{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/54.1-2621.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/54.1-2621.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/54.1-2621.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/54.1-2621.html"}],"law_id":55547,"edition_id":1,"section_id":55547,"structure_id":14281,"section_number":"54.1-2621","catch_line":"(Effective July 1, 2027) Scope of practice of speech-language pathology assistants","history":"2025, c. 649.","full_text":"A\n\nA licensed speech-language pathology assistant shall only engage in those duties that adhere to the code of ethics of the Board and are planned, designed, and supervised by a licensed speech-language pathologist, including:1\n\nAssisting with speech, language, and hearing screenings without clinical interpretation of results;2\n\nAdministering and scoring screenings for clinical interpretation by the supervising speech-language pathologist;3\n\nAssisting with, but not administering or interpreting the results of, client assessments, including setting up the testing environment, gathering and preparing materials, and taking notes;4\n\nAdministering and scoring assessments and progress monitoring tools without clinical interpretation of results, if the licensed speech-language pathology assistant meets the examiner requirements for such tools and the supervising speech-language pathologist has verified that such examiner requirements have been met;5\n\nPerforming routine activities for therapy sessions in accordance with a plan developed and directed by the speech-language pathologist who retains the professional responsibility for such client, including (i) implementing documented care plans or protocols, (ii) providing direct therapy services to address treatment goals, (iii) adjusting and documenting the amount and type of support or scaffolding provided to the client in treatment to facilitate progress, and (iv) developing and implementing activities and materials for teaching and practice of skills to address the goals of the client;6\n\nProviding treatment through a variety of service delivery models as directed by the supervising speech-language pathologist;7\n\nUtilizing telecommunications technology to provide services remotely to clients as directed by the supervising speech-language pathologist;8\n\nDocumenting client performance and reporting such performance information to the supervising speech-language pathologist;9\n\nProviding caregiver coaching, including modeling and teaching communication strategies and providing feedback regarding caregiver-client interactions for facilitation and carryover of skills;10\n\nSharing objective information regarding client performance without interpretation or recommendations as directed by the supervising speech-language pathologist;11\n\nAssisting with programming augmentative and alternative communication devices and assisting and training clients with using such devices;12\n\nDemonstrating strategies and assisting clients with skills included in the feeding and swallowing plan developed by the supervising speech-language pathologist;13\n\nSigning or initialing informal treatment notes and, upon request, co-signing formal documents with the supervising speech-language pathologist;14\n\nAssisting with clerical duties and site operations, including preparing materials, scheduling appointments and activities, preparing charts, records, or graphs, and performing checks and maintenance of equipment;15\n\nAssisting clients with transitioning to and from therapy sessions; and16\n\nPerforming duties not otherwise restricted to the practice of speech-language pathology.B\n\nA speech-language pathologist assistant shall not engage in the practice of speech-language pathology, including the following:1\n\nRepresenting himself as a speech-language pathologist;2\n\nPerforming diagnostic tests or evaluations;3\n\nPerforming procedures that require a professional level of clinical judgment and technical skill;4\n\nInterpreting results and observations of feeding and swallowing evaluations or screenings performed by a speech-language pathologist;5\n\nParticipating in formal conferences or meetings without the presence of the supervising speech-language pathologist;6\n\nProviding interpretative information to a client, the family of a client, or any other individual;7\n\nWriting, developing, or modifying a client&#8217;s treatment plan;8\n\nAssisting in or providing services described in subsection A unless directed by the supervising speech-language pathologist;9\n\nSigning any formal documents in place of the supervising speech-language pathologist;10\n\nSelecting a client for service or discharging a client from service;11\n\nMaking a decision regarding the need for additional services or making a referral for service;12\n\nDisclosing clinical or confidential information either orally or in writing to anyone other than the supervising speech-language pathologist, unless mandated by law or authorized by the supervising speech-language pathologist; or13\n\nDeveloping or determining the swallowing or feeding strategies or precautions for a client or providing feeding or swallowing treatment.C\n\nA licensed speech-language pathology assistant shall be supervised by a speech-language pathologist, who shall retain full legal and ethical responsibility for the client.