What is the difference between an SLPA and a speech-language pathology aide?
SLP aides, like SLPAs, are support-level personnel who provide assistance under the supervision of a licensed or credentialed SLP. However, unlike SLPAs, aides are not required to possess formal academic or clinical training through approved training institutions and, as such, have much more restrictive operating parameters. Aides operating under the SLPAB’s laws and regulations [CCR Section 1399.154-1399.154.7], must be directly supervised; the supervising SLP must be physically present at all times while the aide is performing SLP duties. Conversely, an SLPA may operate under different levels of supervision depending upon the delegated tasks and the medical status of the client/patient. (See Question 7 on supervision parameters.) In addition, the settings and legal authority for the use of aides is different. Public schools use aides under the governing provisions of the California Education Code [CCR Title 5 Section 3051.1(4)(c)] which authorizes the use of aides under the direct su
