American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

Information For:

View PDF Version

Scope of Practice

Scope of Practice in Speech-Language Pathology

Ad Hoc Committee on the Scope of Practice in Speech-Language Pathology

About this Document

This scope of practice document is an official policy of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) defining the breadth of practice within the profession of speech-language pathology. This document was developed by the ASHA Ad Hoc Committee on the Scope of Practice in Speech-Language Pathology. Committee members were Kenn Apel (chair), Theresa E. Bartolotta, Adam A. Brickell, Lynne E. Hewitt, Ann W. Kummer, Luis F. Riquelme, Jennifer B. Watson, Carole Zangari, Brian B. Shulman (vice president for professional practices in speech-language pathology), Lemmietta McNeilly (ex officio), and Diane R. Paul (consultant). This document was approved by the ASHA Legislative Council on September 4, 2007 (LC 09-07).

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Scope of Practice in Speech-Language Pathology includes a statement of purpose, a framework for research and clinical practice, qualifications of the speech-language pathologist, professional roles and activities, and practice settings. The speech-language pathologist is the professional who engages in clinical services, prevention, advocacy, education, administration, and research in the areas of communication and swallowing across the life span from infancy through geriatrics. Given the diversity of the client population, ASHA policy requires that these activities are conducted in a manner that takes into consideration the impact of culture and linguistic exposure/acquisition and uses the best available evidence for practice to ensure optimal outcomes for persons with communication and/or swallowing disorders or differences.

As part of the review process for updating the Scope of Practice in Speech-Language Pathology, the committee made changes to the previous scope of practice document that reflected recent advances in knowledge, understanding, and research in the discipline. These changes included acknowledging roles and responsibilities that were not mentioned in previous iterations of the Scope of Practice (e.g., funding issues, marketing of services, focus on emergency responsiveness, communication wellness). The revised document also was framed squarely on two guiding principles: evidence-based practice and cultural and linguistic diversity.

Return to Top

Statement of Purpose

The purpose of this document is to define the Scope of Practice in Speech-Language Pathology to

  1. delineate areas of professional practice for speech-language pathologists;

  2. inform others (e.g., health care providers, educators, other professionals, consumers, payers, regulators, members of the general public) about professional services offered by speech-language pathologists as qualified providers;

  3. support speech-language pathologists in the provision of high-quality, evidence-based services to individuals with concerns about communication or swallowing;

  4. support speech-language pathologists in the conduct of research;

  5. provide guidance for educational preparation and professional development of speech-language pathologists.

This document describes the breadth of professional practice offered within the profession of speech-language pathology. Levels of education, experience, skill, and proficiency with respect to the roles and activities identified within this scope of practice document vary among individual providers. A speech-language pathologist typically does not practice in all areas of the field. As the ASHA Code of Ethics specifies, individuals may practice only in areas in which they are competent (i.e., individuals' scope of competency), based on their education, training, and experience.

In addition to this scope of practice document, other ASHA documents provide more specific guidance for practice areas. Figure 1 illustrates the relationship between the ASHA Code of Ethics, the Scope of Practice, and specific practice documents. As shown, the ASHA Code of Ethics sets forth the fundamental principles and rules considered essential to the preservation of the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct in the practice of speech-language pathology.

Figure 1. Conceptual Framework of ASHA Practice Documents

Figure 1

Speech-language pathology is a dynamic and continuously developing profession. As such, listing specific areas within this Scope of Practice does not exclude emerging areas of practice. Further, speech-language pathologists may provide additional professional services (e.g., interdisciplinary work in a health care setting, collaborative service delivery in schools, transdisciplinary practice in early intervention settings) that are necessary for the well-being of the individual(s) they are serving but are not addressed in this Scope of Practice. In such instances, it is both ethically and legally incumbent upon professionals to determine whether they have the knowledge and skills necessary to perform such services.

This scope of practice document does not supersede existing state licensure laws or affect the interpretation or implementation of such laws. It may serve, however, as a model for the development or modification of licensure laws.

