Privacy and confidentiality (13)
Only ask questions related to treatment
SW can only discuss confidential information when appropriate with valid consent
SW must protect confidential info except when concern of eminent harm to client is present in these moments SW is to release the least amount of protected info needed to achieve desired purpose
When feasible, SW should advise client of intention to disclose protected info for whatever reason and also discuss potential consequences of doing so
As early as possible and often is needed, SW should discuss with clients the nature and limits of their right to confidentiality, reporting laws, court orders, etc.
When working with couples families or groups, all parties should seek agreement as to the need for everyone to be protective of everyone else’s private info. SW should advise all parties that he cannot guarantee. Everyone will comply.
No disclosures to third parties, including insurance staff, without prior authorization
No discussion in areas were privacy cannot be assured (a restaurant, a hallway, etc.)
SW may not talk to the media about their clients
SW must take precautions to protect privacy in the event of their leaving agency due to illness, death, etc.
When teaching training or talking to consultants, SW may not disclose ID info about clients without consent
Avoid posting any identifying or confidential info about a client on social media
Confidentiality laws are still in effect after client dies.
Impairment/incompetence/unethical conduct of colleagues (2)
First step is try to be helpful – steer college towards support, guide towards ethical behavior, etc.
If this doesn’t work, you must take action via appropriate channels – NASW, supervisor, licensing board, etc.
Integrity of the profession (4)
SW work towards promotion of high standards of practice. They advance the values, ethics, knowledge, and mission of the profession.
SW can uphold these values through study and research
SW should contribute time and professional expertise to activities that promote respect for the value integrity of the profession
SW should act to prevent the unauthorized and unqualified practice of social work 
Evaluation and research (5)
SW should monitor and evaluate policies, implementation of program and practice interventions
SW should promote and facilitate a value research to contribute to the development of knowledge
SW should critically examine and keep current with emerging knowledge relevant to social work
S W’s engaged in evaluation and research should carefully consider possible consequences and follow guidelines set to protect evaluation and research participants
SW must report findings of studies accurately – no fabricating. Must take steps to correct any errors discovered after the fact.
Informed consent (9)
Must obtained before providing services
Requires clear, understandable language. Should explain the scope of Services the limits, etc..
SW must take steps to assure client understands – esp language barrier exists. Allow client to ask questions.
If client lacked capacity to consent, a third-party – usually designated by client – must be involved
When services are involuntary, SW must advise client the extent to which they can refuse service
SW must advise client as a use of technology with treatment
When using technology, client must be assessed for suitability in doing so. If client is not on board, SW must consider an alternative method to deliver service.
SW must obtain consent before audio, video or third-party observation
SW needs consent before conducting electronic search of client – unless trying to protect client or others from serious harm.
Conflicts of interest (8)
SW must avoid conflict of interest that leads to impartial judgment.
SW must inform client real or potential conflict of interest arises – and resolve matter in a way that puts clients needs out in front.
SW’s must not engage in dual relationships with clients in any way that risk exploitation, or harm of client. Clear, culturally sensitive boundaries are the way.
When providing services to multiple people (a couple, family members) SW must be clear with all parties which folks are considered to be the clients. FSW anticipates having conflicting rules he must discuss this with all parties.
SW should avoid using social media to communicate with clients. They should also avoid texting, calling, emailing, etc., on any device for nonprofessional reasons.
SW should be aware that posting personal information onto professional website websites can lead to boundary confusion, potential harm to clients, etc.
S W should avoid accepting “friending” requests from clients on social media sites
S W should be aware that their public involvement in realms tied to areas of discrimination – race, ethnicity, etc. – can impact their ability to effectively work with some clients
Clients who lack decision-making capacity
SW should take reasonable steps to safeguard the interest and rights of these clients.
Cultural competence (3)
Through lifelong learning, reflection and awareness of personal bias, SW is responsible for bringing cultural humility to the table while working with clients.
SW must remove any potential barriers before delivering services through technology
It is up to the SW to address with client issues of cultural difference.
Physical contact
Physical contact that obviously is professional – crawling, cuddling, caressing – is not allowed.
Culturally appropriate physical contact may happen – providing SW sets clear, culturally sensitive boundaries.
Administration (4)
Advocate for adequate resources to meet clients needs.
Take reasonable steps to assure resources are available to provide staff supervision.
Take reasonable steps to assure working environment is consistent and encourages compliance with NASW code of ethics.