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":203581,"text":"A licensed speech-language pathology assistant shall only engage in those duties that adhere to the code of ethics of the Board and are planned, designed, and supervised by a licensed speech-language pathologist, including:","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"A1"},"1":{"id":203582,"text":"Assisting with speech, language, and hearing screenings without clinical interpretation of results;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"A1","prefix_anchor":"A1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"A2"},"2":{"id":203583,"text":"Administering and scoring screenings for clinical interpretation by the supervising speech-language pathologist;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"A2","prefix_anchor":"A2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A1","next_prefix":"A3"},"3":{"id":203584,"text":"Assisting with, but not administering or interpreting the results of, client assessments, including setting up the testing environment, gathering and preparing materials, and taking notes;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"A3","prefix_anchor":"A3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A2","next_prefix":"A4"},"4":{"id":203585,"text":"Administering and scoring assessments and progress monitoring tools without clinical interpretation of results, if the licensed speech-language pathology assistant meets the examiner requirements for such tools and the supervising speech-language pathologist has verified that such examiner requirements have been met;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"A4","prefix_anchor":"A4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A3","next_prefix":"A5"},"5":{"id":203586,"text":"Performing routine activities for therapy sessions in accordance with a plan developed and directed by the speech-language pathologist who retains the professional responsibility for such client, including (i) implementing documented care plans or protocols, (ii) providing direct therapy services to address treatment goals, (iii) adjusting and documenting the amount and type of support or scaffolding provided to the client in treatment to facilitate progress, and (iv) developing and implementing activities and materials for teaching and practice of skills to address the goals of the client;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"A5","prefix_anchor":"A5","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A4","next_prefix":"A6"},"6":{"id":203587,"text":"Providing treatment through a variety of service delivery models as directed by the supervising speech-language pathologist;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","6"],"prefix":"6","entire_prefix":"A6","prefix_anchor":"A6","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A5","next_prefix":"A7"},"7":{"id":203588,"text":"Utilizing telecommunications technology to provide services remotely to clients as directed by the supervising speech-language pathologist;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","7"],"prefix":"7","entire_prefix":"A7","prefix_anchor":"A7","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A6","next_prefix":"A8"},"8":{"id":203589,"text":"Documenting client performance and reporting such performance information to the supervising speech-language pathologist;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","8"],"prefix":"8","entire_prefix":"A8","prefix_anchor":"A8","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A7","next_prefix":"A9"},"9":{"id":203590,"text":"Providing caregiver coaching, including modeling and teaching communication strategies and providing feedback regarding caregiver-client interactions for facilitation and carryover of skills;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","9"],"prefix":"9","entire_prefix":"A9","prefix_anchor":"A9","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A8","next_prefix":"A10"},"10":{"id":203591,"text":"Sharing objective information regarding client performance without interpretation or recommendations as directed by the supervising speech-language pathologist;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","10"],"prefix":"10","entire_prefix":"A10","prefix_anchor":"A10","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A9","next_prefix":"A11"},"11":{"id":203592,"text":"Assisting with programming augmentative and alternative communication devices and assisting and training clients with using such devices;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","11"],"prefix":"11","entire_prefix":"A11","prefix_anchor":"A11","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A10","next_prefix":"A12"},"12":{"id":203593,"text":"Demonstrating strategies and assisting clients with skills included in the feeding and swallowing plan developed by the supervising speech-language pathologist;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","12"],"prefix":"12","entire_prefix":"A12","prefix_anchor":"A12","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A11","next_prefix":"A13"},"13":{"id":203594,"text":"Signing or initialing informal treatment notes and, upon request, co-signing formal documents with the supervising speech-language pathologist;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","13"],"prefix":"13","entire_prefix":"A13","prefix_anchor":"A13","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A12","next_prefix":"A14"},"14":{"id":203595,"text":"Assisting with clerical duties and site operations, including preparing materials, scheduling appointments and activities, preparing charts, records, or graphs, and performing checks and maintenance of