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Abstract: Request that the Executive Board facilitate SLPA training program approval by CAAHEP
RESOLVED, That the Legislative Council (LC) urge the Executive Board (EB) to explore the accreditation of Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) training programs by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP); and further
RESOLVED, That the EB report back to the LC at the Spring 2004 meeting.
Rationale: Setting standards and having a process by which training programs are held accountable for preparation of assistants assures members of our profession and the public that these programs meet or exceed standards and stated criteria for educational quality. Due to the cost involved in maintaining the approval of SLPA training programs through ASHA, outsourcing this process is a way to assure that standards for training are maintained.
CAAHEP is the largest programmatic/specialized accreditor in the health sciences field. In collaboration with its Committees on Accreditation, CAAHEP reviews and accredits more than 2000 educational programs in twenty-one (21) health science occupations across the United States and Canada. Prior to 1994, accreditation in most of these disciplines was a function of a committee within the American Medical Association (AMA). When the AMA decided to turn over accreditation of these programs to another entity, CAAHEP was born. Given their extensive experience in the area of accrediting programs, it appears that CAAHEP would make a desirable partner in accrediting SLPA training programs.
Setting standards for the training of assistants assures members of our profession and the public that the individual has met certain pre-determined qualifications specified by CAAHEP and ASHA. As we know, accreditation of our graduate programs helps those programs maintain training standards because they need accreditation to attract students. SLPA training programs need this as well. Without some form of accreditation, many assistant training programs will lose the ability to negotiate with administrators when fighting to maintain high standards for the training of these paraprofessionals. Also, should the Association decide to maintain the registry of assistants, it is imperative that there be standards for training and a body or organization that monitors the maintenance of those standards.
At the spring meeting of LC, a caucus was held on the shortages of speech-language pathologists throughout the country. Problems were identified and solutions proposed. The solutions included a suggestion to increase recognition and use of SLPAs and for the Association to continue support for program training approval and registration.
Also, at the spring meeting LC 2-2003 (to cease implementation of the registration program for SLPAs and the process of program approval for SLPA technical training programs) passed by a narrow margin (69-63). The primary concerns appeared to be financial. Outsourcing the accreditation process is a way to preserve the standards for the training of SLPAs and, hopefully, to provide a means for the Association to maintain professional credentialing, the benefits of which are described in a subsequent resolution.
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