SLPA Roles and Responsibilities 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following best reflects the SLPA's responsibility regarding client confidentiality?
- SLPAs may share client information with other school staff without restrictions
- SLPAs must adhere to HIPAA and FERPA regulations just as licensed professionals do (Correct answer)
- Confidentiality rules apply only to the supervising SLP, not support personnel
- SLPAs can discuss client progress with family members of other clients for peer support
Correct answer: SLPAs must adhere to HIPAA and FERPA regulations just as licensed professionals do
SLPAs are bound by the same federal confidentiality laws (HIPAA, FERPA) as licensed SLPs and must protect client privacy.
Question 2: An SLPA's supervising SLP is unavailable and a client's caregiver demands an immediate change to the treatment plan. The SLPA should:
- Modify the plan to satisfy the caregiver and document the change
- Explain that treatment plan changes require the SLP's authorization and offer to relay the request (Correct answer)
- Refuse to discuss the matter until the next scheduled supervision meeting
- Implement the caregiver's requested changes on a trial basis
Correct answer: Explain that treatment plan changes require the SLP's authorization and offer to relay the request
Treatment plan changes are the SLP's decision; the SLPA should acknowledge the request and communicate it to the supervising SLP.
Question 3: Which of the following is an acceptable activity for an SLPA in an adult rehabilitation setting?
- Selecting augmentative communication devices for clients with ALS
- Implementing dysphagia exercises prescribed by the supervising SLP (Correct answer)
- Performing clinical swallowing evaluations independently
- Determining candidacy for voice therapy
Correct answer: Implementing dysphagia exercises prescribed by the supervising SLP
SLPAs may implement SLP-prescribed dysphagia exercises but cannot select devices, evaluate swallowing, or determine candidacy independently.
Question 4: How should an SLPA handle a situation where they disagree with the supervising SLP's chosen treatment approach?
- Implement their own preferred approach without mentioning it to the SLP
- Refuse to implement the treatment plan until the SLP justifies the approach
- Discuss concerns professionally with the supervising SLP through appropriate channels (Correct answer)
- Report the SLP to the state licensing board immediately
Correct answer: Discuss concerns professionally with the supervising SLP through appropriate channels
SLPAs should raise professional concerns with the SLP through respectful dialogue, not unilateral action or premature escalation.
Question 5: An SLPA working in a private practice setting is approached by a new client seeking services. What is the SLPA's appropriate first step?
- Begin an intake interview and develop a preliminary treatment plan
- Conduct a standardized assessment battery to identify the client's needs
- Direct the client to the supervising SLP for evaluation and intake (Correct answer)
- Accept the client and begin therapy while informing the SLP later
Correct answer: Direct the client to the supervising SLP for evaluation and intake
Client intake, evaluation, and acceptance decisions are the SLP's responsibility; the SLPA must direct new clients to the SLP.
Question 6: Which of the following correctly describes the relationship between SLPA state licensure laws and ASHA guidelines?
- ASHA guidelines always supersede state law
- State laws always supersede ASHA guidelines
- SLPAs must follow whichever standard is more restrictive between state law and ASHA guidelines (Correct answer)
- ASHA guidelines and state laws are always identical
Correct answer: SLPAs must follow whichever standard is more restrictive between state law and ASHA guidelines
SLPAs must comply with both state regulations and ASHA guidelines, applying whichever standard is more restrictive in any given situation.
Question 7: During a session, a client discloses suspected abuse at home. The SLPA's required action is to:
- Keep the disclosure confidential to maintain the therapeutic relationship
- Document it privately and wait for the supervising SLP to be available
- Report the disclosure immediately to the supervising SLP and follow mandatory reporting protocols (Correct answer)
- Ask the client clarifying questions to determine if reporting is necessary
Correct answer: Report the disclosure immediately to the supervising SLP and follow mandatory reporting protocols
Mandatory reporting laws require SLPAs to immediately notify their supervisor and follow the facility's mandated reporter protocol.
SLPA Roles and Responsibilities 3
Which of the following best reflects the SLPA's responsibility regarding client confidentiality?