(225 ILCS 110/8.7)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)

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.

(Source: P.A. 92-510, eff. 6-1-02.)