STs Provide skilled speech pathology service on an intermittent basis to clients in their homes in accordance with the physician's orders. Sts are responsible for:

• Evaluate the client's level of functioning and recommends mechanisms to enhance the client's hearing ability.

• Provide initial and ongoing comprehensive assessments of the client’s needs, including Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS) assessments.

• Establish a Speech Therapy treatment plan in consultation with the physician and revises it with the approval of the physician as necessary.

• Assist in development and implementation of the interdisciplinary client care plan as it pertains to Speech Therapy.

• Assure that the physician's orders are appropriate and discusses necessary changes.

• Communicate with other team members and, when appropriate, instructs them in speech pathology techniques that they may use while working with the client.

• Teach, supervise, and counsel the family and client in the total Speech Therapy program and other related problems of the client at home.

• Evaluate the client, his/her significant other(s) and the home situation to determine what instruction will be required, what assistance will be available for the family in caring for the client, and what other agency and community services will be required.

• Make arrangements for out-client services for procedures which cannot be given in the home.

• Record on a timely basis all evaluation data, treatments, and client's response to therapy intervention.

• Supervise the Home Attendant per agency policy when Speech Therapy is the only professional discipline involved in the client's care.

• Record and report to the physician the client's reaction to treatment and /or any changes in the client's condition.

• Participate in the development of periodic revision of the physician's plan of treatment keeping him/her informed of the client's status, and obtaining additional orders if necessary.

• Communicate with the physician at least every 30 days or whenever changes occur regarding the client’s status and obtains additional orders, if necessary.

• Evaluate the effectiveness of speech pathology intervention and updates the client care plan as needed.

• Write clinical/progress notes on the date of the visit and incorporates same in the client's record within 72 hours.

• Assume responsibility for self-development by continually striving to improve his/her health care knowledge through educational programs, attendance at workshops and conferences, active participation in professional and related organization meetings and individual research and reading.

• Confirm, on a weekly basis, the scheduling of visits with the Director of Nursing in order to coordinate the client’s visit schedule.

• Participate in agency activities, case conferences and meetings, when appropriate.

• Participate with staff, clients, and physicians in discharge planning activities and completes a Speech Therapy Discharge Summary.