201 Ky. Admin. Regs. 17:034
Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 6, December 1, 2024
Section 201 KAR 17:034 - Requirements for licensure as a speech-language pathology assistantRELATES TO: KRS 334A.030, 334A.033
NECESSITY, FUNCTION, AND CONFORMITY: KRS 334A.080(3) requires the Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology to promulgate responsible administrative regulations, including administrative regulations which delineate qualifications for licensure and renewal of licensure. KRS 334A.033 requires the board to promulgate administrative regulations to set forth requirements for supervision, education and postgraduate professional experience for speech-language pathology assistants. This administrative regulation establishes criteria for licensure for speech-language pathology assistants.
Section 1. Education and Experience. Each applicant for licensure as a speech-language pathology assistant in Kentucky shall meet the requirements established by this section. (1) In order to receive a license to become a speech-language pathology assistant, the applicant shall possess a bachelor's degree in speech-language pathology or communication disorders, or possess equivalent education, as described in subsection (2) of this section, from a regionally accredited institution, such as the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.(2) An applicant shall have equivalent education if the applicant has obtained a bachelor's degree and a minimum of twenty-seven (27) hours in the core areas of communication sciences or disorders including the following: (a) Anatomy and physiology;(b) Phonetics and speech science;(c) Speech and language development;(d) Communication disorders in children;(f) Aural rehabilitation; and(g) Intervention for children with communication disorders.Section 2. Supervision. (1) The licensee shall function under the supervision of an appropriate supervisor during the period of licensure.(2) The supervisor shall design and provide a supervision system that protects pupil welfare and maintains the highest possible standards of quality speech-language pathology services.(3) The supervisor may require additional supervision based on the experience of the speech-language pathology assistant, the pupils served, and the physical or geographic proximity to the supervisor.(4) As the supervisory responsibility of the supervisor increases, the direct service responsibilities of the supervisor shall decrease.(5) Treatment for the pupils served shall remain the responsibility of the supervisor. The level of supervision required shall be the minimum level necessary for the supervisor to retain direct contact with the pupils.(6) Each speech-language pathology assistant shall be required to receive direct supervision as stated in KRS 334A.033. Supervision shall be adjusted proportionally for less than fulltime employment. The supervisor shall have direct contact time with the speech-language pathology assistant as well as with the pupil.(7)(a) Direct supervision shall consist of on-site, in-view observation and guidance as a clinical activity is performed.(b) A speech-language pathology assistant shall be supervised by either: 1. A speech-language pathologist who holds a Kentucky license; or2. A speech-language pathologist who holds Education Professional Standards Board Master's level certification as a teacher of exceptional children in the areas of speech and communication disorders.(8) The supervisor shall provide information about the quality of the speech-language pathology assistant's performance with assigned tasks and verify that clinical activity is limited to tasks specified in the speech-language pathology assistant's scope of responsibilities.(9) Information obtained during direct supervision may include data relative to: (a) Accuracy in implementation of screening, diagnostic, and treatment procedures;(b) Agreement between the assistant and the supervisor on correct or incorrect judgment of target behavior;(c) Accuracy in recording data; and(d) Ability to interact effectively with the pupil.(10) Indirect supervision shall be required as stated in KRS 334A.033. Supervision shall be adjusted proportionally for less than full-time employment. Indirect supervision may include:(c) Review and evaluation of audio or videotaped sessions; or(d) Supervisory conferences that may be conducted by telephone.(11) The minimum total of direct and indirect supervision as stated in KRS 334A.033 shall be required for each speech-language pathology assistant and shall be documented. Additional direct and indirect supervision may be necessary depending on the experience of the assistant and the needs of the pupil.(12) A speech-language pathology assistant shall not provide direct services if a supervising speech-language pathologist cannot be reached by personal contact, phone, pager, or some other immediate means.(13) If, for any reason (including maternity leave, illness, or a change of jobs), the supervisor is no longer available to provide the level of supervision stipulated, the speech-language pathology assistant shall not provide service until a fully qualified speech-language pathologist has been designated as the speech-language pathology assistant's supervisor.(14) Although more than one (1) supervisor may provide supervision of a speech-language pathology assistant, a supervisor shall not be listed as the supervisor of record for more than two (2) speech-language pathology assistants. If multiple supervisors are used, each supervisor shall be responsible for that portion of the caseload that is theirs and each shall sign the license application and postgraduate professional experience report.Section 3. Within thirty (30) days after completion of postgraduate professional experience, the applicant shall submit a complete application for licensure under this section. The applicant's supervisor shall verify the successful completion of postgraduate professional experience by signing the Application for License.Section 4. Incorporation by Reference.(1) "Application for Licensure", July 2013, is incorporated by reference.(2) This material may be inspected, copied, or obtained, subject to applicable copyright law, at the Kentucky Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, Department of Professional Licensing, 500 Mero Street, 2SC32, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.36 Ky.R. 950; 1445; eff. 2-5-2010; 38 Ky.R. 1632; 1837; eff. 6-1-2012; 40 Ky.R. 397; eff. 10-16-2013; Crt eff. 2-21-2020; TAm eff. 10-16-2020.STATUTORY AUTHORITY: KRS 334A.033, 334A.080(3)