SLPA Education and Licensure 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When an SLPA moves from one state to another, what is the first step regarding licensure?
- Contact the new state's licensing board to determine SLPA licensure requirements (Correct answer)
- Assume the current license is valid and begin working immediately
- Apply for reciprocity through the federal Department of Health
- Request that ASHA issue a national practice permit
Correct answer: Contact the new state's licensing board to determine SLPA licensure requirements
Licensure requirements vary by state, so the SLPA must verify the new state's specific rules before practicing.
Question 2: Which of the following best describes the relationship between ASHA certification and state licensure for SLPAs?
- They are separate credentials; holding one does not automatically confer the other (Correct answer)
- ASHA certification replaces the need for state licensure in all 50 states
- State licensure automatically grants ASHA certification
- Both are issued by the same government agency
Correct answer: They are separate credentials; holding one does not automatically confer the other
ASHA certification is a voluntary professional credential, while state licensure is a legal requirement governed by individual states.
Question 3: Which clause is typically included in an SLPA supervision plan to protect patient safety?
- A requirement that the SLP review SLPA-provided services at defined intervals (Correct answer)
- A clause allowing the SLPA to dismiss patients without SLP approval
- Permission for the SLPA to change diagnostic codes independently
- A provision granting the SLPA authority to hire additional support staff
Correct answer: A requirement that the SLP review SLPA-provided services at defined intervals
Supervision plans must specify intervals for the SLP's review of SLPA services to ensure ongoing patient safety and clinical quality.
Question 4: An SLPA discovers she has been assigned duties that exceed her scope of practice. What is the most appropriate action?
- Notify the supervising SLP and decline to perform the out-of-scope tasks (Correct answer)
- Complete the tasks to avoid disrupting patient care, then report later
- File a complaint with the state board anonymously without speaking to the SLP
- Accept the duties since the employer authorized them
Correct answer: Notify the supervising SLP and decline to perform the out-of-scope tasks
The SLPA must immediately inform the supervising SLP and refuse to perform tasks outside the defined SLPA scope of practice.
Question 5: Which of the following is NOT a typical feature of accredited SLPA associate degree programs?
- Residency in a different country for international clinical hours (Correct answer)
- Coursework in speech-language development and disorders
- Supervised clinical practicums in school or healthcare settings
- Observation hours with licensed SLPs
Correct answer: Residency in a different country for international clinical hours
Accredited SLPA programs do not require international residencies; all supervised clinical hours are completed domestically.
Question 6: How often must most state-licensed SLPAs complete continuing education to renew their license?
- Each renewal cycle as specified by the state, typically every 1–2 years (Correct answer)
- Only once at initial licensure, with no subsequent requirements
- Every five years regardless of state
- Continuing education is never required for SLPA license renewal
Correct answer: Each renewal cycle as specified by the state, typically every 1–2 years
Most states require SLPAs to complete continuing education units (CEUs) at each renewal cycle to maintain licensure.
Question 7: What is a primary purpose of the SLPA supervision log maintained by the supervising SLP?
- To document the type, frequency, and content of supervision provided to the SLPA (Correct answer)
- To record the SLP's personal professional development activities
- To track the SLP's billable hours for insurance reimbursement
- To log patient diagnoses for statistical reporting purposes
Correct answer: To document the type, frequency, and content of supervision provided to the SLPA
Supervision logs verify that required supervision standards were met, protecting both the SLPA and the supervising SLP.
SLPA Education and Licensure 3
When an SLPA moves from one state to another, what is the first step regarding licensure?