COVID-19: ASHA Web Event Series on Service Delivery Considerations for Private Practice in Speech-Language Pathology
As so many of our day-to-day activities changed seemingly overnight in response to COVID-19, speech-language pathologists have found themselves facing new professional challenges. ASHA has heard your questions and concerns. They are complex and diverse. In response, ASHA has developed a series of recorded conversations to address the specific needs of those who operate or work in a private practice.
Topic Focus: Creative Approaches to Telepractice for Speech-Language Pathologists in Private Practice
Panelists included:
- Sean Sweeney, MS, MEd, CCC-SLP, Ely Center, Massachusetts and Speech Techie, Dorchester, Massachusetts
- Nathan Curtis, MA, CCC-SLP, Clinical Coordinator for SLP and OT Tele Services, Waldo County General Hospital, Belfast, Maine
- Moderator: Brooke Hatfield, MS, CCC-SLP, Associate Director, Clinical Issues in Speech-Language Pathology at ASHA
Questions Addressed:
- How can SLPs use telepractice facilitators effectively?
- What are some ways to make the telepractice format work to the SLP’s advantage?
Resources
Topic Focus: Telepractice in Private Practice
Panelists Included:
- Michael Towey, MA, CCC-SLP, Manager of the Speech-Language Pathology Department at Waldo County General Hospital, Belfast, Maine
- Tim Nanof, MSW, Director of Health Care and Education Policy at ASHA
- Moderator: Brooke Hatfield, MS,CCC-SLP, Associate Director, Clinical Issues in Speech-Language Pathology at ASHA
Questions Addressed:
- Given the HHS.gov guidance about HIPAA compliance, what platforms and policies should a practice implement to ensure confidentiality?
- How can an SLP determine if telepractice is a covered benefit for a client, and what steps can they take it if it is not?
- How does using an assessment that is not standardized in a tele-format impact documentation and billing?
- Are all clients appropriate for telepractice?
- How can an SLP make that determination?
- What if the employer requires telepractice for all clients?
- Can SLPAs provide services via telepractice?
Resources
- Consensus Statement on Clinical Judgement in Health Care Settings (AOTA, APTA, ASHA) [PDF]
- Center for Connected Health Policy: Current State Laws and Reimbursement Policy
- ASHA Telepractice Resources During COVID-19
Topic Focus: Practice Management for Speech-Language Pathologists in Private Practice
Panelists Included:
- Janet McNichol, SPHR, Director of Human Resources at ASHA
- Matt Clash-Dexler, Attorney, Bredhoff and Kaiser, Washington, DC
- Moderator: Brooke Hatfield, MS,CCC-SLP, Associate Director, Clinical Issues in Speech-Language Pathology
Questions Addressed:
- Why are some private practice clinics open, while others have closed?
- Who determines essential vs non-essential workers and practices?
- What modifications can a practice make to increase compliance with CDC/WHO recommendations?
- If an employee does not feel safe providing in-person services, what are their options?
- What is the employer’s obligation to an employee in a clinic setting where physical distancing cannot be readily controlled, such as pediatric settings?
- What does it mean to be furloughed?
- What resources are available to independent contractors vs salaried employees if a practice is closed?
- Can an SLP be held liable if someone in their care becomes positive for COVID-19?
Resources
