This article provides an overview of current American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) policies for the appropriate use and supervision of speech-language pathology assistants with an emphasis on the need to preserve the role of fully qualified speech-language pathologists in the service delivery system. Seven challenging issues surrounding the appropriate use of speech-language pathology assistants are considered. These include registering assistants and approving training programs; membership in ASHA; discrepancies between state requirements and ASHA policies; preparation for serving diverse multicultural, bilingual, and international populations; supervision considerations; funding and reimbursement for assistants; and perspectives on career-ladder/bachelor-level personnel. The formation of a National Leadership Council is proposed to develop a coordinated strategic plan for addressing these controversial and potentially divisive issues related to speech-language pathology assistants. This council would implement strategies for future development in the areas of professional education pertaining to assistant-level supervision, instruction of assistants, communication networks, policy development, research, and the dissemination/promotion of information regarding assistants.

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Keywords:	speech pathology assistants in healthcare, policies
Research Division:	Health Sciences
Research Group:	Public health
Research Field:	Health promotion
Objective Division:	Health
Objective Group:	Evaluation of health and support services
Objective Field:	Health education and promotion
UTAS Author:	Goldberg, LR (Associate Professor Lyn Goldberg)
ID Code:	95596
Year Published:	2001
Web of Science® Times Cited:	6
Deposited By:	Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre
Deposited On:	2014-10-03
Last Modified:	2015-03-18
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