Md. Code Regs. 10.41.11.06 - Scope of Practice

A. A speech-language pathology assistant or an audiology assistant may provide only services which assist the direct services provided by a supervising speech-language pathologist or audiologist, and not services which are alternatives to direct services.

B. Activities within the scope of practice of a speech-language pathology assistant or an audiology assistant shall include the following:

(1) Engaging only in those duties planned, designed, and supervised by a supervising speech-language pathologist or audiologist;

(2) Following treatment plans or protocols developed by the supervising speech-language pathologist or audiologist who maintains professional responsibility for the plans of care;

(3) Adhering at all times to the code of ethics of the Board;

(4) Identifying the licensee as a speech-language pathology assistant or an audiology assistant to consumers and co-professionals;

(5) Following specified screening protocols developed by the supervising speech-language pathologist or audiologist when conducting speech-language or audiology screenings; and

(6) Reporting documented evidence of treatment and non-interpretive data regarding the client's performance to the supervising speech-language pathologist or audiologist.

C. Activities within the scope of practice of a speech-language pathology assistant or an audiology assistant may include the following:

(1) Performing preparation of materials;

(2) Scheduling activities;

(3) Preparing charts, records, graphs, and other clerical duties;

(4) Performing checks and maintenance of equipment;

(5) Participating with the supervising speech-language pathologist or audiologist in research projects, in-service training, and public relations programs;

(6) Assisting the speech-language pathologists or audiologists during patient assessments; and

(7) Assisting the audiologists with basic diagnostic tests, such as audiometry and tympanometry.

D. Activities not within the scope of practice of a speech-language pathology assistant or an audiology assistant include:

(1) Performing or interpreting the results of diagnostic evaluations;

(2) Participating in parent conferences, case conferences, or interdisciplinary team meetings without the presence of the supervising speech-language pathologist or audiologist, or other licensed speech-language pathologist or audiologist designated by the supervising speech-language pathologist or audiologist;

(3) Providing client or family counseling;

(4) Selecting clients for services;

(5) Discharging a client from services;

(6) Making referral recommendations;

(7) Disclosing clinical or confidential information either orally or in writing to anyone other than the supervising speech-language pathologist or audiologist; or

(8) Providing specialized treatment that requires advanced knowledge and training.

E. Audiology assistants may not perform any task:

(1) Without the express knowledge and approval of the supervising audiologist; and

(2) That may be prohibited by state or federal law.

Notes

Md. Code Regs. 10.41.11.06

Regulation .06D amended as an emergency provision effective January 11, 2008 (35:3 Md. R. 286); amended permanently effective May 19, 2008 (35:10 Md. R. 972); amended effective 51:15 Md. R. 708, eff. 8/5/2024.