20:79:04:01.  Responsibilities within the scope for speech-language pathology assistants. A licensed speech-language pathology assistant, who has demonstrated competency, may perform the following under the supervision of a speech-language pathologist:

    (1)  Administer and score speech, language, and hearing screening tools, speech and language assessment tools, and speech and language monitoring tools without clinical interpretation;

    (2)  Assist with informal documentation for the supervising speech-language pathologist to use, prepare materials, and assist with other duties not prohibited by § 20:79:04:02;

    (3)  Implement documented care plans or protocols developed by the supervising speech-language pathologist;

    (4)  Provide direct client services to address treatment goals as developed by the supervising speech-language pathologist;

    (5)  Document client performance by preparing charts, records, and graphs, and report the information to the supervising speech-language pathologist;

    (6)  Perform simple checks and maintenance on equipment;

    (7)  Assist the supervising speech-language pathologist during assessment of clients, excluding interpretation;

    (8)  Support the supervising speech-language pathologist in research projects, development of training materials, in-service training, and public relations programs;

    (9)  Assist with scheduling, record keeping, and safety and maintenance of supplies and equipment;

    (10)  Program and provide instruction on the use of augmentative and alternative communication services by developing low-tech augmentative and alternative communication materials, programming devices, and providing training and technical assistance on the use of devices, as directed by the supervising speech-language pathologist;

    (11)  Demonstrate or share information with a client's caregiver and staff regarding feeding and swallowing plans developed and directed by the supervising speech-language pathologist;

    (12)  Provide guidance and treatment via telepractice to clients who are selected by the supervising speech-language pathologist;

    (13)  Provide caregiver coaching for facilitation of skills; and

    (14)  Share objective information regarding client performance to clients, caregivers, and staff, without interpretation or recommendation, as directed by the supervising speech-language pathologist.

    A licensed speech-language pathology assistant shall comply with regulations, confidentiality policies, reimbursement requirements, and job responsibilities as assigned by the supervising speech-language pathologist.

    Source: 39 SDR 220, effective June 27, 2013; 50 SDR 23, effective September 3, 2023.

    General Authority: SDCL 36-37-12.

    Law Implemented: SDCL 36-37-5(3)(c), 36-37-12(15), 36-37-18, 36-37-20.