Return to Top

Framework for Research and Clinical Practice

The overall objective of speech-language pathology services is to optimize individuals' ability to communicate and swallow, thereby improving quality of life. As the population profile of the United States continues to become increasingly diverse (U.S. Census Bureau, 2005), speech-language pathologists have a responsibility to be knowledgeable about the impact of these changes on clinical services and research needs. Speech-language pathologists are committed to the provision of culturally and linguistically appropriate services and to the consideration of diversity in scientific investigations of human communication and swallowing. For example, one aspect of providing culturally and linguistically appropriate services is to determine whether communication difficulties experienced by English language learners are the result of a communication disorder in the native language or a consequence of learning a new language.

Additionally, an important characteristic of the practice of speech-language pathology is that, to the extent possible, clinical decisions are based on best available evidence. ASHA has defined evidence-based practice in speech-language pathology as an approach in which current, high-quality research evidence is integrated with practitioner expertise and the individual's preferences and values into the process of clinical decision making (ASHA, 2005). A high-quality basic, applied, and efficacy research base in communication sciences and disorders and related fields of study is essential to providing evidence-based clinical practice and quality clinical services. The research base can be enhanced by increased interaction and communication with researchers across the United States and from other countries. As our global society is becoming more connected, integrated, and interdependent, speech-language pathologists have access to an abundant array of resources, information technology, and diverse perspectives and influence (e.g., Lombardo, 1997). Increased national and international interchange of professional knowledge, information, and education in communication sciences and disorders can be a means to strengthen research collaboration and improve clinical services.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has developed a multipurpose health classification system known as the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF; WHO, 2001). The purpose of this classification system is to provide a standard language and framework for the description of functioning and health. The ICF framework is useful in describing the breadth of the role of the speech-language pathologist in the prevention, assessment, and habilitation/rehabilitation, enhancement, and scientific investigation of communication and swallowing. It consists of two components:

  • Health Conditions

    • Body Functions and Structures: These involve the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Relevant examples in speech-language pathology include craniofacial anomaly, vocal fold paralysis, cerebral palsy, stuttering, and language impairment.

    • Activity and Participation: Activity refers to the execution of a task or action. Participation is the involvement in a life situation. Relevant examples in speech-language pathology include difficulties with swallowing safely for independent feeding, participating actively in class, understanding a medical prescription, and accessing the general education curriculum.

  • Contextual Factors

    • Environmental Factors: These make up the physical, social, and attitudinal environments in which people live and conduct their lives. Relevant examples in speech-language pathology include the role of the communication partner in augmentative and alternative communication, the influence of classroom acoustics on communication, and the impact of institutional dining environments on individuals' ability to safely maintain nutrition and hydration.

    • Personal Factors: These are the internal influences on an individual's functioning and disability and are not part of the health condition. These factors may include, but are not limited to, age, gender, ethnicity, educational level, social background, and profession. Relevant examples in speech-language pathology might include a person's background or culture that influences his or her reaction to a communication or swallowing disorder.

The framework in speech-language pathology encompasses these health conditions and contextual factors. The health condition component of the ICF can be expressed on a continuum of functioning. On one end of the continuum is intact functioning. At the opposite end of the continuum is completely compromised functioning. The contextual factors interact with each other and with the health conditions and may serve as facilitators or barriers to functioning. Speech-language pathologists may influence contextual factors through education and advocacy efforts at local, state, and national levels. Relevant examples in speech-language pathology include a user of an augmentative communication device needing classroom support services for academic success, or the effects of premorbid literacy level on rehabilitation in an adult post brain injury. Speech-language pathologists work to improve quality of life by reducing impairments of body functions and structures, activity limitations, participation restrictions, and barriers created by contextual factors.

