During the first therapy session the following forms must be signed:
 
• Informed Consent (MUSHC-18A):  The MUSHC-18A includes notification that sessions may be monitored by students, faculty, and staff.  In addition, it serves as permission and notification that they may be videotaped and audiotaped for training purposes.  In the event that a client chooses not to sign the MUSHC-18A, which verifies that they are aware of the observation and possible taping of their session, immediately seek the assistance of your supervisor.
• Client Attendance Policy (MUSHC-1):  Clients must sign the Client Attendance Policy (MUSHC-1) every semester in which they are enrolled.  This form stresses the importance of regular attendance for clients.  It also provides the client with information about the procedures to follow if the client must be absent.  Clinicians should present this form to the client, paraphrase its contents, and provide the client time to read the policy before the client signs it.

Procedures:
 

1. The clinician should retrieve the MUSHC-1 from the client's permanent file and check the file to be sure the Informed Consent and Receipt of NPP are signed.
2. After obtaining signatures on the MUSHC-1, the forms should be returned to the clinic office to be re-filed in the client’s permanent file.
3. Completion of the forms will be verified by a Graduate Assistant before they are filed.  

• Each client must have an individual folder for lesson plans.
• The tab on the lesson plan folder must contain the following information:
  • Client's first name and last initial
  • Client’s Age (years and months for children and only years for adults)
  • Client’s Disorder
    • A = articulation
    • V = voice
    • F = fluency
    • L = language
    • SW = swallowing
    • H = hearing impaired
    • Cog = cognitive communication
    • Soc = social communication
    • Mod = communicative modalities
    • P = prevention
  • Session Day and Time
  • Supervisor’s last name, first initial
  • Clinician’s Last Name and First Initial
• The Client Attendance Record (MUSHC-6R) must be stapled to the inside of the folder on the left hand side.  The client’s attendance must be recorded on this form (P=present; E=excused; U=unexcused).  The client’s age, disorder(s), and length of the session must also be recorded on this form and verified by the initials of the clinician and supervisor.
• Form MUSHC-4 is to be used for lesson plans with individual clients unless you are notified by your supervisor to use MUSHC 4A with a particular client.  Form MUSHC-4AG must be used for Aphasia Group.  Lesson plan goals are to be written as behavioral objectives (see Behavioral Objectives MUSHC-5).
• Following each session the clinician must record daily progress notes using a SOAP note format. 
• Lesson plans for the following week are due Fridays at noon in the supervisor’s mailbox unless otherwise noted by the supervisor.
• Lesson plan folders must be picked up after your therapy session is over.  Those folders not picked up will be delivered to the Clinic Director.
• Lesson plan folders from previous semesters are kept in the Clinic Library.  These files may be reviewed at any time.  These files are the property of the Marshall University Speech and Hearing Center and contain confidential information.  Therefore, they may not be removed from the clinic facility or copied.  Carefully re-file the lesson plan folder when you have completed your review.

• Following each session, the clinician must write daily progress notes (SOAP notes).  SOAP notes are written in the “Results and Evaluation” section of the daily lesson plan.
• SOAP notes are due in the supervisor’s mailbox by 12:00 noon the day after each clinical session.

• When you are first assigned a client, review previous progress and the recommended treatment plan.  Begin to incorporate your initial information in order to determine goals for the semester.
• A report of your anticipated goals and your rationale for those goals is due in your lesson plan folder after a client has been seen for two sessions.  Complete per the Treatment Justification format.
• If a legitimate problem with this deadline is anticipated, meet with your supervisor prior to the deadline to discuss the situation.

1. All clients, even those who have voluntarily dropped out of therapy early in the semester, or who have been dismissed from therapy for any reason, must have a progress report. For early dismissals, check with the appropriate supervisor regarding the due date for such reports and for specific instructions regarding the content of the report. The Clinic Director will specify the deadlines and procedures for submitting reports for clients enrolled in therapy at the end of the semester.  [NOTE: Reports should indicate the date and the reason for the termination of therapy. If therapy is still warranted, be sure to state that fact in the Recommendations section of the report.]
2. Clinicians must observe the following when preparing Progress Reports:
   • Must be typed on non-erasable paper
   • Must follow the Marshall format with regard to the details, headings, use of capitals, spacing, etc. (see MUSHC-10P for a sample)
   • Phonemes must be represented by phonetic symbols within slash marks (/)
   • Key words may be used to clarify the phonetic symbols used.
   • The date on all progress reports shall be the date clinic closes for the semester or the date of discharge.
   • Reports are to be submitted in final form including your signature.  However, the client should be identified only by initials until the report has been approved by the supervisor.
3. Progress reports are due prior to the last day of therapy. Assume that client has attended all sessions in the remaining weeks and type in the numbers for attendance accordingly. If a client is absent during the last weeks, change the numbers before submitting the report for filing.
4. Due dates and procedures for handing in reports and lesson plan folders will be specified by the Clinic Director.
5. Missed deadlines will seriously affect your practicum grade. If you anticipate a legitimate problem with a report, discuss this situation with the individual supervisor and Clinic Director prior to the deadline.
6. When revisions are necessary, the report must be returned within 24 hours, with all previous drafts, of when the report was returned to you (unless the supervisor specifies another return time). Failure to fulfill the responsibility of completing progress reports on schedule can result in both a lower grade and a grade of “Incomplete” and may be reflected in your clinic eligibility status or in letters of recommendation, which often request information regarding promptness and ability to carry out assignments on time.
7. All lesson plans, reports and information for the clients are confidential and remain the property of the Marshall University Speech and Hearing Center. It is the responsibility of each clinician to return all items belonging to the Center at the end of the semester.

