Who remains legally and ethically responsible for the diagnosis and treatment of clients?

In the context of speech-language pathology, the supervising Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) holds the legal and ethical responsibility for the diagnosis and treatment of clients. This is due to several factors, including their advanced level of education, training, and licensure, which equip them with the necessary expertise to make clinical decisions regarding patient care.

The SLP is responsible for assessing clients, developing treatment plans, and determining appropriateness of interventions. While assistants, including Speech-Language Pathology Assistants, may carry out specific therapeutic activities under supervision, they do not have the qualifications to make diagnoses or treatment decisions independently. The legal and ethical framework governing speech-language pathology ensures that accountability resides with the licensed professional who has the comprehensive knowledge and skills required to evaluate and treat clients effectively.

In educational or clinical settings, the program director may have some oversight responsibilities, but they do not engage directly with client diagnosis and treatment. Instead, they focus on program administration and ensuring compliance with educational standards and regulations. Thus, the supervising SLP remains the key figure responsible for client outcomes.