Can an Assistant in Speech-Language Pathology interpret test results?

In the context of speech-language pathology, the role of assistants is primarily to support licensed speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in their practice. Assistants are trained to carry out certain tasks and provide services under the supervision of an SLP; however, interpreting test results is not within their scope of practice.

The rationale behind this restriction is that interpreting test outcomes requires a comprehensive understanding of the assessment’s nuances, the clinical implications, and the ability to formulate diagnoses and treatment plans based on the results. These responsibilities fall under the domain of a licensed SLP, who possesses the necessary education, training, and clinical expertise to make informed decisions based on evaluation findings.

Thus, the answer indicating that assistants cannot interpret test results aligns with the regulatory framework governing the practice of speech-language pathology, which maintains patient safety and quality of care by ensuring that only qualified individuals take on responsibilities that necessitate professional judgment.