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ABSTRACT: Approve “Role of the Speech-Language Pathologist in the Performance and Interpretation of Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing: Position Statement”
RESOLVED, That “Role of the Speech-Language Pathologist in the Performance and Interpretation of Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing: Position Statement” be approved as ASHA policy; and further
RESOLVED, That “Role of the Speech-Language Pathologist in the Performance and Interpretation of Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing: Position Statement” be published in the next annual supplement to The ASHA Leader and that it be posted on the ASHA Web site, be made available upon request from the ASHA Action Center, and be included in the next revision of the ASHA Desk Reference.
RATIONALE: The position statement “Roles of the Speech-Language Pathologist and Otolaryngologist in the Performance and Interpretation of Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing: Position Statement” was originally developed in 1999 by a Joint Committee of members from ASHA’s Division 13 (Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders (Dysphagia)) and representatives from the Speech, Voice, and Swallowing Committee of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS). In April 2003, AAO-HNS informed ASHA in writing that they had passed a new policy and requested that ASHA remove AAO-HNS’ name from the current policy. AAO-HNS’ new policy conflicts with the previous joint position statement by asserting that endoscopic procedures should be directly authorized and supervised by physicians. Their change in policy has caused confusion and some challenges to SLPs performing endoscopy in facilities where there had previously been collaboration with otolaryngologists in a non-supervisory relationship. The existence of differing policies from the two associations raised the need for ASHA to support its position that SLPs are independent in performing functional swallowing assessments.
This position statement and supporting technical report were written to affirm SLPs’ ability to perform endoscopic examinations of swallowing, and to clarify the difference between the role of SLPs and that of physicians.
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