Speech-Language Pathology's Scope of Practice
and Role in Interprofessional Healthcare

2023 Academy Report

2023-2026 SLP Academy Strategic Plan

Role of Speech-Language Pathology in Interdisciplinary Health Care

Speech-language pathologists identify, assess, and treat speech, language, cognitive, voice, fluency, and swallowing disorders; contribute to differential diagnosis; and provide guidance on prevention and preservation of functional communication and swallowing.

Speech-language pathologists competently address a variety of communication and swallowing disorders through successful coordination with teams focusing on:
•    Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)
•    Aural rehabilitation
•    Case management, counseling
•    Cleft palate
•    Cochlear implant aural (re)habilitation
•    Cognitive communication
•    Communication with culturally and linguistically diverse patients and families
•    Craniofacial interventions
•    Fluency
•    Hearing screening
•    Health Literacy
•    Head and neck cancer
•    Individual Education Program (IEP)
•    Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP)
•    Language
•    Literacy
•    Neurological disorders (e.g. Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, cerebral palsy)
•    Response to Intervention (RtI)
•    Stroke rehabilitation
•    Swallowing and feeding
•    Traumatic brain injury rehabilitation
•    Voice disorders

Speech-language pathologists promote successful interprofessional practice and interprofessional education in academic and practice settings that include: 
•    Case presentations
•    Clinical practice
•    Case-based simulations
•    Evidence-based practice
•    Grand rounds
•    Interdisciplinary seminars
•    Journal groups
•    Leadership training (e.g. Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities)
•    Learning communities
•    Problem-based learning
•    Professional issues colloquia
•    Research
•    Service learning
•    Telehealth

Speech-language pathologists (CCC-SLP) are employed in hospitals, non-residential health care facilities, residential health care, schools, colleges/universities, research facilities, and federal, state, military, or local agencies.