Which of the following is NOT a task an SLPA can perform?

An SLPA, or Speech-Language Pathology Assistant, plays a supportive role in the delivery of speech and language therapy services under the supervision of a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP). It is essential to understand the boundaries of an SLPA’s responsibilities to ensure safe and efficient service delivery.

Administering medications is a task that falls outside the scope of an SLPA's duties. This task is typically reserved for qualified healthcare professionals, such as physicians and nurses, who have the necessary training and licensure to evaluate patients and manage their medical needs. SLPAs do not receive formal training in pharmacology and patient medical history evaluation, making it unsafe and inappropriate for them to administer medications.

In contrast, conducting literature searches, filing research information, and establishing reliability are tasks that align with the SLPA’s role in supporting the assessment and treatment processes of speech-language therapy without making clinical decisions or direct patient management. These activities involve research and organizational skills that are crucial to the responsibilities of an SLPA, thereby contributing effectively to the overall functioning of the speech-language pathology team.