Take reasonable steps to support staff development and continuing education for social workers.
Privacy and confidentiality – records (5)
When court order to release records, SW should ask court to either withdraw order – or limit what is shared with the court as much as possible.
Electronic records should be safeguarded with passwords, encryption, etc.
Records should be stored in secure location, restricting access to those not authorize.
Any breach of confidential records – physical or electronic – should be reported to the client ASAP.
Disposal of clients records must be done according to law and mindful of the need to protect privacy.
SW primary responsibility (3)
Promote well-being of clients
Respect and promote right to self-determination
Exception apply when client has abused a child, threatened to harm himself for others, actions indicate risk of imminent harm, etc.
Sexual relationships (3)
No sexual conduct of any kind with:
Current clients
Former clients
Relatives/close friends of clients
Sexual conduct include sexualized communication via electronic devices
Former sexual partners cannot be clients.
Clients access to records (4)
Clients must have reasonable access to records.
SW should only limit clients access to records when there is compelling evidence that such access would result in harm to the client. This can mean “interpreting” records for them, allowing them limited access, etc..
When client is reviewing their own records, SW must take precautions to assure the confidentiality of others mentioned in records is protected.
Everything gets documented. Clients request to see records, our approval or denial, rationale for denying, etc..
Payment for Services (3)
Must be fair, reasonable. Consideration of clients ability to pay is needed.
Avoid bartering. Might be OK if client brings it up.
SW cannot solicit a private fee when clients may already receive services through an agency.
Labor management dispute
SW should carefully examine relevant issues possible impact on clients before deciding on a course of action to take regarding a labor dispute.
Termination of services (6)
When client is no longer interested or in need of services, it may be time to terminate.
If client fails to pay for services and payment arrangements were clearly spelled out and client is aware of the pending termination – SW may end services
SW should not terminate services if doing so would be likely to place the client at a risk of imminent harm
When circumstances require it, SW should make every effort to help transition the client to some other venue of services
Do not terminate with a client because you want to date them, go into a business with him, be friends with him, etc.
For unexpected interruption of services (illness, family crisis) SW must take reasonable steps to assure continuity of treatment.
Social work and broader society (4)
From local to global level, S W must advocate for Living Conditions essential for the fulfillment of basic, human needs.
SW facilitates informed public participation in shaping social policies
SW provides appropriate services during emergencies/disasters.
SW advocates for political change that relates to the above.
Referring an existing client for Services with someone else (3)
If SW is not being effective – if client is needing to work with someone holding a different skill set – it may be time to refer the client elsewhere.
Referring SW must assure smooth transfer – disclosing with clients consent – all relevant information.
Referring SW should not profit offer referral for services – if no other services have been rendered.
Respect (3)
No unwarranted criticisms of colleagues – no demeaning talk – especially in terms of race, ethnicity, etc.
We cannot misrepresent the qualifications, views or obligations of our colleagues.
SW should cooperate with each other when doing so serves the well-being of their clients.
Derogatory language
All language to and about clients must be professional and respectful.
Six core values that guide, social work practice
Service: we are here to serve. Help people in need to dash elevate the needs of others beyond your own. Use skills, life, experience, values, etc. to help those in need.
Social justice: pursue and fight for social change – especially for those who are vulnerable, oppressed, or impoverished.
All people deserve to be treated with dignity worth. SW’s teach autonomy and self-determination.
Human relationships are centrally important for all of us
Integrity: social worker should always behave in a trustworthy manner.
Competence: SW’s should practice within their area of competence – and always strive to enhance their professional knowledge.
Social worker commitments to employers (6)
SW should take reasonable steps to assure their employers are aware of ethical obligations set forth in NASW code of ethics.
SW should not allow agencies policies and procedures to interfere with ethical practices of social work. (for exam: code of ethics, trumps agency policy and procedure procedures.)
SW should act to prevent an eliminate discrimination in work environment.
SW should never misappropriate funds intended for clients.
SW should advocate for resource allocation procedures that are open and fair. When not all clients needs can be met, an allocation procedure should be put in place that is non-discriminatory.
SW should not accept employment or internships at agencies that do not exercise, fair, personnel practices.g
Consultation (3)
SW should draw on consultation with colleagues holding different expertise as it means a promoting client’s best interest
SW should be well informed about their colleagues areas of expertise – for a moment when consultation could be helpful
SW is disclose the least amount of info possible to advance the consultation process.