What is required for every patient encounter involving services provided by an Assistant?

In the context of services provided by an Assistant in speech-language pathology, having legible signatures from both the Assistant and one Supervising Licensee is a crucial requirement for every patient encounter. This requirement ensures accountability and transparency in the therapeutic process. The signatures demonstrate that the services provided have been delivered under appropriate supervision, affirming that the supervising professional has reviewed and approved the actions taken during the session.

This practice is particularly significant in maintaining the standards of care, as it establishes a clear record of who was involved in providing the services and ensures that the supervising professional is aware of what occurred during the treatment. It supports compliance with regulatory standards set forth by boards of speech-language pathology, which aim to protect the welfare of patients and uphold professional integrity.

While other options may involve aspects relevant to patient care and interactions, such as patient feedback or authorization from the family, these do not fulfill the specific regulatory requirement mandated for documentation in therapy encounters conducted by an Assistant. Thus, the necessity of both signatures highlights the collaborative nature of the healthcare team and the importance of supervision in ensuring high-quality care.