1. Form MUSHC-9 (Family Conference Report) must be completed for each client enrolled in therapy in a semester.  These forms can be handwritten or typed. 
2. When the family conference is held discuss goals, procedures, progress, and recommendations.  This is to be reported in the Family Conference Report along with the family's concerns, questions, or additional comments.
3. Remember to use active voice when typing these reports.
4. Due dates will be specified by the Clinic Director.

• Assignments for diagnostic evaluations (clinicians and supervisors) are posted in the Clinic Office.  Clinicians are responsible for checking both this schedule and personal mailboxes for notifications and adhering to the following procedures when assigned.
• When scheduled for a diagnostic evaluation, the clinician must make an appointment with the assigned supervisor early in the week in which the diagnostic is scheduled.
• During this planning conference, the clinician must be prepared to present the case history information and a tentative test battery to the supervisor.
• When meeting the parent/client introduce yourself (and the supervisor if he/she requires this).  During the interview with the parent/client present them with an MUSHC-18A (Informed Consent) and allow them time to read this form.  Explain that this form includes notification to the client that they may be observed by students, faculty, and staff.  In addition it serves as notification that they may be videotaped and/or audiotaped for training purposes.  In the event that a client chooses not to sign the MUSHC-18A, which verifies that they are aware of the observation and possible taping of their sessions, or should other questions or problems arise concerning any of the forms, see the session's supervisor or the Clinic Director.  These forms must be signed prior to the initiation of the evaluation.
• When meeting with the client/parent immediately following the evaluation, clinicians must complete MUSHC-11 (Disposition Form) and submit to the Clinic Director no later than the day after the evaluation.
• Evaluation reports are to be typed by clinicians, following the example in form MUSHC-10E.  Reports are to be double-spaced with only client's first name and last initial.  No other identifying information is to be added until the report has been approved by the supervisor.  Error phonemes may be reported using underlined capital letter rather than phonetic symbols, but make certain the report is clear to all possible readers.
• First drafts of each evaluation report are to be submitted in a file folder to the appropriate supervisor within two business days following the completion of the evaluation unless special arrangements have been made (in advance) with the supervisor.  All test results and the MUSHC-18A are to be submitted with this draft.  Test forms must be completed fully and recorded with black ink (to allow for acceptable photocopying if necessary).
• Within 48 hours after submitting the first draft the clinician must contact the supervisor to make an appointment, if necessary, to discuss the report.
• Subsequent drafts are due to the supervisor within 48 hours after the report is returned to the clinician by the supervisor unless otherwise specified by the supervisor.  All previous drafts, MUSHC forms, and test forms must be submitted with the most recent draft.  It is the clinician's responsibility to contact the supervisor within 48 hours of submitting each draft to determine if additional appointments are necessary.
• After the report has been finalized and approved by the supervisor, it should be typed (single spaced and including identifying information) by the clinician and printed out for the client's file.  The first page of the report should be printed on the department letterhead.  The clinician should then obtain the Clinical Supervisor's signature.  The report should be routed to the Clinic Director for processing.
• Clinicians are responsible for proofreading the final copy and having any necessary corrections made before submitting the report to the supervisor for his/her signature.
• Occasionally, clinicians may be scheduled to perform a diagnostic evaluation on an on-going basis during a client's regularly scheduled therapy time.  If such an assignment is made, clinicians will be responsible for completing all of the procedures and responsibilities required for any other evaluation, including scheduling supervisory conferences, report writing, deadlines, etc.
• If clinicians choose to keep drafts of evaluation reports for future reference, these drafts will be returned by the supervisor at the clinician's request.  The clinician must delete all of the identifying information.

Group screenings are conducted periodically to meet the requirement for CD majors to have a screening and to meet the needs of other departments and the community.  Graduate clinicians will be required to conduct these screenings, under the supervision of faculty members.  Screenings may also be conducted on a walk-in basis and for re-checks.  Specific times for walk-ins and re-checks will be scheduled by the Clinic Director.  The appropriate forms are located in the clinical forms drawer and may be obtained from the GA on duty in the office.

