Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1370-01-.21 - USE OF TELECOMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

(1) Policy Statement. Audiologists and Speech Language Pathologists often use telecommunication technology to deliver services to clients in Tennessee who are physically present at a different location in the state at the time they receive the services. Such use of telecommunication technology by Audiologists and Speech Language Pathologists is in the public interest provided the practitioners comply with the requirements of this rule.

(2) Audiologists and Speech Language Pathologists licensed in Tennessee may deliver services to clients in Tennessee through the use of telecommunication technology, including but not limited to dedicated video systems, computers, and other similar devices linked via hardwired or internet connections.

(3) The services delivered through the use of telecommunication technology shall be equivalent in quality to services delivered face-to-face.

(4) Audiologists and Speech Language Pathologists using telecommunication technology to deliver services must have the necessary knowledge and skills, obtained through education, training, and experience, to utilize such technology in a competent manner.

(5) The use of telecommunication technology, including but not limited to the equipment, connectivity, software, hardware, and network compatibility, must be appropriate for the particular service being delivered and must be able to address the unique needs of the client. A licensed audiologist or speech language pathologist must always be physically present at the hub site while interactive telecommunication technology is being utilized to deliver services to a client who is physically present at the distant (remote) site. No asynchronous use of telecommunication technology is permitted by this rule.

(6) An Audiologist or Speech Language Pathologist utilizing telecommunication technology to deliver services to a client is responsible for:

(a) Assessment of the ability of the client to participate meaningfully in the services delivered in this manner, including but not limited to the client's physical, cognitive, and behavioral abilities; and

(b) Proper calibration of the clinical instruments utilized to deliver services in accordance with standard operating procedures and manufacturer's specifications.

(7) The client and/or the client's family members or caregivers shall be informed of the available service delivery options and shall give consent to the use of telecommunication technology for the delivery of services before that method of service delivery is utilized.

(8) When delivering services through the use of telecommunication technology, the Audiologist or Speech Language Pathologist shall:

(a) Comply with all laws and rules governing the maintenance of client records, including but not limited to client confidentiality requirements; and

(b) Comply with all professional standards governing the delivery of services by Audiologists and Speech Language Pathologists, including but not limited to the applicable Code of Ethics and other relevant professional policy documents.

(9) An Audiologist or Speech Language Pathologist shall not deliver services to a client solely through the use of regular mail, facsimile, or electronic mail, although these methods of communication may be used to supplement the delivery of services face-to-face or through the use of telecommunication technology.

(10) This rule applies only to the delivery of services through the use of telecommunication technology within the state of Tennessee. It does not apply to the delivery of services when either the client or the Audiologist or Speech Language Pathologist is physically located outside the state of Tennessee.

Notes

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1370-01-.21

Original rule filed April 10, 2014; effective 7/9/2014.

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 63-17-103 and 63-17-105.