equipment;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","14"],"prefix":"14","entire_prefix":"A14","prefix_anchor":"A14","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A13","next_prefix":"A15"},"15":{"id":203596,"text":"Assisting clients with transitioning to and from therapy sessions; and","type":"section","prefixes":["A","15"],"prefix":"15","entire_prefix":"A15","prefix_anchor":"A15","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A14","next_prefix":"A16"},"16":{"id":203597,"text":"Performing duties not otherwise restricted to the practice of speech-language pathology.","type":"section","prefixes":["A","16"],"prefix":"16","entire_prefix":"A16","prefix_anchor":"A16","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A15","next_prefix":"B"},"17":{"id":203598,"text":"A speech-language pathologist assistant shall not engage in the practice of speech-language pathology, including the following:","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A16","next_prefix":"B1"},"18":{"id":203599,"text":"Representing himself as a speech-language pathologist;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"B1","prefix_anchor":"B1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"B2"},"19":{"id":203600,"text":"Performing diagnostic tests or evaluations;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"B2","prefix_anchor":"B2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B1","next_prefix":"B3"},"20":{"id":203601,"text":"Performing procedures that require a professional level of clinical judgment and technical skill;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"B3","prefix_anchor":"B3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B2","next_prefix":"B4"},"21":{"id":203602,"text":"Interpreting results and observations of feeding and swallowing evaluations or screenings performed by a speech-language pathologist;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"B4","prefix_anchor":"B4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B3","next_prefix":"B5"},"22":{"id":203603,"text":"Participating in formal conferences or meetings without the presence of the supervising speech-language pathologist;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"B5","prefix_anchor":"B5","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B4","next_prefix":"B6"},"23":{"id":203604,"text":"Providing interpretative information to a client, the family of a client, or any other individual;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","6"],"prefix":"6","entire_prefix":"B6","prefix_anchor":"B6","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B5","next_prefix":"B7"},"24":{"id":203605,"text":"Writing, developing, or modifying a client&#8217;s treatment plan;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","7"],"prefix":"7","entire_prefix":"B7","prefix_anchor":"B7","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B6","next_prefix":"B8"},"25":{"id":203606,"text":"Assisting in or providing services described in subsection A unless directed by the supervising speech-language pathologist;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","8"],"prefix":"8","entire_prefix":"B8","prefix_anchor":"B8","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B7","next_prefix":"B9"},"26":{"id":203607,"text":"Signing any formal documents in place of the supervising speech-language pathologist;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","9"],"prefix":"9","entire_prefix":"B9","prefix_anchor":"B9","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B8","next_prefix":"B10"},"27":{"id":203608,"text":"Selecting a client for service or discharging a client from service;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","10"],"prefix":"10","entire_prefix":"B10","prefix_anchor":"B10","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B9","next_prefix":"B11"},"28":{"id":203609,"text":"Making a decision regarding the need for additional services or making a referral for service;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","11"],"prefix":"11","entire_prefix":"B11","prefix_anchor":"B11","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B10","next_prefix":"B12"},"29":{"id":203610,"text":"Disclosing clinical or confidential information either orally or in writing to anyone other than the supervising speech-language pathologist, unless mandated by law or authorized by the supervising speech-language pathologist; or","type":"section","prefixes":["B","12"],"prefix":"12","entire_prefix":"B12","prefix_anchor":"B12","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B11","next_prefix":"B13"},"30":{"id":203611,"text":"Developing or determining the swallowing or feeding strategies or precautions for a client or providing feeding or swallowing treatment.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","13"],"prefix":"13","entire_prefix":"B13","prefix_anchor":"B13","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B12","next_prefix":"C"},"31":{"id":203612,"text":"A licensed speech-language pathology assistant shall be supervised by a speech-language pathologist, who shall retain full legal and ethical responsibility for the client.