Are Assistants in Speech-Language Pathology allowed to design or alter treatment programs?

In the realm of Speech-Language Pathology, Assistants play a supportive role to licensed Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs). Their primary responsibilities include carrying out treatment plans established by the SLP, not creating or altering these plans themselves. This is rooted in the need to ensure that clinical decisions are made by a qualified professional who has undergone rigorous training and assessment. Allowing Assistants to design or alter treatment programs could compromise the integrity of the therapy provided and the welfare of the clients, as they may lack the necessary expertise to make such decisions safely and effectively. Therefore, the clear boundary is established that Assistants do not have the authority to independently design or modify treatment programs, supporting the SLPs' oversight and maintaining a high standard of care.