Return to Top

Qualifications

Speech-language pathologists, as defined by ASHA, hold the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP), which requires a master's, doctoral, or other recognized postbaccalaureate degree. ASHA-certified speech-language pathologists complete a supervised postgraduate professional experience and pass a national examination as described in the ASHA certification standards. Demonstration of continued professional development is mandated for the maintenance of the CCC-SLP. Where applicable, speech-language pathologists hold other required credentials (e.g., state licensure, teaching certification).

This document defines the scope of practice for the field of speech-language pathology. Each practitioner must evaluate his or her own experiences with preservice education, clinical practice, mentorship and supervision, and continuing professional development. As a whole, these experiences define the scope of competence for each individual. Speech-language pathologists may engage in only those aspects of the profession that are within their scope of competence.

As primary care providers for communication and swallowing disorders, speech-language pathologists are autonomous professionals; that is, their services are not prescribed or supervised by another professional. However, individuals frequently benefit from services that include speech-language pathologist collaborations with other professionals.

Return to Top

Professional Roles and Activities

Speech-language pathologists serve individuals, families, and groups from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Services are provided based on applying the best available research evidence, using expert clinical judgments, and considering clients' individual preferences and values. Speech-language pathologists address typical and atypical communication and swallowing in the following areas:

  • speech sound production

    • articulation

    • apraxia of speech

    • dysarthria

    • ataxia

    • dyskinesia

  • resonance

    • hypernasality

    • hyponasality

    • cul-de-sac resonance

    • mixed resonance

  • voice

    • phonation quality

    • pitch

    • loudness

    • respiration

  • fluency

    • stuttering

    • cluttering

  • language (comprehension and expression)

    • phonology

    • morphology

    • syntax

    • semantics

    • pragmatics (language use, social aspects of communication)

    • literacy (reading, writing, spelling)

    • prelinguistic communication (e.g., joint attention, intentionality, communicative signaling)

    • paralinguistic communication

  • cognition

    • attention

    • memory

    • sequencing

    • problem solving

    • executive functioning

  • feeding and swallowing

    • oral, pharyngeal, laryngeal, esophageal

    • orofacial myology (including tongue thrust)

    • oral-motor functions

Potential etiologies of communication and swallowing disorders include

  • neonatal problems (e.g., prematurity, low birth weight, substance exposure);

  • developmental disabilities (e.g., specific language impairment, autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, learning disabilities, attention deficit disorder);

  • auditory problems (e.g., hearing loss or deafness);

  • oral anomalies (e.g., cleft lip/palate, dental malocclusion, macroglossia, oral-motor dysfunction);

  • respiratory compromise (e.g., bronchopulmonary dysplasia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease);

  • pharyngeal anomalies (e.g., upper airway obstruction, velopharyngeal insufficiency/incompetence);

  • laryngeal anomalies (e.g., vocal fold pathology, tracheal stenosis, tracheostomy);

  • neurological disease/dysfunction (e.g., traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy, cerebral vascular accident, dementia, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis);

  • psychiatric disorder (e.g., psychosis, schizophrenia);

  • genetic disorders (e.g., Down syndrome, fragile X syndrome, Rett syndrome, velocardiofacial syndrome).

The professional roles and activities in speech-language pathology include clinical/educational services (diagnosis, assessment, planning, and treatment), prevention and advocacy, and education, administration, and research.

Return to Top

Clinical Services

Speech-language pathologists provide clinical services that include the following:

  • prevention and pre-referral

  • screening

  • assessment/evaluation

  • consultation

  • diagnosis

  • treatment, intervention, management

  • counseling

  • collaboration

  • documentation

  • referral

Examples of these clinical services include

  1. using data to guide clinical decision making and determine the effectiveness of services;

  2. making service delivery decisions (e.g., admission/eligibility, frequency, duration, location, discharge/dismissal) across the lifespan;

  3. determining appropriate context(s) for service delivery (e.g., home, school, telepractice, community);

  4. documenting provision of services in accordance with accepted procedures appropriate for the practice setting;

