How is the practice of speech language pathology defined in Michigan?

"Practice of speech-language pathology" means the application of principles, methods, and procedures related to the development of disorders of human communication.

What is included in the practice of speech-language pathology?

• Identifying by history or nonmedical physical examination, assessing, treating with therapy, rehabilitating, and preventing disorders of speech, voice, and language.

• Identifying by history or nonmedical physical examination, assessing, treating with therapy, rehabilitating, and preventing disorders of oral-pharyngeal function and disorders related to swallowing dysfunction.

• Identifying by history or nonmedical physical examination, assessing, treating with therapy, rehabilitating, and preventing cognitive-communicative disorders.

• Assessing, selecting, and developing augmentative and alternative communication systems and providing training in their use.

• Providing speech-language treatment or therapy and related counseling services to deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing persons and their families.

• Enhancing speech-language proficiency and communication effectiveness.

• Screening of hearing for the purpose of speech-language assessment provided that judgments and descriptive statements about results of that screening are limited to pass-fail determinations.

What is specifically excluded from the practice?

The practice of medicine or osteopathic medicine and surgery or medical diagnosis, medical management with medication, surgical interventions, ordering medical testing, or medical treatment.

Are there any special trainings or requirements?

Physically invasive procedures beyond the oropharynx include the following:

• Esophageal manometry.
• Fiberoptic endoscopic examination of swallowing (fees).
• Fiberoptic laryngovideostroboscopy.

A speech-language pathologist shall only perform the procedures above under the supervision of a physician licensed to practice medicine or osteopathic medicine and surgery in the state of Michigan.

A speech-language pathologist shall only perform the procedures in a setting where a physician licensed in the practice of medicine or osteopathic medicine is physically available to ensure for patient safety.

A speech-language pathologist performing physically invasive procedures under the supervision of a physician shall be familiar with risks associated with physically invasive procedures, including but not limited to, epistaxis, mucosal injury, gagging, allergic reaction to topical anesthetic, laryngospasm, and vasovagal response, and the need for medical intervention.

Reference

Mich. Comp. Laws § 333.17601

Mich. Admin. Code r. 338.649