The rules of a speech therapist can be divided into three categories:
1. Ethical Conduct:
- Code of Ethics: Speech therapists are bound by a code of ethics established by professional organizations like the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). This code outlines principles of ethical behavior, such as maintaining confidentiality, avoiding discrimination, and acting in the best interests of their clients.
- Misrepresentation: Speech therapists must not misrepresent their credentials, experience, or competence. They must only provide services within their scope of practice and refer clients to other professionals when necessary.
- Telepractice: Speech therapists providing services via telepractice must comply with professional standards and state and federal regulations. They must not provide clinical services solely through written communication.
2. Scope of Practice:
- Definition of Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP): SLPs are professionals who hold the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP). They have the education and training to diagnose and treat speech, language, and swallowing disorders.
- Domains of Service Delivery: SLPs work with a diverse population, including children, adults, and older adults. They address various disorders, including:
- Speech sound disorders (articulation and phonological disorders)
- Language disorders (receptive and expressive)
- Fluency disorders (stuttering)
- Voice disorders (including dysphonia and aphonia)
- Cognitive-communication disorders
- Feeding and swallowing disorders
- Literacy disorders
- Social communication disorders (pragmatics)
- Collaboration: SLPs often collaborate with other professionals, such as teachers, doctors, nurses, and psychologists, to provide comprehensive care to their clients.
3. Legal and Regulatory Compliance:
- Licensure: Speech therapists must be licensed in the state where they practice. Licensure requirements vary by state, but generally involve obtaining a master's degree in speech-language pathology, completing a supervised clinical fellowship, and passing a national exam.
- Continuing Education: SLPs are required to complete continuing education courses to maintain their licenses and stay current with best practices.
- State and Federal Regulations: SLPs must comply with all applicable state and federal regulations regarding patient privacy, billing, and record-keeping.
Specific rules for speech therapists may also exist within their work setting, such as a school or hospital. They should always follow the guidelines provided by their employer.
Here are some additional resources you may find helpful:
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA): https://www.asha.org/
- Scope of Practice in Speech-Language Pathology: https://www.asha.org/policy/sp2016-00343/
- Code of Ethics: https://inte.asha.org/Code-of-Ethics
- Speech Class Rules: An Introduction To Speech Therapy For Children: https://www.northernspeech.com/
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