To become a registered SLPA, an individual must have completed formal academic and clinical training or may have earned the requisite degree and posses the equivalent work experience as follows:

• SLPA associate of arts or sciences degree program approved by the Board.
• Equivalent SLPA degree program (out-of-state training) as approved by the Board.
• Bachelor's degree program in Speech-Language Pathology or Communicative Sciences program or an SLPA program.
• Possession of a Bachelor's degree as referenced above and nine-months of full-time work experience performing duties consistent with that of authorized for a SLPA.

SLPAs work under different levels of supervision depending upon the task being performed, the health care needs of the client/patient, and the experience of the SLPA. The levels of supervision are categorized as immediate, direct, and indirect. CCR Section 1399.170.2 outlines the supervision parameters as follows:

1. (a) Duties performed by the SLPA that require immediate supervision may include, but are not limited to, any direct client activity involving medically fragile patients. In such instances, the SLPA shall act only under the direction of the supervisor.
2. (b) Duties performed by the SLPA that require direct supervision may include, but are not limited to, any new screening or treatment activity that the assistant has been trained to perform by the supervisor, but has not yet been performed by the SLPA in direct client care.
3. (c) Duties performed by the SLPA that require indirect supervision may include, but are not limited to, the following:
   
   1. (1) Screening or treatment activities where the supervisor has previously given instructions as to how to perform the task, has observed the assistant in the conduct of these activities, and is satisfied that the activities can be competently performed by the SLPA; i.e., repetitive drill exercises, generalization or carryover activities;
   2. (2) Clerical tasks such as record keeping, materials preparation, scheduling, equipment maintenance; and,
   3. (3) Other non-client care activities.

9. What duties may an SLPA perform under the law?

The SLPA may perform support-level activities as provided under B&P Code Section 2538.1 (4):

1. The scope of responsibility, duties, and functions of SLPAs shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
2. (A) Conducting speech-language screening, without interpretation, and using screening protocols developed by the supervising speech-language pathologist.
3. (B) Providing direct treatment assistance to patients or clients under the supervision of a speech-language pathologist.
4. (C) Following and implementing documented treatment plans or protocols developed by a supervising speech-language pathologist.
5. (D) Documenting patient or client progress toward meeting established objectives, and reporting the information to a supervising speech-language pathologist.
6. (E) Assisting a speech-language pathologist during assessments, including, but not limited to, assisting with formal documentation, preparing materials, and performing clerical duties for a supervising speech-language pathologist.
7. (F) When competent to do so, as determined by the supervising speech-language pathologist, acting as an interpreter for non-English-speaking patients or clients and their family members.
8. (G) Scheduling activities and preparing charts, records, graphs, and data.
9. (H) Performing checks and maintenance of equipment, including, but not limited to, augmentative communication devices.
10. (I) Assisting with speech-language pathology research projects, in-service training, and family or community education.

In addition to these duties, the Board has determined that routine feeding activities, such as those provided by family members, caregivers, and other certified personnel, may be safely administered by SLPAs. Routine feeding activities are not considered part of formal evaluations or diagnostic procedures.

SLPAs are not authorized to conduct evaluations, interpret data, alter treatment plans, or perform any task without the express knowledge and approval of his or her supervisor [B&P Section 2538.1.] In addition, the following tasks are considered outside the scope of responsibility of an SLPA:

1. (a) Participating in parent conferences, case conferences, or interdisciplinary team conferences without the supervising speech-language pathologist or another speech-language pathologist being present;
2. (b) Providing counseling or advice to a client/patient or his or her parent or guardian which is beyond the scope of the client/patient's treatment;
3. (c) Signing any documents in lieu of the supervising speech-language pathologist; i.e., treatment plans, client reimbursement forms, or formal reports;
4. (d) Discharging a client/patient from services;
5. (e) Making referrals for additional services;
6. (f) Unless required by law, disclosing confidential information either orally or in writing to anyone not designated by the supervising speech-language pathologist;
7. (g) Representing himself or herself as a speech-language pathologist; and,
8. (h) Performing procedures that require a high level of clinical acumen and technical skill; i.e., vocal tract prosthesis shaping or fitting, vocal tract imaging, and oropharyngeal swallow therapy with bolus material.

• Any person supervising a SLPA registered with the SLPAB shall submit, within 30 days of the commencement of such supervision, the "Responsibility Statement for Supervision of a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant," which requires that:
• The supervisor shall possess and maintain a valid and current California license as a speech-language pathologist as required in B&P Section 2532 and CCR Section 1399.160.3, or may hold a valid and current professional clear, clear, or life clinical or rehabilitative services credential in language, speech, and hearing issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
• The supervisor shall immediately notify the assistant of any disciplinary action, including revocation, suspension (even if stayed), probation terms, inactive license, or lapse in licensure, that affects the supervisor's ability or right to supervise.
• The supervisor shall ensure that the extent, kind, and quality of the clinical work performed is consistent with the training and experience of the person being supervised, and shall be accountable for the assigned tasks performed by the SLPA. The supervisor shall review client/patient records, monitor and evaluate assessment and treatment decisions of the SLPA, and monitor and evaluate the ability of the assistant to provide services at the site(s) where he or she will be practicing and to the particular clientele being treated, and ensure compliance with all laws and regulations governing the practice of speech-language pathology.
• The supervisor knows and understands the laws and regulations pertaining to supervision of SLPAs.
• As the professional development advisor, the supervisor shall assist in the development of a plan for the SLPA to complete 12 hours of continuing professional development every two years through State or regional conferences, workshops, formal in-service presentations, independent study programs, or any combination of these concerning communication disorders.
• The supervisor shall communicate to the SLPA how emergencies will be handled.
• Upon written request of the SLPAB, the supervisor shall provide the SLPAB with any documentation which verifies the supervisor's compliance with the requirements set forth in this article.