SLPA Roles and Responsibilities 5

Question 1

An SLPA working in a school discovers that a student on their caseload is not making expected progress. The SLPA's responsibility is to:

Accepted Answer

Document observations and discuss them with the supervising SLP to determine next steps

Answer

Independently revise the student's therapy goals to better match their abilities

Answer

Discontinue therapy until the supervising SLP can re-evaluate the student

Answer

Inform the student's teacher and request a classroom accommodation plan

Question 2

Which of the following situations requires the SLPA to immediately stop a session and contact the supervising SLP?

Accepted Answer

A client with dysphagia coughs repeatedly and shows signs of aspiration

Answer

A client correctly produces a target sound for the first time

Answer

A client requests a short bathroom break mid-session

Answer

A client asks the SLPA a question about their diagnosis

Question 3

An SLPA in a hospital setting is asked by a nurse to provide a brief update on a shared client's swallowing status. The SLPA should:

Accepted Answer

Share only the information the SLP has authorized the SLPA to disclose to the care team

Answer

Provide a detailed clinical summary of the client's swallowing function

Answer

Decline all communication with other healthcare professionals

Answer

Refer the nurse to the client's chart and provide no verbal update

Question 4

What is the SLPA's ethical obligation if they are asked by their employer to perform tasks outside their scope of practice?

Accepted Answer

Decline the out-of-scope tasks and report the situation to the appropriate professional or regulatory body if necessary

Answer

Comply with the employer's request since employment contracts supersede professional guidelines

Answer

Perform the tasks but document that they were assigned by the employer

Answer

Perform the tasks only if the employer provides written instructions

Question 5

Which of the following correctly describes the difference between direct and indirect supervision for SLPAs?

Accepted Answer

Direct supervision means the SLP is physically present or immediately available; indirect includes methods such as phone consultation and record review

Answer

Direct supervision requires 100% observation of every session; indirect means the SLP reviews session recordings later

Answer

Direct supervision applies only in medical settings; indirect applies in schools

Answer

There is no clinical distinction between direct and indirect supervision for SLPAs

Question 6

An SLPA is asked to develop new treatment materials for a client and share them with the SLP for approval. This task is:

Accepted Answer

Within the SLPA's scope as long as the SLP reviews and approves the materials before use

Answer

Outside the SLPA's scope because material development requires clinical licensure

Answer

Within the SLPA's scope only if the materials do not involve target sound selection

Answer

Outside the SLPA's scope because SLPAs may only use commercially published materials

Question 7

How does the SLPA's scope of practice typically change as the SLPA gains more experience and demonstrates competency?

Accepted Answer

The SLP may reduce supervision frequency as the SLPA demonstrates competency, but scope limitations remain defined by state law and ASHA guidelines

Answer

The SLPA's scope of practice automatically expands to match that of a licensed SLP after 2 years

Answer

Experienced SLPAs may independently evaluate clients and write reports without SLP involvement

Answer

Scope of practice expansion for SLPAs is prohibited regardless of experience level