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B13"}},"ancestry":[{"id":14281,"edition_id":1,"name":"Licensure of Speech-Language Pathology Assistants","identifier":"3","label":"article","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12943,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:47:35","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:47:35","permalink":{"id":241507,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":14281,"identifier":"3","token":"54.1\/III\/26\/3","url":"\/54.1\/III\/26\/3\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12943,"edition_id":1,"name":"Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology","identifier":"26","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12758,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:03","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:03","permalink":{"id":241421,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12943,"identifier":"26","token":"54.1\/III\/26","url":"\/54.1\/III\/26\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12758,"edition_id":1,"name":"Professions and Occupations Regulated by Boards Within the Department of Health Professions","identifier":"III","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12754,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","permalink":{"id":241105,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12758,"identifier":"III","token":"54.1\/III","url":"\/54.1\/III\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12754,"edition_id":1,"name":"Professions and Occupations","identifier":"54.1","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","permalink":{"id":239313,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12754,"identifier":"54.1","token":"54.1","url":"\/54.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":56236,"structure_id":14281,"section_number":"54.1-2620","catch_line":"(Effective July 1, 2027) License; application; qualifications of speech-language pathology assistants","url":"\/54.1-2620\/","token":"54.1\/III\/26\/3\/54.1-2620","metadata":false},{"id":55547,"structure_id":14281,"section_number":"54.1-2621","catch_line":"(Effective July 1, 2027) Scope of practice of speech-language pathology assistants","url":"\/54.1-2621\/","token":"54.1\/III\/26\/3\/54.1-2621","metadata":false},{"id":87048,"structure_id":14281,"section_number":"54.1-2622","catch_line":"(Effective July 1, 2027) Continuing education","url":"\/54.1-2622\/","token":"54.1\/III\/26\/3\/54.1-2622","metadata":false},{"id":58464,"structure_id":14281,"section_number":"54.1-2623","catch_line":"(Effective July 1, 2027) Revocation or suspension; other sanctions","url":"\/54.1-2623\/","token":"54.1\/III\/26\/3\/54.1-2623","metadata":false},{"id":63970,"structure_id":14281,"section_number":"54.1-2624","catch_line":"(Effective July 1, 2027) Grounds for revocation or suspension","url":"\/54.1-2624\/","token":"54.1\/III\/26\/3\/54.1-2624","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":56236,"structure_id":14281,"section_number":"54.1-2620","catch_line":"(Effective July 1, 2027) License; application; qualifications of speech-language pathology assistants","url":"\/54.1-2620\/","token":"54.1\/III\/26\/3\/54.1-2620","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":87048,"structure_id":14281,"section_number":"54.1-2622","catch_line":"(Effective July 1, 2027) Continuing education","url":"\/54.1-2622\/","token":"54.1\/III\/26\/3\/54.1-2622","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/54.1-2621\/","history_text":"<p>This law was first created in 2025. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?251+ful+CHAP0649\">649<\/a> of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":false,"permalink":{"id":241513,"object_type":"law","relational_id":55547,"identifier":"54.1-2621","token":"54.1\/III\/26\/3\/54.1-2621","url":"\/54.1-2621\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/54.1-2621\/","token":"54.1\/III\/26\/3\/54.1-2621","dublin_core":{"Title":"(Effective July 1, 2027) Scope of practice of speech-language pathology assistants","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 54.1-2621","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"A\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">A.<\/span> A licensed speech-language pathology assistant shall only engage in those duties that adhere to the code of ethics of the <span class=\"dictionary\">Board<\/span> and are planned, designed, and supervised by a licensed <span class=\"dictionary\">speech-language pathologist<\/span>, including: <a id=\"paragraph-203581\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/54.1-2621\/#A\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"A1\" class=\"indent-1\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">1.<\/span> Assisting with speech, language, and <span class=\"dictionary\">hearing<\/span> screenings without clinical interpretation of results; <a id=\"paragraph-203582\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/54.1-2621\/#A1\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"A2\" class=\"indent-1\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">2.<\/span> Administering and scoring screenings for clinical interpretation by the supervising <span class=\"dictionary\">speech-language pathologist<\/span>; <a id=\"paragraph-203583\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/54.1-2621\/#A2\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"A3\" class=\"indent-1\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">3.<\/span> Assisting with, but not administering or interpreting the results of, client assessments, including setting up the testing environment, gathering and preparing <span class=\"dictionary\">materials<\/span>, and taking notes; <a id=\"paragraph-203584\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/54.1-2621\/#A3\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"A4\" class=\"indent-1\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">4.