Which of the following statements about SLPAs is false?

The statement that SLPAs (Speech-Language Pathology Assistants) can manage direct patient interactions without supervision is false. SLPAs are trained to support licensed Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) and do so under their supervision. This model of supervision ensures that the patients receive care that is both safe and effective, complying with the regulations and ethical guidelines set forth by professional organizations such as ASHA (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association).

Given this framework, supervision is essential not just for ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards, but also for guaranteeing that client care is of a consistent quality and that SLPAs are applying interventions correctly as directed by an SLP. In practice, SLPAs may engage with patients by implementing treatment plans, but they must always do so under the oversight of a qualified SLP.