(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)

413 words·~2 min read·/il/chapter-225/act-110/1-46·

A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.

Sec. 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.