scope of an SLPA
•Service Delivery
•Administrative Support
•Prevention and Advocacy
•Activities OUTSIDE the Scope of an SLPA
INSIDE the Scope of an SLPA:
Service Delivery
(ASHA, 2013, Service Delivery)
• Self-identify as SLPAs. This may be done verbally, in writing, and/or with
titles on name badges.
• Exhibit compliance with HIPAA and FERPA regulations,
reimbursement requirements, and SLPAs' responsibilities.
• Assist the SLP with speech, language, and hearing screenings without
clinical interpretation.
• Assist the SLP during assessment of students, patients, and clients
exclusive of administration and/or interpretation
• Document student, patient, and client performance (e.g., tallying data for the
SLP to use; preparing charts, records, and graphs) and report this
information to the supervising SLP.
Description:Demonstrate or share information with patients, families, and staff regarding Follow documented treatment plans or protocols developed by the individuals who do not speak English and English-language learners Present primary prevention information to individuals and groups known to.
