Telepractice is the application of telecommunications technology to the delivery of speech language pathology and audiology professional services at a distance by linking clinician to client or clinician to clinician for assessment, intervention, and/or consultation. In 2005, ASHA determined that telepractice is an appropriate model of service delivery for audiologists and speech-language pathologists (SLPs) (ASHA, n.d.).

Use of telepractice must be equivalent to the quality of services provided in person and consistent with adherence to the Code of Ethics (ASHA, 2016a), Scope of Practice in Audiology (ASHA, 2018), Scope of Practice in Speech-Language Pathology (ASHA, 2016b), state and federal laws (e.g., licensure, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act [HIPAA; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, n.d.-c]), and ASHA policy.

Common terms describing types of telepractice are as follows:

• Synchronous (client interactive)—services are conducted with interactive audio and video connection in real time to create an in-person experience similar to that achieved in a traditional encounter. Synchronous services may connect a client or group of clients with a clinician, or they may include consultation between a clinician and a specialist.
• Asynchronous (store-and-forward)—images or data are captured and transmitted (i.e., stored and forwarded) for viewing or interpretation by a professional. Examples include transmission of voice clips, audiologic testing results, or outcomes of independent client practice.
• Hybrid—applications of telepractice that include combinations of synchronous, asynchronous, and/or in-person services.
  
  

Clinicians and programs should verify state licensure and payer definitions to ensure that a particular type of service delivery is consistent with regulation and payment policies.

Source: https://www.asha.org/practice-portal/professional-issues/telepractice/