We, as speech-language pathologists, are responsible for ensuring the welfare of our clients/patients, their families, and communities, including our own.
This is what is clear and present: changes in quarantine levels are not directly proportionate to levels of safety, thus, contagion is a major concern.
51¶¯ÂþÍø urges its members to deeply consider their decisions to provide or limit their current practice and services. Primary of these considerations are the health and well-being of the clinician, client/patient, and the community, along with the client’s/patient's objective need for support and service, followed by the clinician’s real economic concerns.
Should the clinician choose to provide service, safety is the top priority. Given our national infection prevention and control status, in-person modes are currently discouraged. The organization strongly promotes distanced modes of service delivery and practice. If teletherapy is not the appropriate nor feasible mode for the client/patient, consider appropriate, evidence-based yet safe alternative methods. The 51¶¯ÂþÍø Practice Guidelines is a helpful resource on how to provide safe assessment and intervention services. All practicing speech-language pathologists in the country are strongly encouraged to study and consider aligning sound, ethical decision-making with these guidelines.
The Practice Guidelines is an adjunct to and under the limitations of any decrees, advisories, and restrictions provided by the IATF, DOH, WHO, respective local government, and other relevant ruling bodies.
Should you have any questions or clarifications, please do not hesitate to call our attention through our various communication platforms. Let us all be astute and conscientious of each other’s well-being.