  5. collaborating with other professionals (e.g., identifying neonates and infants at risk for hearing loss, participating in palliative care teams, planning lessons with educators, serving on student assistance teams);

  6. screening individuals for hearing loss or middle ear pathology using conventional pure-tone air conduction methods (including otoscopic inspection), otoacoustic emissions screening, and/or screening tympanometry;

  7. providing intervention and support services for children and adults diagnosed with speech and language disorders;

  8. providing intervention and support services for children and adults diagnosed with auditory processing disorders;

  9. using instrumentation (e.g., videofluoroscopy, electromyography, nasendoscopy, stroboscopy, endoscopy, nasometry, computer technology) to observe, collect data, and measure parameters of communication and swallowing or other upper aerodigestive functions;

  10. counseling individuals, families, coworkers, educators, and other persons in the community regarding acceptance, adaptation, and decision making about communication and swallowing;

  11. facilitating the process of obtaining funding for equipment and services related to difficulties with communication and swallowing;

  12. serving as case managers, service delivery coordinators, and members of collaborative teams (e.g., individualized family service plan and individualized education program teams, transition planning teams);

  13. providing referrals and information to other professionals, agencies, and/or consumer organizations;

  14. developing, selecting, and prescribing multimodal augmentative and alternative communication systems, including unaided strategies (e.g., manual signs, gestures) and aided strategies (e.g., speech-generating devices, manual communication boards, picture schedules);

  15. providing services to individuals with hearing loss and their families/caregivers (e.g., auditory training for children with cochlear implants and hearing aids; speechreading; speech and language intervention secondary to hearing loss; visual inspection and listening checks of amplification devices for the purpose of troubleshooting, including verification of appropriate battery voltage);

  16. addressing behaviors (e.g., perseverative or disruptive actions) and environments (e.g., classroom seating, positioning for swallowing safety or attention, communication opportunities) that affect communication and swallowing;

  17. selecting, fitting, and establishing effective use of prosthetic/adaptive devices for communication and swallowing (e.g., tracheoesophageal prostheses, speaking valves, electrolarynges; this service does not include the selection or fitting of sensory devices used by individuals with hearing loss or other auditory perceptual deficits, which falls within the scope of practice of audiologists; ASHA, 2004);

  18. providing services to modify or enhance communication performance (e.g., accent modification, transgender voice, care and improvement of the professional voice, personal/professional communication effectiveness).

Return to Top

Prevention and Advocacy

Speech-language pathologists engage in prevention and advocacy activities related to human communication and swallowing. Example activities include

  1. improving communication wellness by promoting healthy lifestyle practices that can help prevent communication and swallowing disorders (e.g., cessation of smoking, wearing helmets when bike riding);

  2. presenting primary prevention information to individuals and groups known to be at risk for communication disorders and other appropriate groups;

  3. providing early identification and early intervention services for communication disorders;

  4. advocating for individuals and families through community awareness, health literacy, education, and training programs to promote and facilitate access to full participation in communication, including the elimination of societal, cultural, and linguistic barriers;

  5. advising regulatory and legislative agencies on emergency responsiveness to individuals who have communication and swallowing disorders or difficulties;

  6. promoting and marketing professional services;

  7. advocating at the local, state, and national levels for improved administrative and governmental policies affecting access to services for communication and swallowing;

  8. advocating at the local, state, and national levels for funding for research;

  9. recruiting potential speech-language pathologists into the profession;

  10. participating actively in professional organizations to contribute to best practices in the profession.

Return to Top

Education, Administration, and Research

Speech-language pathologists also serve as educators, administrators, and researchers. Example activities for these roles include

  1. educating the public regarding communication and swallowing;

  2. educating and providing in-service training to families, caregivers, and other professionals;

  3. educating, supervising, and mentoring current and future speech-language pathologists;

  4. educating, supervising, and managing speech-language pathology assistants and other support personnel;

  5. fostering public awareness of communication and swallowing disorders and their treatment;

  6. serving as expert witnesses;

  7. administering and managing clinical and academic programs;

  8. developing policies, operational procedures, and professional standards;

  9. conducting basic and applied/translational research related to communication sciences and disorders, and swallowing.

