Section 08.11.045. Supervision of speech-language pathologist assistant.

   (a) A speech-language pathologist qualified under (b) of this section shall design and implement a plan for supervision of a speech-language pathologist assistant that protects the client and that maintains the highest possible standard of care. The amount of supervision required in the plan must be documented and must take into account the experience and skills of the speech-language pathologist assistant, the client's needs, the service setting, the tasks assigned, and the laws governing the activities of the speech-language pathologist assistant. A plan for supervision must provide for direct supervision of the speech-language pathologist assistant for at least 50 percent of the speech-language pathologist assistant services during the first 90 days of employment of the speech-language pathologist assistant and, after the first 90 days of employment, for at least 20 percent of the speech-language pathologist assistant services.
   (b) A speech-language pathologist is qualified to supervise a speech-language pathologist assistant only if the speech-language pathologist is familiar with all applicable laws and
        (1) is licensed under this chapter; or
        (2) has a valid Type A or Type C teaching certificate issued under AS 14.20 with an endorsement in speech-language pathology, speech and hearing sciences, or communication disorders.
   (c) A speech-language pathologist qualified under (b) of this section who agrees to supervise a speech-language pathologist assistant shall
        (1) monitor and evaluate the services provided and documentation completed by the speech-language pathologist assistant, including the competency level for the type of client and service site and compliance with all applicable laws;
        (2) assist the speech-language pathologist assistant in the development of a professional development plan that includes at least 15 clock hours of approved continuing education under AS 08.11.043(d) biennially; and
        (3) direct the handling of emergencies by the speech-language pathologist assistant.
   (d) A speech-language pathologist may not supervise more than two individuals or carry a higher caseload of clients while supervising a speech-language pathologist assistant than when the speech-language pathologist was not supervising a speech-language pathologist assistant.

Notes

History

(Sec. 4 ch 114 SLA 2004)