Page 12 - Rehab 2020

Speech Language Pathologist

Speech Therapy services are provided by Speech Language Pathologists licensed in the State of New
York within their scope of practice as outlined by the New York State Department of Education.

Speech/language pathology services are provided under the

client’s plan of care and include:
1. Performing initial and ongoing assessments to identify the client’s level of functioning and ability
to communicate, including OASIS assessments at appropriate points in time.
2. Developing and revising the plan of care in consultation with the physician and other members of
the care team.
3. Providing therapeutic treatments and evaluation of equipment needs as applicable.
4. Advising and consulting with the family and other agency personnel as applicable.
5. Preparing clinical and progress notes.
6. Consultation and coordination of services with other disciplines.
7. Evaluating outcomes of care.
8. Planning for discharge.
9. Participation in in-service programs.

Use of Physical Therapist Assistants and Certified
Occupational Therapy Assistants

A "Physical Therapist Assistant" (PTA) or “Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant” (COTA) is a
person certified in accordance with New York State law who works under the supervision of a
licensed physical therapist or licensed occupational therapist (as appropriate) performing patient
related activities as are assigned by the supervising therapist following the established plan of care.

Duties of the PTA or COTA shall not include evaluation, testing, interpretation, planning or
modification of patient programs. In VNSNY, supervision of a PTA or COTA is provided by a
licensed Physical Therapist Coordinator or Occupational Therapist Coordinator respectively. The
direct supervision practiced as required by New York State Education Law includes meeting with
and observing the therapy assistant on a regular basis to review the implementation of treatment
plans and to foster professional development.

The number of assistants supervised by one licensed therapist shall not exceed the ratio of one
assistant to one therapist. Physical therapist assistant (PTA) and certified occupational therapist
assistant (COTA) perform all duties under the supervision of a physical therapist or occupational
therapist.

Those duties include:
1. Performing services planned, delegated and supervised by the coordinating Therapist.
2. Preparing clinical and progress notes.
.
3. Participating in teaching the patient and family
4. Participating in in-service programs.

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