ASHA-IIE-SUPERVISION — ASHA Issues in Ethics: Supervision of Student Clinicians (2025)
What does ASHA-IIE-SUPERVISION say?
Supervision of students providing clinical services raises important ethical obligations. Key guidance: (1) Although the BOE does not have jurisdiction over students directly, the Code applies to their supervisors, clinic directors, and mentors. (2) Clinicians are ultimately responsible for services to clients/patients and must ensure quality regardless of who provides the direct service. (3) Supervisors must provide adequate direct supervision — the amount depends on the student's skill level and complexity of the case. (4) Clients/patients must be informed that services are being provided by a student under supervision and must consent to this arrangement. (5) Supervisors must be competent in the area being supervised — both clinically and in supervision practices. (6) If a student's performance poses risk to client welfare, the supervisor must intervene, potentially removing the student from clinical duties. (7) Documentation must clearly reflect student and supervisor roles. (8) Cultural and linguistic considerations must be addressed in supervision. (9) Remote/telepractice supervision requires the same standards as in-person supervision. Relevant Code sections: Principle I Rules A, B, L (client welfare, competent services); Principle II Rules A, B, G (supervisor competence); Principle IV Rules A, H (professional relationships, adequate supervision).
Official source: read the full text in the ASHA Code of Ethics (2023) (official document).