Is the use of speech-language pathology assistants new?
Speech-language pathology assistants have been used and regulated by many states since the 1970s. ASHA has had guidelines for the use of support personnel since 1969. Attention to the use of assistants has increased as professionals seek mechanisms for expanding services and containing costs. In November 2000, ASHA began development of an approval process for associate degree speech-language pathology assistant training programs and a registration process for speech-language pathology assistants. The approval process was effective January 2002, and the registration process was effective January 2003. However, at its Spring 2003 meeting, ASHA’s Legislative Council voted to discontinue both the registration program for speech-language pathology assistants and the approval process for speech-language pathology assistant training programs as of December 31, 2003, primarily due to financial reasons.
