Sec. 08.11.042. - Activities of speech-language pathologist assistant. - Alaska Statutes

(a) A person may not practice as a speech-language pathologist assistant in the state without registration under this chapter.

(b) Except as provided in (e) of this section, a person registered under this chapter and who is under the immediate supervision of a person licensed as a speech-language pathologist in the state may perform treatment of a person who is medically fragile, as determined by the licensed speech-language pathologist, or who otherwise demonstrates a need for assistance with feeding or swallowing.

(c) Except as provided in (b) and (e) of this section, a person registered under this chapter and who is under the direct supervision of a person licensed as a speech-language pathologist in the state may perform screening and treatment techniques or activities and assist the speech-language pathologist during assessments, research, in-service training, and public relations activities.

(d) Except as provided in (b), (c), and (e) of this section, a person registered under this chapter and who is under the indirect supervision of a person licensed as a speech-language pathologist in the state may

(1) perform screening and treatment activities, excluding interpretation, if the supervising speech-language pathologist has previously given instruction on the performance of those screening and treatment activities, has observed the assistant in the performance of those activities, and has determined that the speech-language pathologist assistant is competent to perform those activities;

(2) conduct clerical tasks, including record keeping, documentation of a person's progress toward meeting established objectives as stated in the treatment plan or individualized education plan, scheduling, and equipment maintenance;

(3) implement a documented treatment plan, individualized education plan, or protocol developed by the supervising speech-language pathologist;

(4) sign treatment notes if the note is reviewed and cosigned by the supervising speech-language pathologist; and

(5) discuss with the client and the client's family members or guardian behaviors observed by the speech-language pathologist assistant during treatment of the client when the behaviors are supported by documented objective data.

(e) A registered speech-language pathologist assistant may not

(1) administer diagnostic assessment tools, perform formal or informal evaluations, or interpret test or evaluation results;

(2) participate in family conferences, on an interdisciplinary team, at a staff meeting, or at an individualized education plan meeting in which diagnostic information is interpreted or in which plans for a client's treatment are developed or reviewed without the presence of a licensed speech-language pathologist;

(3) write, develop, or modify a client's treatment plan or individualized education plan;

(4) assist a client without following a documented treatment plan or individualized education plan that has been prepared by a licensed and adequately trained speech-language pathologist;

(5) sign a client record or billing record that does not contain the signature of a licensed speech-language pathologist;

(6) select a person for speech-language pathology services;

(7) provide counseling to a client or a client's family or guardian;

(8) disclose clinical or confidential information, either orally, in writing, or by electronic means, to anyone not designated in writing to receive the communication by a licensed speech-language pathologist; or

(9) perform screening of feeding or swallowing functions.