# COMAR Title 10 — Maryland Department of Health

## Subtitle 41 — Board of Examiners for Audiologists, Hearing Aid Dispensers, Speech-Language Pathologists, and Music Therapists

### Chapter 11 — Speech-Language Pathology Assistants and Audiology Assistants

#### Regulation .06 Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Scope of Practice.

*COMAR 10.41.11.06*

A. A speech-language pathology assistant may provide only services which assist the direct services provided by a supervising speech-language pathologist, 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.