Return to Top

Practice Settings

Speech-language pathologists provide services in a wide variety of settings, which may include but are not exclusive to

  1. public and private schools;

  2. early intervention settings, preschools, and day care centers;

  3. health care settings (e.g., hospitals, medical rehabilitation facilities, long-term care facilities, home health agencies, clinics, neonatal intensive care units, behavioral/mental health facilities);

  4. private practice settings;

  5. universities and university clinics;

  6. individuals' homes and community residences;

  7. supported and competitive employment settings;

  8. community, state, and federal agencies and institutions;

  9. correctional institutions;

  10. research facilities;

  11. corporate and industrial settings.

Return to Top

References

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2004). Scope of practice in audiology. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2005). Evidence-based practice in communication disorders [Position statement]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

Lombardo, T. (1997, Spring). The impact of information technology: Learning, living, and loving in the future. The Labyrinth: Sharing Information on Learning Technologies. 5(2). Available from www.mcli.dist.maricopa.edu/LF/Spr97/spr97L8.html.

U.S. Census Bureau. (2005). Population profile of the United States: Dynamic version. Race and Hispanic origin in 2005. Available from www.census.gov.

World Health Organization. (2001). International classification of functioning, disability and health. Geneva, Switzerland: Author.

Return to Top

Resources

ASHA Cardinal Documents

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2003). Code of ethics (Revised). Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2004). Preferred practice patterns for the profession of speech-language pathology. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2005). Standards for the certificate of clinical competence in speech-language pathology. Available from www.asha.org/about/membership-certification/handbooks/slp/slp_standards.htm.

Return to Top

General Service Delivery Issues

Admission/Discharge Criteria

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2004). Admission/discharge criteria in speech-language pathology [Guidelines]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

Return to Top

Autonomy

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (1986). Autonomy of speech-language pathology and audiology [Relevant paper]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

Return to Top

Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2002). American English dialects [Technical report]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2004). Knowledge and skills needed by speech-language pathologists and audiologists to provide culturally and linguistically appropriate services [Knowledge and skills]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

Return to Top

Definitions and Terminology

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (1982). Language [Relevant paper]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (1986). Private practice [Definition]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (1993). Definition of communication disorders and variations [Definition]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (1998). Terminology pertaining to fluency and fluency disorders [Guidelines]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

Return to Top

Evidence-Based Practice

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2004). Evidence-based practice in communication disorders: An introduction [Technical report]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2005). Evidence-based practice in communication disorders: An introduction [Position statement]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

Return to Top

Private Practice

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (1990). Considerations for establishing a private practice in audiology and/or speech-language pathology [Technical report]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (1991). Private practice [Technical report]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (1994). Professional liability and risk management for the audiology and speech-language pathology professions [Technical report]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2002). Drawing cases for private practice from primary place of employment [Issues in ethics]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

Return to Top

Professional Service Programs

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2005). Quality indicators for professional service programs in audiology and speech-language pathology [Quality indicators]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

Return to Top

Speech-Language Pathology Assistants

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2001). Knowledge and skills for supervisors of speech-language pathology assistants [Knowledge and skills]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2004). Guidelines for the training, use, and supervision of speech-language pathology assistants [Guidelines]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2004). Support personnel [Issues in ethics]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2004). Training, use, and supervision of support personnel in speech-language pathology [Position statement]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

Return to Top

Supervision

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (1985). Clinical supervision in speech-language pathology and audiology [Position statement]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2004). Clinical fellowship supervisor's responsibilities [Issues in ethics]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2004). Supervision of student clinicians [Issues in ethics]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

Return to Top

Clinical Services and Populations

Apraxia of Speech

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2007). Childhood apraxia of speech [Position statement]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2007). Childhood apraxia of speech [Technical report]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

