33-33-102. Definitions.

(a) As used in this act:

(i) "Board" means the state board of examiners of speech-language pathology and audiology;

(ii) "Person" means any individual, organization or corporate body, but only an individual may be licensed under this act;

(iii) "Speech-language pathologist" means an individual who engages in the practice of speech-language pathology;

(iv) "Speech-language pathology" means the application of principles, methods and procedures for the measurement, test administration, evaluation, prediction, counseling, instruction, training, habilitation or rehabilitation related to delayed development of and disorders of communication, literacy and swallowing including speech production and fluency, language, cognition, voice, resonance and all aspects of swallowing including related feeding behaviors for the purpose of evaluating, preventing, ameliorating or modifying these disorders and conditions in individuals or groups of individuals;

(v) "Audiologist" means an individual who engages in the practice of audiology;

(vi) "Audiology" means the application of principles, methods and procedures of measurement, test administration, evaluation, prediction, consultation, counseling, instruction, habilitation or rehabilitation related to the auditory and vestibular system for the purpose of evaluating, identifying, preventing, ameliorating or modifying such disorders and conditions in individuals or groups of individuals;

(vii) "Speech-language pathology aide" means an individual who meets minimum qualifications established by board rule for speech-language pathology aides and who works under the direct supervision of a licensed speech-language pathologist. A speech-language pathology aide may:

(A) Assist with clerical work, client escort, preparation of therapeutic materials and equipment maintenance;

(B) Provide bilingual interpretation and translation for screening and assessment activities exclusive of clinical interpretation; and

(C) Assist with other duties under the direct supervision of a licensed speech-language pathologist.

(viii) "Audiometric technician" means an individual who meets minimum qualifications established by board rule for audiometric technicians and who works under the direct supervision of a licensed audiologist;

(ix) "Speech-language pathology assistant" means an individual who meets minimum qualifications established by board rule for speech-language pathology assistants and who works under the supervision of a licensed speech-language pathologist. A speech-language pathology assistant may:

(A) Assist with speech, language and hearing screenings without clinical interpretation;

(B) Provide bilingual interpretation and translation for screening and assessment activities exclusive of clinical interpretation;

(C) Follow documented treatment plans or protocols developed by the speech-language pathologist;

(D) Document client performance; and

(E) Report information to the supervising speech-language pathologist.

(x) "Telepractice" means the practice of speech-language pathology or audiology by electronic or other means by a speech-language pathologist or audiologist in one (1) location to a patient in another location, with or without an intervening health care provider.