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Current as of January 01, 2025 | Updated by Findlaw Staff
§ 8.7. Duties of speech-language pathology assistants.
(a) The scope of responsibility of speech-language pathology assistants shall be limited to supplementing the role of a speech-language pathologist in implementing the treatment program established by the speech-language pathologist. The functions and duties of a speech-language pathology assistant shall be:
(1) conducting speech-language screening, without interpretation, and using screening protocols developed by the supervising speech-language pathologist;
(2) providing direct treatment assistance to patients or clients, if authorized by and under the supervision of a speech-language pathologist;
(3) following and implementing documented treatment plans or protocols developed by a supervising speech-language pathologist;
(4) documenting patient or client progress toward meeting established objectives and reporting the information to a supervising speech-language pathologist;
(5) assisting a speech-language pathologist during assessments, including, but not limited to, assisting with formal documentation, preparing materials, and performing clerical duties for a supervising speech-language pathologist;
(6) acting as an interpreter for non-English speaking patients or clients and their family members when competent to do so;
(7) scheduling activities and preparing charts, records, graphs, and data;
(8) performing checks and maintenance of equipment, including, but not limited to, augmentative communication devices; and
(9) assisting with speech-language pathology research projects, in-service training, and family or community education;
(b) A speech-language pathology assistant may not:
(1) perform standardized or nonstandardized diagnostic tests or formal or informal evaluations or interpret test results;
(2) screen or diagnose patients or clients for feeding or swallowing disorders;
(3) participate in parent conferences, case conferences, or any interdisciplinary team without the presence of the supervising speech-language pathologist;
(4) provide patient or client or family counseling;
(5) write, develop, or modify a patient's or client's individualized treatment plan;
(6) assist with patients or clients without following the individualized treatment plan prepared by the supervising speech-language pathologist;
(7) sign any formal documents such as treatment plans, reimbursement forms, or reports;
(8) select patients or clients for services;
(9) discharge a patient or client from services;
(10) disclose clinical or confidential information, either orally or in writing, to anyone other than the supervising speech-language pathologist;
(11) make referrals for additional services;
(12) counsel or consult with the patient or client, family, or others regarding the patient's or client's status or service;
(13) represent himself or herself to be a speech-language pathologist;
(14) use a checklist or tabulate results of feeding or swallowing evaluations; or
(15) demonstrate swallowing strategies or precautions to patients, family, or staff.
Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Illinois Statutes Chapter 225. Professions,Occupations and Business Operations § 110/8.7. Duties of speech-language pathology assistants - last updated January 01, 2025 | https://codes.findlaw.com/il/chapter-225-professionsoccupations-and-business-operations/il-st-sect-225-110-8-7/
FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. Please verify the status of the code you are researching with the state legislature before relying on it for your legal needs.
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