Updating ASHA’s Scope of Practice in Speech-Language Pathology

ASHA is updating the Scope of Practice in Speech-Language Pathology (hereafter referred to as the Scope of Practice). The Scope of Practice is ASHA’s official policy that defines the breadth of practice for ASHA-certified speech-language pathologists (SLPs).

Why is ASHA updating the Scope of Practice now?

ASHA last updated the Scope of Practice in 2016. The profession of speech-language pathology has changed in many ways since then. The roles, settings, technologies, and expectations for SLPs have evolved. This update aims to ensure that the Scope of Practice

• accurately reflects contemporary practice;
• supports SLPs across settings; and
• aligns with current evidence, service delivery models, and regulatory realities.

Resolution BOD 1-2026 established the SLP Scope of Practice Task Force to update the Scope of Practice.

What is the timeline for this work?

The work began in 2026. ASHA estimates that the updates will be completed around the end of 2027.

How will the Scope of Practice be updated?

The Task Force will consist of ASHA staff and ASHA members with subject matter expertise in a variety of practice areas and will take the following steps to complete this update:

1. Review the current Scope of Practice and related ASHA policies.
2. Analyze SLP member and certificate holder input collected through an initial survey.
3. Draft revisions grounded in evidence, ethics, and professional standards.
4. Seek widespread peer review of the updated draft.
5. Submit the draft to the ASHA Board of Directors (BOD) for review and approval.

The BOD approved the creation of a Task Force to conduct the update. Final approval authority for the updated Scope of Practice rests with the ASHA BOD.

A team of ASHA staff will select Task Force members from a pool of self-nominations to ensure broad member representation across settings and practice domains.

How will SLPs who aren't Task Force members provide input?

ASHA values its members' expertise and experience, and this update will be informed by broad member input.

1. Pre-review survey: In January 2026, we surveyed SLPs and asked them to provide input about the current Scope of Practice and any potential changes that they recommend.
2. Peer review: The draft Scope of Practice will be posted on ASHA’s website for widespread peer review when complete (likely in late 2027).

The Task Force will (a) review feedback that it collected during the pre-review survey and peer review phases and (b) use it to identify themes, areas of consensus, and considerations for revision. Although the Task Force will not be able to incorporate every suggestion, all feedback will inform its deliberations.

Questions? Email SLPScope@asha.org.