Can a Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant sign ARD paperwork during a meeting?

A Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant (SLPA) cannot sign ARD (Admission, Review, and Dismissal) paperwork, as this responsibility is designated specifically for licensed Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs). SLPs carry the full legal responsibility for the planning and delivery of speech and language services, and signing ARD paperwork implies that the individual agrees to the educational decisions made during the meeting, which is beyond the authorized scope of practice for an SLPA.

In the context of the ARD process, the SLP is required to oversee the documentation and provide input necessary for the educational planning of students with speech and language needs. This ensures that the decisions made are in compliance with legal and ethical standards pertaining to the provision of speech-language services. As such, allowing an SLPA to sign ARD paperwork would undermine the regulatory framework that protects the integrity of the educational process and the specific qualifications of licensed professionals.