<\/span> Administering and scoring assessments and progress monitoring tools without clinical interpretation of results, if the licensed speech-language pathology assistant meets the examiner requirements for such tools and the supervising <span class=\"dictionary\">speech-language pathologist<\/span> has verified that such examiner requirements have been met; <a id=\"paragraph-203585\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/54.1-2621\/#A4\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"A5\" class=\"indent-1\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">5.<\/span> Performing routine activities for therapy sessions in accordance with a plan developed and directed by the <span class=\"dictionary\">speech-language pathologist<\/span> who retains the professional responsibility for such client, including (i) implementing documented care plans or protocols, (ii) providing direct therapy services to address treatment goals, (iii) adjusting and documenting the amount and type of support or scaffolding provided to the client in treatment to facilitate progress, and (iv) developing and implementing activities and <span class=\"dictionary\">materials<\/span> for teaching and practice of skills to address the goals of the client; <a id=\"paragraph-203586\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/54.1-2621\/#A5\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"A6\" class=\"indent-1\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">6.<\/span> Providing treatment through a variety of service delivery models as directed by the supervising <span class=\"dictionary\">speech-language pathologist<\/span>; <a id=\"paragraph-203587\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/54.1-2621\/#A6\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"A7\" class=\"indent-1\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">7.<\/span> Utilizing telecommunications technology to provide services remotely to clients as directed by the supervising <span class=\"dictionary\">speech-language pathologist<\/span>; <a id=\"paragraph-203588\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/54.1-2621\/#A7\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"A8\" class=\"indent-1\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">8.<\/span> Documenting client performance and reporting such performance information to the supervising <span class=\"dictionary\">speech-language pathologist<\/span>; <a id=\"paragraph-203589\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/54.1-2621\/#A8\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"A9\" class=\"indent-1\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">9.<\/span> Providing caregiver coaching, including modeling and teaching communication strategies and providing feedback regarding caregiver-client interactions for facilitation and carryover of skills; <a id=\"paragraph-203590\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/54.1-2621\/#A9\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"A10\" class=\"indent-1\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">10.<\/span> Sharing objective information regarding client performance without interpretation or recommendations as directed by the supervising <span class=\"dictionary\">speech-language pathologist<\/span>; <a id=\"paragraph-203591\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/54.1-2621\/#A10\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"A11\" class=\"indent-1\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">11.<\/span> Assisting with programming augmentative and alternative communication devices and assisting and training clients with using such devices; <a id=\"paragraph-203592\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/54.1-2621\/#A11\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"A12\" class=\"indent-1\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">12.<\/span> Demonstrating strategies and assisting clients with skills included in the feeding and swallowing plan developed by the supervising <span class=\"dictionary\">speech-language pathologist<\/span>; <a id=\"paragraph-203593\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/54.1-2621\/#A12\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"A13\" class=\"indent-1\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">13.<\/span> Signing or initialing informal treatment notes and, upon request, co-signing formal documents with the supervising <span class=\"dictionary\">speech-language pathologist<\/span>; <a id=\"paragraph-203594\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/54.1-2621\/#A13\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"A14\" class=\"indent-1\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">14.<\/span> Assisting with clerical duties and site operations, including preparing <span class=\"dictionary\">materials<\/span>, scheduling appointments and activities, preparing charts, records, or graphs, and performing checks and maintenance of equipment; <a id=\"paragraph-203595\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/54.1-2621\/#A14\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"A15\" class=\"indent-1\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">15.<\/span> Assisting clients with transitioning to and from therapy sessions; and <a id=\"paragraph-203596\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/54.1-2621\/#A15\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"A16\" class=\"indent-1\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">16.