N.J. Admin. Code § 13:44C-7.2A - Scope of Practice: Fiber Optic Endoscopic Examination of Swallowing (FEES)

(a) The purpose of this section is to set forth standards for the performance of Fiber Optic Endoscopic Examination of Swallowing (FEES) by a licensed speech-language pathologist. FEES is within the scope of practice of a speech-language pathologist who meets the requirements of this section.

(b) The following words and terms, when used in this section, shall have the following meaning, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"FEES" means a fiber optic endoscopic examination of swallowing.

(c) FEES shall only be performed by a licensed speech-language pathologist who is certified in Basic Life Support (BLS) and who has:

1. Completed a 12-hour seminar or workshop in fiber optic endoscopy as a technique for investigating swallowing which qualifies for American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) continuing education credit and which includes instruction in:

i. Medical contraindications and possible adverse reactions to FEES, including the use of topical anesthesia to the nares; and

ii. Recognizing patient distress and appropriate actions to take if complications are encountered;

2. Observed 10 FEES procedures performed by either a speech pathologist who has met the requirements of this section or a physician, at a licensed healthcare facility that requires that healthcare professionals have privileges to perform the FEES procedure; and

3. Successfully performed 25 FEES procedures under the supervision of a speech pathologist who has met the requirements of this section or a physician, at a licensed healthcare facility that requires that a healthcare professional have privileges to perform the FEES procedure.

(d) A licensed speech-language pathologist shall only perform FEES in a healthcare facility licensed by the Department of Health and Senior Services or in the office of a physician who received training during residency in endoscopic examination.

(e) FEES shall only be performed when a physician who received training during residency in endoscopic examination is present.

(f) FEES shall only be performed upon the written request of a physician.

HISTORY

New Rule, R.2005 d.6, effective January 3, 2005.

See: 36 N.J.R. 2156(a), 37 N.J.R. 81(a).

Amended by R.2005 d.339, effective October 3, 2005.

See: 37 N.J.R. 1164(a), 37 N.J.R. 3836(b).

In (c), substituted "Successfully performed" for "Performed" in 3.

Notes

N.J. Admin. Code § 13:44C-7.2A