Which of the following steps must a licensed SLP take before assigning a clinical task to an SLPA?

Which of the following steps must a licensed SLP take before assigning a clinical task to an SLPA?

• A. Write a detailed report of the patient's history
• B. Evaluate the patient and write a general treatment plan
• C. Install necessary equipment in the therapy room
• D. Discuss the task with the patient's family

Answer: (B)

The correct choice reflects the essential responsibilities of a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) regarding the supervision of a Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant (SLPA). Before assigning any clinical tasks to an SLPA, it's crucial for the SLP to evaluate the patient and write a general treatment plan. This step ensures that the SLP has a comprehensive understanding of the patient's needs, goals for therapy, and appropriate strategies that align with best practices in treatment. Developing a treatment plan encompasses considerations such as the patient's diagnosis, severity, and specific communication goals, which provide the necessary direction for the SLPA to follow while performing assigned tasks. This supervisory framework helps to maintain the integrity of the treatment process and ensures that the SLPA practices effectively within the established parameters outlined by the SLP. While the other options may seem relevant in various contexts, they do not directly pertain to the necessary preparatory action required before an SLP delegates tasks to an SLPA. For example, writing a detailed report of the patient's history, installing equipment, or discussing tasks with the patient's family, while important components of overall patient management and support, do not serve as the foundational step in preparing to delegate tasks in a clinical setting.

The correct choice reflects the essential responsibilities of a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) regarding the supervision of a Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant (SLPA). Before assigning any clinical tasks to an SLPA, it's crucial for the SLP to evaluate the patient and write a general treatment plan. This step ensures that the SLP has a comprehensive understanding of the patient's needs, goals for therapy, and appropriate strategies that align with best practices in treatment.

Developing a treatment plan encompasses considerations such as the patient's diagnosis, severity, and specific communication goals, which provide the necessary direction for the SLPA to follow while performing assigned tasks. This supervisory framework helps to maintain the integrity of the treatment process and ensures that the SLPA practices effectively within the established parameters outlined by the SLP.

While the other options may seem relevant in various contexts, they do not directly pertain to the necessary preparatory action required before an SLP delegates tasks to an SLPA. For example, writing a detailed report of the patient's history, installing equipment, or discussing tasks with the patient's family, while important components of overall patient management and support, do not serve as the foundational step in preparing to delegate tasks in a clinical setting.