Who ultimately holds responsibility for the client's treatment outcomes?

The supervising Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) holds ultimate responsibility for the client's treatment outcomes because they are the licensed professional who oversees the treatment plan and ensures that it meets the required standards of care. The SLP is accountable for making critical decisions regarding the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of the client. They are responsible for supervising the work of Speech-Language Pathology Assistants (SLPAs) and must ensure that the interventions delivered align with the clinical goals established for each client.

While SLPAs play a vital role in implementing treatment under the supervision of the SLP, they do not hold ultimate responsibility for the outcomes. Similarly, while clients and their families are essential partners in the therapeutic process, their involvement does not equate to responsibility for treatment outcomes. The healthcare facility also supports the treatment process but does not assume direct responsibility for individual client outcomes in the same way that the supervising SLP does. This structure underscores the importance of the SLP's role in maintaining accountability for the clinical efficacy of the interventions provided to clients.