<\/span> Performing duties not otherwise restricted to the <span class=\"dictionary\">practice of speech-language pathology<\/span>. <a id=\"paragraph-203597\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/54.1-2621\/#A16\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"B\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">B.<\/span> A <span class=\"dictionary\">speech-language pathologist<\/span> assistant shall not engage in the <span class=\"dictionary\">practice of speech-language pathology<\/span>, including the following: <a id=\"paragraph-203598\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/54.1-2621\/#B\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"B1\" class=\"indent-1\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">1.<\/span> Representing himself as a <span class=\"dictionary\">speech-language pathologist<\/span>; <a id=\"paragraph-203599\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/54.1-2621\/#B1\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"B2\" class=\"indent-1\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">2.<\/span> Performing diagnostic tests or evaluations; <a id=\"paragraph-203600\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/54.1-2621\/#B2\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"B3\" class=\"indent-1\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">3.<\/span> Performing procedures that require a professional level of clinical <span class=\"dictionary\">judgment<\/span> and technical skill; <a id=\"paragraph-203601\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/54.1-2621\/#B3\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"B4\" class=\"indent-1\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">4.<\/span> Interpreting results and observations of feeding and swallowing evaluations or screenings performed by a <span class=\"dictionary\">speech-language pathologist<\/span>; <a id=\"paragraph-203602\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/54.1-2621\/#B4\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"B5\" class=\"indent-1\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">5.<\/span> Participating in formal conferences or meetings without the presence of the supervising <span class=\"dictionary\">speech-language pathologist<\/span>; <a id=\"paragraph-203603\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/54.1-2621\/#B5\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"B6\" class=\"indent-1\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">6.<\/span> Providing interpretative information to a client, the family of a client, or any other individual; <a id=\"paragraph-203604\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/54.1-2621\/#B6\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"B7\" class=\"indent-1\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">7.<\/span> Writing, developing, or modifying a client&#8217;s treatment plan; <a id=\"paragraph-203605\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/54.1-2621\/#B7\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"B8\" class=\"indent-1\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">8.<\/span> Assisting in or providing services described in subsection A unless directed by the supervising <span class=\"dictionary\">speech-language pathologist<\/span>; <a id=\"paragraph-203606\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/54.1-2621\/#B8\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"B9\" class=\"indent-1\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">9.<\/span> Signing any formal documents in place of the supervising <span class=\"dictionary\">speech-language pathologist<\/span>; <a id=\"paragraph-203607\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/54.1-2621\/#B9\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"B10\" class=\"indent-1\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">10.<\/span> Selecting a client for service or discharging a client from service; <a id=\"paragraph-203608\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/54.1-2621\/#B10\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"B11\" class=\"indent-1\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">11.<\/span> Making a decision regarding the need for additional services or making a referral for service; <a id=\"paragraph-203609\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/54.1-2621\/#B11\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"B12\" class=\"indent-1\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">12.<\/span> Disclosing clinical or confidential information either orally or in writing to anyone other than the supervising <span class=\"dictionary\">speech-language pathologist<\/span>, unless mandated by <span class=\"dictionary\">law<\/span> or authorized by the supervising <span class=\"dictionary\">speech-language pathologist<\/span>; or <a id=\"paragraph-203610\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/54.1-2621\/#B12\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"B13\" class=\"indent-1\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">13.<\/span> Developing or determining the swallowing or feeding strategies or precautions for a client or providing feeding or swallowing treatment. <a id=\"paragraph-203611\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/54.1-2621\/#B13\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"C\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">C.