Under the administrative direction of the Director of Rehabilitation Services and clinical supervision of the Speech-Language Pathologist II, functions as a member of the Speech Pathology Department. The Registry Speech-Language Pathologist provides differential clinical evaluations, plans and implements comprehensive treatment and participates in the discharge planning process for patients, ages (0 to 100 ). Treatment intervention shall be provided using appropriate training, equipment, and supplies and based on sound principles of treatment and with the well-being of the patient considered foremost. The Speech Pathologists I will comply with all HIPAA regulations regarding privacy and confidentially. All services are provided in accordance with the Illinois State Practice Act and guidelines established by the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association

These duties are to be performed in a highly confidential manner, in accordance with the mission, values and behaviors of Insight Hospital and Medical Center. Employees are further expected to provide a high quality of care, service, and kindness toward all patients, staff, physicians, volunteers and guests.

• Evaluations are conducted in a polite and courteous manner with special consideration given to the dignity of the patient and confidentiality of the information

• Determines the differential diagnosis for inpatients and outpatients, through review of the case history, medical information, administration of appropriate tests, and clinical observations.

• Determines prognosis and formulates recommendations.
• Refers patients to appropriate sources for additional assessment

• Presents findings of evaluation to physician, patient, family, significant others and professional staff in a confidential manner.

• Provides re-evaluation of patients to determine progress.

• Schedules outpatient evaluations as appropriate.

• Prepares functional treatment plans for all patients

• Establishes realistic/achievable treatment goals/objectives.

• includes patient and family/significant others in establishing goals/objectives.

• Determines comprehensive program for remediation with regard to specific communication, cognitive and/or swallowing disorder(s).

• Projects number of treatment sessions and/or probable duration of treatment in accordance with type and severity of disorder.

• Prepares sufficient documentation to allow other clinicians to treat the patient

• Prepares communication/cognition and dysphagia evaluation reports, including prognosis, goals and recommendations.

• Prepares letters of referral to be dispensed to appropriate professionals, physicians and agencies.

• Maintains daily progress notes that include treatment techniques, progress, functional status, frequency and duration or treatment.

• Prepares appropriate monthly status reports for Medicare, HMO, private insurance and Medicaid patients.

• Obtains required certification/re-certification, pre-authorization paperwork

• Prepares discharge summary upon conclusion of treatment.

• Closes case folders within 5 working days after discharge.

• Enters charges on a daily basis.

• Provides information relative to communication and swallowing disorders through in-service training to nursing, physicians, medical students or other interested hospital personnel.

• Participates in educational programs within the department.

• Promotes departmental development through participation in current case staffing’s, review of recent literature and materials and suggestions with regard to alteration of departmental policy and procedure.

• Plans, develops and presents in-service programs.

• Provides clinical lectures to Master level students in Speech-Language Pathology.

• Participates in continuing education activities outside of Insight Hospital as required by the state regulatory office.

• Professional Development

• Participates in professional local, state and national associations.

• Remains aware of current developments related to communication and swallowing disorders through attendance of professional conferences and review of recent literature.

• May pursue research study.

• Consults to Insight satellite facilities and other programs as directed.

• Adheres to Insight and professional Code of Ethics.

• Treats all information with confidentiality in accordance with HIPPA

• Maintains professional dress and behavior.

• Assumes other duties as assigned.