Return to Top

Auditory Processing

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (1995). Central auditory processing: Current status of research and implications for clinical practice [Technical report]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2005). (Central) auditory processing disorders [Technical report]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2005). (Central) auditory processing disorders—the role of the audiologist [Position statement]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

Return to Top

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (1998). Maximizing the provision of appropriate technology services and devices for students in schools [Technical report]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2001). Augmentative and alternative communication: Knowledge and skills for service delivery [Knowledge and skills]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2004). Roles and responsibilities of speech-language pathologists with respect to augmentative and alternative communication [Position statement]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2004). Roles and responsibilities of speech-language pathologists with respect to augmentative and alternative communication [Technical report]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

Return to Top

Aural Rehabilitation

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2001). Knowledge and skills required for the practice of audiologic/aural rehabilitation [Knowledge and skills]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

Return to Top

Autism Spectrum Disorders

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2006). Guidelines for speech-language pathologists in diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of autism spectrum disorders across the life span [Guidelines]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2006). Knowledge and skills needed by speech-language pathologists for diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of autism spectrum disorders across the life span [Knowledge and skills]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2006). Principles for speech-language pathologists in diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of autism spectrum disorders across the life span [Technical report]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2006). Roles and responsibilities of speech-language pathologists in diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of autism spectrum disorders across the life span [Position statement]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

Filipek, P. A., Accardo, P. J., Ashwal, S., Baranek, G. T., Cook, E. H., Dawson, G., et al. (2000). Practice parameter: Screening and diagnosis of autism—report of the Quality Standards Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology and the Child Neurology Society Neurology, 55, 468–479

Return to Top

Cognitive Aspects of Communication

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (1990). Interdisciplinary approaches to brain damage [Position statement]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (1995). Guidelines for the structure and function of an interdisciplinary team for persons with brain injury [Guidelines]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2003). Evaluating and treating communication and cognitive disorders: Approaches to referral and collaboration for speech-language pathology and clinical neuropsychology [Technical report]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2003). Rehabilitation of children and adults with cognitive-communication disorders after brain injury [Technical report]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2005). Knowledge and skills needed by speech-language pathologists providing services to individuals with cognitive-communication disorders [Knowledge and skills]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2005). Roles of speech-language pathologists in the identification, diagnosis, and treatment of individuals with cognitive-communication disorders: Position statement. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

Return to Top

Deaf and Hard of Hearing

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2004). Roles of speech-language pathologists and teachers of children who are deaf and hard of hearing in the development of communicative and linguistic competence [Guidelines]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2004). Roles of speech-language pathologists and teachers of children who are deaf and hard of hearing in the development of communicative and linguistic competence [Position statement]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2004). Roles of speech-language pathologists and teachers of children who are deaf and hard of hearing in the development of communicative and linguistic competence [Technical report]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

Return to Top

Dementia

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2005). The roles of speech-language pathologists working with dementia-based communication disorders [Position statement]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2005). The roles of speech-language pathologists working with dementia-based communication disorders [Technical report]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

Return to Top

Early Intervention

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Roles and responsibilities of speech-language pathologists in early intervention (in preparation). [Position statement, Technical report, Guidelines, and Knowledge and skills].

National Joint Committee on Learning Disabilities (2006). Learning disabilities and young children: Identification and intervention Available from www.ldonline.org/article/11511?theme=print.

