How much supervision does an SLPA need?
Supervision should be based on the supervision plan outlined in ARSD 20:79:04:03. During the first two work weeks of supervising an SLPA, the supervising SLP shall observe the SLPA performing direct and indirect services and develop a written supervision plan. The plan must include:
- The date the plan was developed
- An assessment of the speech-language pathology assistant’s skills
- The frequency, amount and type of supervision to be provided to maintain the highest quality of services
- Signatures of the SLP and the SLPA
The supervising SLP must complete a written review of the plan at least annually, or more frequently based on the SLPAs skills, needs of a client, or setting. The SLP and SLPA are jointly responsible for ensuring the plan is implemented and for documenting all supervision activities.
The Supervising SLP shall initiate the first contact with every client and thereafter review data on every client seen by the SLPA every two weeks. The SLP shall make direct contact with each client at least once every sixty calendar days.
The SLP shall supervise the SLPA when the assistant serves medically fragile clients. Medically fragile includes any client who is acutely ill and in an unstable health condition.
An SLPA may not practice when the SLP is unavailable in-person or by telecommunication technology. If an SLP is no longer available to provide appropriate supervision, the SLPA may not perform assigned tasks until a new supervisor, meeting the requirements of SDCL 36-37-20, has been designated. If the supervising SLP changes, the new supervising SLP shall develop a new written plan and shall consult the previous supervisor to determine the appropriate supervision levels based on the SLPA’s knowledge, skills, experience and demonstrated competency.
If a SLPA has more than one supervising SLP, the supervisors must coordinate to collectively meet the requirements of ARSD 20:79:04:03.
The SLPA must submit the Notarized Supervisor Affidavit form to the Board office before the SLPA may begin practicing. Although the SLPA may have been granted a license before the Notarized Supervisor Affidavit Form has been submitted, it is the responsibility of the SLPA to ensure the Board office has this form before they may begin practicing. If there is a change in supervision, it is the responsibility of the SLPA to ensure a new Notarized Supervisor Affidavit form is submitted and on file with the Board.
How to document my supervision as an SLPA.
Per ARSD 20:79:04:04, all supervision must be documented by either the SLPA or the SLPA and signed by both.
The Board may request a copy of the supervision plan and documented supervision if the need arises. It is recommended that both the SLP and SLPA maintain a copy of all documentation required in ARSD 20:79:04:03. There is no board-designated form to record supervision and the SLP/SLPA is responsible for ensuring adequate records.
For initial Supervision, The SLPA must submit the Notarized Supervisor Affidavit form to the Board office before the SLPA may begin practicing. Although the SLPA may have been granted a license before the Notarized Supervisor Affidavit Form has been submitted, it is the responsibility of the SLPA to ensure the Board office has this form before they may begin practicing. If there is a change in supervision, it is the responsibility of the SLPA to ensure a new Notarized Supervisor Affidavit form is submitted and on file with the Board.
How many Speech-Language Pathology Assistants can I supervise?
You can supervise up to (3) Speech-Language Pathology Assistants at one time.
Can I complete the 100-clock hour/clinical practicum requirement on the job for licensure as an SLPA?
An SLPA applicant can complete the 100-clock hour/clinical practicum requirement on the job pursuant to SDCL 36-37-18 (5): "Completes a supervised clinical practicum of a minimum of one hundred clock hours as a speech-language pathology assistant while either on the job or during academic preparation." The supervisor of this person must meet the requirements outlined in SDCL 36-37-20.
Per SDCL 36-37-18, The SLPA applicant cannot represent themselves as a licensed assistant during this time nor can the supervising SLP hold the applicant undergoing the practicum to be a licensed assistant. The supervising speech-language pathologist must be available at all times when the applicant is completing on-the-job clinical fieldwork. When this requirement is met, it needs to be certified by completing the Verification of Completed Supervised Practicum (SLPA) form as part of the license application.