What type of services are assistants not responsible for?

Assistants in the field of speech-language pathology are typically responsible for a variety of supportive tasks that enhance the delivery of services, but they do not engage in direct patient evaluation. This restriction is in place because direct evaluation requires specialized training and expertise that goes beyond the scope of an assistant's role.

Evaluations involve assessing a patient’s communication abilities, interpreting results, and making clinical decisions, which are competencies that are reserved for licensed speech-language pathologists. This precaution ensures that patients receive appropriate, professional evaluation and diagnosis, which is crucial for effective treatment planning.

In contrast, preparation for treatment, data management, and documentation of patient responses are all tasks that fall within an assistant's responsibilities. These roles support the speech-language pathologist's work and contribute to the overall treatment process without crossing into areas that require clinical judgment or analysis.