<\/span> A licensed speech-language pathology assistant shall be supervised by a <span class=\"dictionary\">speech-language pathologist<\/span>, who shall retain full legal and ethical responsibility for the client. <a id=\"paragraph-203612\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/54.1-2621\/#C\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":"                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\n(EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2027) SCOPE OF PRACTICE OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY\nASSISTANTS (\u00a7 54.1-2621)\n\nA. A licensed speech-language pathology assistant shall only engage in those\nduties that adhere to the code of ethics of the Board and are planned, designed,\nand supervised by a licensed speech-language pathologist, including:\n\n   1. Assisting with speech, language, and hearing screenings without clinical\n   interpretation of results;\n\n   2. Administering and scoring screenings for clinical interpretation by the\n   supervising speech-language pathologist;\n\n   3. Assisting with, but not administering or interpreting the results of,\n   client assessments, including setting up the testing environment, gathering\n   and preparing materials, and taking notes;\n\n   4. Administering and scoring assessments and progress monitoring tools without\n   clinical interpretation of results, if the licensed speech-language pathology\n   assistant meets the examiner requirements for such tools and the supervising\n   speech-language pathologist has verified that such examiner requirements have\n   been met;\n\n   5. Performing routine activities for therapy sessions in accordance with a\n   plan developed and directed by the speech-language pathologist who retains the\n   professional responsibility for such client, including (i) implementing\n   documented care plans or protocols, (ii) providing direct therapy services to\n   address treatment goals, (iii) adjusting and documenting the amount and type\n   of support or scaffolding provided to the client in treatment to facilitate\n   progress, and (iv) developing and implementing activities and materials for\n   teaching and practice of skills to address the goals of the client;\n\n   6. Providing treatment through a variety of service delivery models as\n   directed by the supervising speech-language pathologist;\n\n   7. Utilizing telecommunications technology to provide services remotely to\n   clients as directed by the supervising speech-language pathologist;\n\n   8. Documenting client performance and reporting such performance information\n   to the supervising speech-language pathologist;\n\n   9. Providing caregiver coaching, including modeling and teaching communication\n   strategies and providing feedback regarding caregiver-client interactions for\n   facilitation and carryover of skills;\n\n   10. Sharing objective information regarding client performance without\n   interpretation or recommendations as directed by the supervising\n   speech-language pathologist;\n\n   11. Assisting with programming augmentative and alternative communication\n   devices and assisting and training clients with using such devices;\n\n   12. Demonstrating strategies and assisting clients with skills included in the\n   feeding and swallowing plan developed by the supervising speech-language\n   pathologist;\n\n   13. Signing or initialing informal treatment notes and, upon request,\n   co-signing formal documents with the supervising speech-language pathologist;\n\n   14. Assisting with clerical duties and site operations, including preparing\n   materials, scheduling appointments and activities, preparing charts, records,\n   or graphs, and performing checks and maintenance of equipment;\n\n   15. Assisting clients with transitioning to and from therapy sessions; and\n\n   16. Performing duties not otherwise restricted to the practice of\n   speech-language pathology.\n\nB. A speech-language pathologist assistant shall not engage in the practice of\nspeech-language pathology, including the following:\n\n   1. Representing himself as a speech-language pathologist;\n\n   2. Performing diagnostic tests or evaluations;\n\n   3. Performing procedures that require a professional level of clinical\n   judgment and technical skill;\n\n   4. Interpreting results and observations of feeding and swallowing evaluations\n   or screenings performed by a speech-language pathologist;\n\n   5. Participating in formal conferences or meetings without the presence of the\n   supervising speech-language pathologist;\n\n   6. Providing interpretative information to a client, the family of a client,\n   or any other individual;\n\n   7. Writing, developing, or modifying a client&#8217;s treatment plan;\n\n   8. Assisting in or providing services described in subsection A unless\n   directed by the supervising speech-language pathologist;\n\n   9. Signing any formal documents in place of the supervising speech-language\n   pathologist;\n\n   10. Selecting a client for service or discharging a client from service;\n\n   11. Making a decision regarding the need for additional services or making a\n   referral for service;\n\n   12. Disclosing clinical or confidential information either orally or in\n   writing to anyone other than the supervising speech-language pathologist,\n   unless mandated by law or authorized by the supervising speech-language\n   pathologist; or\n\n   13. Developing or determining the swallowing or feeding strategies or\n   precautions for a client or providing feeding or swallowing treatment.\n\nC. A licensed speech-language pathology assistant shall be supervised by a\nspeech-language pathologist, who shall retain full legal and ethical\nresponsibility for the client.\n\nHISTORY: 2025, c. 649.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}