|
ABSTRACT: Approve “Speech-Language Pathologists Providing Clinical Services via Telepractice: Position Statement”
RESOLVED,That “Speech-Language Pathologists Providing Clinical Services via Telepractice: Position Statement” be approved as ASHA policy; and further
RESOLVED, That “Speech-Language Pathologists Providing Clinical Services via Telepractice: 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: Telepractice is the application of telecommunications technology to deliver professional services at a distance. Since 1998, ASHA has studied the potential impact of telepractice on speech-language pathologists and audiologists and the individuals they serve.
The 2001–2003 Focused Initiative on Technology included a goal to increase members’ knowledge and access to ASHA products, information, and activities related to the use of telepractice in the delivery of clinical services in audiology and speech-language pathology. Activities for the Focused Initiative have included: 1) conducting a member telephone survey; 2) providing information through articles, the ASHA Web site, a staff report, and professional development programs; and 3) offering grants to promote development of materials about current telepractice programs. The Telepractice Working Group was formed as part of the Focused Initiative to develop policy documents to assist members and guide external groups about the role of SLPs and audiologists in providing these services. This position statement is supported by an accompanying report, “Speech-Language Pathologists Providing Clinical Services via Telepractice: Technical Report.”
|