Return to Top

Fluency

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (1995). Guidelines for practice in stuttering treatment [Guidelines]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

Return to Top

Hearing Screening

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (1997). Guidelines for audiologic screening [Guidelines]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2004). Clinical practice by certificate holders in the profession in which they are not certified [Issues in ethics]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

Return to Top

Language and Literacy

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (1981). Language learning disorders [Position statement]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and the National Association of School Psychologists (1987). Identification of children and youths with language learning disorders [Position statement]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2000). Roles and responsibilities of speech-language pathologists with respect to reading and writing in children and adolescents [Guidelines]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2000). Roles and responsibilities of speech-language pathologists with respect to reading and writing in children and adolescents [Position statement]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2000). Roles and responsibilities of speech-language pathologists with respect to reading and writing in children and adolescents [Technical report]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2002). Knowledge and skills needed by speech-language pathologists with respect to reading and writing in children and adolescents [Knowledge and skills]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

Return to Top

Mental Retardation/Developmental Disabilities

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2005). Knowledge and skills needed by speech-language pathologists serving persons with mental retardation/developmental disabilities [Knowledge and skills]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2005). Principles for speech-language pathologists serving persons with mental retardation/developmental disabilities [Technical report]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2005). Roles and responsibilities of speech-language pathologists serving persons withmental retardation/developmental disabilities [Guidelines]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2005). Roles and responsibilities of speech-language pathologists serving persons withmental retardation/developmental disabilities [Position statement]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

Return to Top

Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (1989). Labial-lingual posturing function [Technical report]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (1991). The role of the speech-language pathologist in assessment and management of oral myofunctional disorders [Position statement]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (1993). Orofacial myofunctional disorders [Knowledge and skills]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

Return to Top

Prevention

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (1987). Prevention of communication disorders [Position statement]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (1987). Prevention of communication disorders tutorial [Relevant paper]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

Return to Top

Severe Disabilities

National Joint Committee for the Communication Needs of Persons With Severe Disabilities. (1991). Guidelines for meeting the communication needs of persons with severe disabilities. Available from www.asha.org/docs/html/GL1992-00201.html.

National Joint Committee for the Communication Needs of Persons With Severe Disabilities (2002). Access to communication services and supports: Concerns regarding the application of restrictive “eligibility” policies [Technical report]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

National Joint Committee for the Communication Needs of Persons With Severe Disabilities (2003). Access to communication services and supports: Concerns regarding the application of restrictive “eligibility” policies [Position statement]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

Return to Top

Social Aspects of Communication

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (1991). Guidelines for speech-language pathologists serving persons with language, socio-communicative and/or cognitive-communicative impairments [Guidelines]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

Return to Top

Swallowing

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (1992). Instrumental diagnostic procedures for swallowing [Guidelines]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (1992). Instrumental diagnostic procedures for swallowing [Position statement]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2000). Clinical indicators for instrumental assessment of dysphagia [Guidelines]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2001). Knowledge and skills needed by speech-language pathologists providing services to individuals with swallowing and/or feeding disorders [Knowledge and skills]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2001). Knowledge and skills for speech-language pathologists performing endoscopic assessment of swallowing functions [Knowledge and skills]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2001). Roles of speech-language pathologists in swallowing and feeding disorders [Position statement]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2001). Roles of speech-language pathologists in swallowing and feeding disorders [Technical report]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2004). Guidelines for speech-language pathologists performing videofluoroscopic swallowing studies. [Guidelines]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2004). Knowledge and skills needed by speech-language pathologists performing videofluoroscopic swallowing studies Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2004). Role of the speech-language pathologist in the performance and interpretation of endoscopic evaluation of swallowing [Guidelines]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2004). Role of the speech-language pathologist in the performance and interpretation of endoscopic evaluation of swallowing [Position statement]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2004). Role of the speech-language pathologist in the performance and interpretation of endoscopic evaluation of swallowing [Technical report]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2004). Speech-language pathologists training and supervising other professionals in the delivery of services to individuals with swallowing and feeding disorders [Technical report]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

