SECTIONS 2538-2538.7 - California Statutes

BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE

SECTION 2538-2538.7

2538. A person seeking approval as a speech-language pathology
assistant shall make application to the board for that approval.

2538.1. (a) The board shall adopt regulations, in collaboration
with the State Department of Education, the Commission on Teacher
Credentialing, and the Advisory Commission on Special Education, that
set forth standards and requirements for the adequate supervision of
speech-language pathology assistants.
(b) The board shall adopt regulations as reasonably necessary to
carry out the purposes of this article, that shall include, but need
not be limited to, the following:
(1) Procedures and requirements for application, registration,
renewal, suspension, and revocation.
(2) Standards for approval of Associate Degree Speech-Language
Pathology Assistant training programs based upon standards and
curriculum guidelines established by the National Council on Academic
Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, or the
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, or equivalent formal
training programs consisting of two years of technical education,
including supervised field placements. The board may impanel site
review committees to conduct onsite evaluations, inspections, and
investigations of a speech-language pathology assistant training
program and to assess the training program's compliance with the
board's laws and regulations. The members of the site review
committee shall receive no compensation but shall be reimbursed for
their actual travel and per diem expenses by the institution that is
the subject of the evaluation, inspection, or investigation.
(3) Standards for accreditation of a Speech-Language Pathology
Assistant training program's institution by the Accrediting
Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western
Association of Schools and Colleges or the Senior College Commission
of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, or equivalent
accreditation.
(4) The scope of responsibility, duties, and functions of
speech-language pathology assistants, that shall include, but not be
limited to, all of the following:
(A) Conducting speech-language screening, without interpretation,
and using screening protocols developed by the supervising
speech-language pathologist.
(B) Providing direct treatment assistance to patients or clients
under the supervision of a speech-language pathologist.
(C) Following and implementing documented treatment plans or
protocols developed by a supervising speech-language pathologist.
(D) Documenting patient or client progress toward meeting
established objectives, and reporting the information to a
supervising speech-language pathologist.
(E) 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.
(F) When competent to do so, as determined by the supervising
speech-language pathologist, acting as an interpreter for
non-English-speaking patients or clients and their family members.
(G) Scheduling activities and preparing charts, records, graphs,
and data.
(H) Performing checks and maintenance of equipment, including, but
not limited to, augmentative communication devices.
(I) Assisting with speech-language pathology research projects,
in-service training, and family or community education.
The regulations shall provide that speech-language pathology
assistants are not authorized to conduct evaluations, interpret data,
alter treatment plans, or perform any task without the express
knowledge and approval of a supervising speech-language pathologist.
(5) The requirements for the wearing of distinguishing name badges
with the title of speech-language pathology assistant.
(6) Minimum continuing professional development requirements for
the speech-language pathology assistant, not to exceed 12 hours in a
two-year period. The speech-language pathology assistant's supervisor
shall act as a professional development advisor. The speech-language
pathology assistant's professional growth may be satisfied with
successful completion of state or regional conferences, workshops,
formal in-service presentations, independent study programs, or any
combination of these concerning communication and related disorders.
(7) Minimum continuing professional development requirements for
the supervisor of a speech-language pathology assistant.
(8) The type and amount of direct and indirect supervision
required for speech-language pathology assistants.
(9) The maximum number of assistants permitted per supervisor.
(10) A requirement that the supervising speech-language
pathologist shall remain responsible and accountable for clinical
judgments and decisions and the maintenance of the highest quality
and standards of practice when a speech-language pathology assistant
is utilized.

2538.3. (a) A person applying for approval as a speech-language
pathology assistant shall have graduated from a speech-language
pathology assistant associate of arts degree program, or equivalent
course of study, approved by the board. A person who has successfully
graduated from a board-approved bachelor's degree program in
speech-language pathology or communication disorders shall be deemed
to have satisfied an equivalent course of study.
(b) On or before June 1, 2003, a person who has in the last five
years performed the functions of a speech-language pathology aide on
a full-time basis for a minimum of one year, or on a part-time basis
equivalent to a minimum of one year of full-time work, may make
application for registration as a speech-language pathology assistant
based upon the board's recognition of that aide's job training and
experience and the performance of functions and tasks similar to the
speech-language pathology assistant category. For purposes of this
subdivision, "full time" means a minimum of 30 hours per week.

2538.5. This article shall not be construed to limit the
utilization of a speech aide or other personnel employed by a public
school working under the direct supervision of a credentialed
speech-language pathologist as set forth in subdivision (c) of
Section 3051.1 of Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations.

2538.7. (a) No person who is not registered as a speech-language
pathology assistant shall utilize the title speech-language pathology
assistant or a similar title that includes the words speech or
language when combined with the term assistant.
(b) No person who is not registered as a speech-language pathology
assistant shall perform the duties or functions of a speech-language
pathology assistant, except as provided by this chapter.