DEFINITION:

The individual is responsible for providing evaluation, and treatment to enhance the rehabilitation of patients with speech and language disorders, hearing disorders, and oral myofunctional disorders; provides patient treatments under the orders of a physician. Speech therapy services are furnished only by or under supervision of a qualified speech pathologist or audiologist.

LINE OF AUTHORITY:

Reports to the Case Manager regarding patient’s condition, progress, outcome and other Agency matters.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• The speech pathologist shall be currently licensed in the state of Florida, pursuant to Chapter 468, F.S.
• Must have completed approved curriculum in Speech Pathology.
• Must be able to adequately communicate with patients, physicians and staff. Health status must be adequate to perform duties.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Performs comprehensive assessment utilizing the OASIS data set;
• Assists the physician in evaluating the patient to determine the type of speech or language disorder and the appropriate corrective therapy;
• Provides rehabilitative services for speech and language disorders;
• Performs initial evaluations, coordinates care planning with physician and carries out orders for therapy services in the home setting;
• Participates in staff education as requested;
• Participates in patient case conferences;
• Maintains patient and Agency confidentiality in all matters;
• Records activities and findings in the clinical record and to report to the physician the patient’s reaction to treatment and any changes in the patient’s condition, or when there are deviations from the plan of care;
• Instructs other health team personnel and caregivers in methods of assisting the patient to improve and correct speech disabilities;
• Maintains confidentiality of patient and agency matters;
• Acts as Case Manager for Therapy only cases.

 Regulatory Reference: Florida AHCA Tag H265, H308
Regulatory Reference: Federal Conditions of Participation Tag G184, G185, G186, G188, G189, G190. G191, G192
FIRSTLANTIC NURSING SERVICES, INC. POLICY MANUAL
Established 2/ 2004