Return to Top

Voice and Resonance

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (1993). Oral and oropharyngeal prostheses [Guidelines]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (1993). Oral and oropharyngeal prostheses [Position statement]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (1993). Use of voice prostheses in tracheotomized persons with or without ventilatory dependence [Guidelines]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (1993). Use of voice prostheses in tracheotomized persons with or without ventilatory dependence [Position statement]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (1998). The roles of otolaryngologists and speech-language pathologists in the performance and interpretation of strobovideolaryngoscopy [Relevant paper]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2004). Evaluation and treatment for tracheoesophageal puncture and prosthesis [Technical report]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2004). Knowledge and skills for speech-language pathologists with respect to evaluation and treatment for tracheoesophageal puncture and prosthesis [Knowledge and skills]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2004). Roles and responsibilities of speech-language pathologists with respect to evaluation and treatment for tracheoesophageal puncture and prosthesis [Position statement]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2004). Vocal tract visualization and imaging [Position statement]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2004). Vocal tract visualization and imaging [Technical report]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2005). The role of the speech-language pathologist, the teacher of singing, and the speaking voice trainer in voice habilitation [Technical report]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2005). The use of voice therapy in the treatment of dysphonia [Technical report]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

Return to Top

Health Care Services

Business Practices in Health Care Settings

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2002). Knowledge and skills in business practices needed by speech-language pathologists in health care settings [Knowledge and skills]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2004). Knowledge and skills in business practices for speech-language pathologists who are managers and leaders in health care organizations [Knowledge and skills]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

Return to Top

Multiskilling

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (1996). Multiskilled personnel [Position statement]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (1996). Multiskilled personnel [Technical report]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

Return to Top

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2004). Knowledge and skills needed by speech-language pathologists providing services to infants and families in the NICU environment [Knowledge and skills]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2004). Roles and responsibilities of speech-language pathologists in the neonatal intensive care unit [Guidelines]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2004). Roles and responsibilities of speech-language pathologists in the neonatal intensive care unit [Position statement]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2004). Roles and responsibilities of speech-language pathologists in the neonatal intensive care unit [Technical report]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

Return to Top

Sedation and Anesthetics

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (1992). Sedation and topical anesthetics in audiology and speech-language pathology [Technical report]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

Return to Top

Telepractice

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2004). Speech-language pathologists providing clinical services via telepractice [Position statement]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2004). Speech-language pathologists providing clinical services via telepractice [Technical report]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2005). Knowledge and skills needed by speech-language pathologists providing clinical services via telepractice [Technical report]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

Return to Top

School Services

Collaboration

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (1991). A model for collaborative service delivery for students with language-learning disorders in the public schools [Relevant paper]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

Return to Top

Evaluation

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (1987). Considerations for developing and selecting standardized assessment and intervention materials [Technical report]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

Return to Top

Facilities

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2003). Appropriate school facilities for students with speech-language-hearing disorders [Technical report]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

Return to Top

Inclusive Practices

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (1996). Inclusive practices for children and youths with communication disorders [Position statement]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

Return to Top

Roles and Responsibilities for School-Based Practitioners

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (1999). Guidelines for the roles and responsibilities of the school-based speech-language pathologist [Guidelines]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

Return to Top

“Under the Direction of” Rule

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2004). Medicaid guidance for speech-language pathology services: Addressing the “under the direction of” rule [Position statement]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2004). Medicaid guidance for speech-language pathology services: Addressing the “under the direction of” rule [Technical report]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2005). Medicaid guidance for speech-language pathology services: Addressing the “under the direction of” rule [Guidelines]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2005). Medicaid guidance for speech-language pathology services: Addressing the “under the direction of” rule [Knowledge and skills]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

Return to Top

Workload

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2002). Workload analysis approach for establishing speech-language caseload standards in the schools [Guidelines]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2002). Workload analysis approach for establishing speech-language caseload standards in the schools [Position statement]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2002). Workload analysis approach for establishing speech-language caseload standards in the schools [Technical report]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

Return to Top

Return to Top

Index terms: scope of practice

Reference this material as: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2007). Scope of practice in speech-language pathology [Scope of Practice]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

© Copyright 2007 American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. All rights reserved.

Disclaimer: The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association disclaims any liability to any party for the accuracy, completeness, or availability of these documents, or for any damages arising out of the use of the documents and any information they contain.

doi:10.1044/policy.SP2007-00283

Print This Page