The following procedure will be followed for screenings:
 
1. Before the screening begins, clients must complete the top portion of the screening form, which contains identifying information.
2. The screening should include:  oral reading, a sample of conversational speech, and any specific testing appropriate to the client.  Clinicians should note any errors or deviancies.  A reading passage is used during the screening to assess the areas of articulation, voice, and fluency.  In addition, a hearing screening is conducted.  Reading passages and hearing screening forms are located in the Clinic Office.  Clinicians may use any of the following passages:  Rainbow Passage, My Grandfather or Arthur the Young Rat.
3. Results of the screening should be noted on the screening form and the  recommendation section should be completed (“pass” is indicative of no errors or deviancies; “rescreen” is indicative of the presence of deviancies in the area of voice or fluency; “evaluation” is indicative of the presence of articulation errors, voice, fluency, or language impairments).  Remember to sign your name to the form, have the client see the supervisor before leaving, and obtain the supervisor’s signature.
4. Hearing screenings should be conducted according to the guidelines specified by ASHA.  The Clinic Director or Audiologist will provide specifics in this area.  Results of the hearing screening should be noted on the screening form and the recommendations should be completed as specified by the ASHA guidelines for hearing screenings.  Remember to sign the form, have the client see the supervisor before leaving, and obtain supervisor’s signature.
5. Provide a copy of the completed form to the client upon request.  Give the original to the Clinic Director.
6. Time spent conducting the speech screenings should be recorded in the Evaluation section of the MUSHC-12R DX.  Actual time should be divided evenly between the areas of articulation, voice, and fluency.
7. If a client returns for an evaluation based on screening results, the clinician conducting the evaluation is responsible for completing all responsibilities pertaining to any other evaluation (see previous discussion)  EXCEPT the report must follow the form specified by MUSHC-10SR.

When, during the course of clinical work, it becomes necessary to refer a client for audiological services, the “Audiology Referral” form should be utilized.   

1. Daily running logs are to be completed weekly in order to track clinical clock hours over the course of the semester.
2. At the end of each week (community rotations) or the end of the semester (MUSHC), complete the MUSHC-12R(s) and obtain the appropriate signatures from supervisors. Fill out a separate MUSHC-12R for each age group (Adult, School-aged, Preschool), for each practicum site and supervisor. Divide hours into appropriate categories (artic., lang., sw., etc.).
3. Complete the MUSHC-14S to summarize all hours received during that semester. Be sure to sign and date the MUSHC-14S. When filling out the 14S refer to the listing of supervisors that includes their last name, first name, middle name, maiden name, and ASHA account number. This list is kept in the Clinic Office.
4. Complete the MUSHC-20R (Have/Needs sheet) as accurately as possible. It is used to assist in the most appropriate assignments to meet your clinical needs.
5. The forms should be stapled with the MUSHC-14S on top, the MUSHC-12R's under that, and the MUSHC-20R on the bottom.
6. Graduate students in their last practicum assignment must complete form MUSHC-14FC that summarizes all clinical clock hours obtained.
7. Due dates will be announced by the Clinic Director. After receiving the hours, the Clinic Director will verify them, obtain the Department Chair's signature, and file them in your permanent clinical clock hours file.
8. If revisions need to be made, it is your responsibility to obtain forms from the Clinic Director's office in order to correct them. If the errors are not corrected by the time and date specified by the Clinic Director your practicum grade and/or eligibility status for future practicum assignments will be affected.
9. It is the student’s responsibility to keep copies of all clock hours and attendance sheets. MAKE COPIES OF ALL FORMS BEFORE YOU SUBMIT THEM TO THE CLINIC DIRECTOR!!
10. These instructions apply to all students enrolled in clinical practicum (570/571, 670/671, 672/673). Diagnostic and therapeutic labs have instructions elsewhere in this handbook; students are responsible for following those and any alterations specified by the instructor.

In keeping with our belief in the benefit of observation, the department of Communication Disorders requires 60 hours of clinical observation.  Students who completed their undergraduate coursework at an undergraduate institution other than Marshall University, and have not completed 60 hours of clinical observation, must fulfill this requirement. Generally, these 60 required hours include ten hours of evaluation and fifty hours of therapy.  This number includes observation hours received at your undergraduate institution.  Verification of your hours will be necessary. 

These observation hours must be completed prior to enrollment in clinical practicum, unless permission has been given by the Clinic Director.  These hours may be obtained while receiving credit through a graduate course (526L, 527L).  Contact your advisor for details.

Students are required to complete an MUSHC-15R (Observation Attendance Record), obtain the supervisor’s signature, and write an observation report.  These forms will be verified weekly by the designated G. A. or faculty member overseeing the graduate level observation course.  The MUSHC-15R will be submitted along with an MUSHC-14S to the Clinic Director at the end of the semester.  The hours will be verified and placed in the student’s clinical file as a record of observation.

Forms referenced in this section may be located by clicking here.