2. What the clinician must assess

A complete assessment addresses each of the following each visit, scaled to the patient's diagnosis and stability:

• Speech production — clarity, and the presence of dysarthria or aphasia (expressive or receptive).
• Language — the primary language, English proficiency, and the need for a qualified interpreter.
• Functional hearing — whether the patient can hear and understand instructions, and hearing-aid use (the examination is in Ears / Hearing).
• Functional vision — whether the patient can read materials, and corrective-lens use (the examination is in Eyes / Vision).
• Health literacy — the ability to understand written and verbal health information.
• Cognitive-communication — comprehension and attention as they affect communication (assessed in Cognitive / Mental Status).
• Augmentative and alternative communication needs and devices.
• The impact on understanding the plan, safety, and consent, and the teaching accommodations required.