If a Licensee works part-time, how many assistants may they supervise?

In North Carolina, a licensed speech-language pathologist (SLP) can supervise one speech-language pathology assistant (SLPA) if they are working part-time. This guideline ensures that the SLP can provide adequate oversight, support, and direction to their assistant, leading to effective collaboration and patient care.

Supervising a single assistant allows for focused communication and instructional guidance, which is essential in a clinical setting. The supervision of more than one assistant, while working part-time, would likely compromise the quality of supervision and the effectiveness of treatment provided, thus the regulations are designed to maintain high standards of care and professional accountability.

This structure reflects the importance of supervision in maintaining ethical and effective practice while ensuring that the SLP is fully aware of and able to manage the responsibilities associated with their assistant’s practice.