District Of Columbia § 3-1209.10 - Speech-language pathology assistants.
Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 3-1209.10 — Speech-language pathology assistants., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 3-1209.10. Speech-language pathology assistants.
3-1209.10For the purposes of this section, the term:
“Direct supervision” means on-site and personal oversight by a licensed speech-language pathologist who:
Assumes responsibility for a speech-language pathology assistant’s conduct in the speech-language pathology office or treatment facility;
Personally diagnoses the condition to be treated;
Personally authorizes procedures;
Remains in the speech-language pathology office or treatment facility while the procedures are being performed by the speech-language pathology assistant; and
Personally evaluates the performance of the speech-language pathology assistant before dismissal of the patient.
“Speech-language pathology assistant” means an individual who is registered with the Board of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology to engage in practice as a speech-language pathology assistant.
A person who practices as a speech-language pathology assistant shall:
Be registered with the Board according to rules adopted by the Mayor;
Renew the registration as required by rule; and
Pay the required registration fee established by the Board.
To be eligible for registration as a speech-language pathology assistant, a person shall provide proof acceptable to the Board that he or she:
Meets the minimum qualifications established by the Mayor through rulemaking;
Has graduated from an accredited college or university with at least an associate’s degree based on a program of studies primarily focusing on speech-language pathology or communicative sciences and disorders, or a program determined by the Board to be substantially equivalent in subject matter and extent of training to an associate’s degree in speech-language pathology;
Has successfully completed the clinical observation hours and supervised clinical assisting experience hours required by regulations adopted by the Mayor; and
Has paid the required registration fee.
A person shall not practice as a speech-language pathology assistant or use the title of speech-language pathology assistant unless he or she:
Is registered with the Board to practice as a speech-language pathology assistant;
Practices under the direct supervision and direction of a licensed speech-language pathologist, except as provided for in subsection (e)(2) of this section; and
Wears a name tag bearing the title “speech-language pathology assistant” while acting in a professional capacity and displays his or her current registration in a conspicuous place in the office where the speech-language pathology assistant is employed.
A registered speech-language pathology assistant shall not:
Work independently;
Practice speech-language pathology assistance unless under the direct supervision of a licensed speech-language pathologist, or a speech-language pathologist employed by any agency of the federal government performing the duties of that agency; or
Provide any services for which he or she has not received training to enable him or her to competently and safely perform the assigned tasks and job duties, or that cannot be delegated by a speech-language pathologist as set forth in rulemaking by the Mayor.
A licensed speech-language pathologist may delegate duties to a speech-language pathology assistant that are appropriate to the training and experience of the speech-language pathology assistant and within the scope of practice of the supervising speech-language pathologist; provided, that the speech-language pathologist shall not delegate to a speech-language pathology assistant any task or function identified, through rulemaking, as a task or function that shall not be delegated.
For a period of one year following March 26, 2014, unless further time is granted by the Mayor through rulemaking, a person who has received appropriate training for the tasks assigned may practice as a speech-language pathology assistant regardless of registration with the Board, only while under the supervision of a licensed speech-language pathologist, except as provided for in subsection (e)(2) of this section.
For a period of one year following March 26, 2014, a person practicing as a speech-language pathology assistant may register as a speech-language pathology assistant notwithstanding the educational requirements of subsection (c)(2) of this section provided, that the person has been employed under the direct supervision of a speech-language pathologist for a minimum of 15 hours per week during at least 3 of the 5 years preceding March 26, 2014.
Annotations
Source: official District Of Columbia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 3-1209.10
What does D.C. Code § 3-1209.10 cover?
Section 3-1209.10 ("Speech-language pathology assistants.") is part of the D.C. Code, the codified statutory law of District Of Columbia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite District Of Columbia § 3-1209.10?
A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 3-1209.10" (District Of Columbia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of District Of Columbia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the District Of Columbia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed District Of Columbia attorney.
How does District Of Columbia § 3-1209.10 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia.