21 NCAC 64 .1104 AUTHORIZED TASKS OF AUDIOLOGY ASSISTANTS
(a) An audiology assistant may engage in the following direct patient services:
(1) Obtaining partial or selected case history information from patients and families;
(2) Administering audiologic screening protocols, as directed by the supervising audiologist. These screening procedures, including tests and checklists or parts of tests and checklists, shall have the purpose of determining the need for further diagnostic testing by the supervising audiologist and must meet the following criteria:
(A) have administration protocols and methods;
(B) consist of test items that require no more than a binary judgment (i.e., yes-no, present-absent, pass/refer);
(C) require no more than a specifically-elicited single response; and
(D) require no clinical interpretation by the assistant;
(3) Preparing or positioning patients for evaluation or treatment following guidelines of the supervising audiologist and of the facility;
(4) Basic hearing device repair and trouble shooting;
(5) Assistance with procedures related to the fitting and dispensing of hearing devices, not to include cerumen management. Ear mold impressions must be conducted with the supervision of an audiologist;
(6) Instructing patients in care and use of devices dispensed by the supervising audiologist; and
(7) Providing services previously mentioned through telehealth to extend access to clinical care.
(b) Subject to Paragraph (c) of this Rule, an audiology assistant must engage in the following indirect patient services:
(1) Reporting any workplace conduct that appears to be unethical in violation of Section .0300 of this Chapter or illegal to the supervising audiologist or to the Board of Examiners;
(2) Requesting assistance from the supervising audiologist, as needed, in order to ensure continuous service quality;
(3) Observing universal precautions and safety procedures; and
(4) Releasing patients only to the care of care-givers of record.
History Note: Authority G.S. 90-298.1; 90-304(a)(3);
Emergency Adoption Eff. April 24, 2020;
Temporary Adoption Eff. June 26, 2020;
Eff. June 1, 2021.