Code Of Ethics Flashcards

(40 cards)

1
Q

Privacy and confidentiality (13)

A

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.

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2
Q

Impairment/incompetence/unethical conduct of colleagues (2)

A

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.

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3
Q

Integrity of the profession (4)

A

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 

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4
Q

Evaluation and research (5)

A

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.

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5
Q

Informed consent (9)

A

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.

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6
Q

Conflicts of interest (8)

A

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

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7
Q

Clients who lack decision-making capacity

A

SW should take reasonable steps to safeguard the interest and rights of these clients.

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8
Q

Cultural competence (3)

A

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.

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9
Q

Physical contact

A

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.

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10
Q

Administration (4)

A

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.

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11
Q

Privacy and confidentiality – records (5)

A

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.

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12
Q

SW primary responsibility (3)

A

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.

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13
Q

Sexual relationships (3)

A

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.

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14
Q

Clients access to records (4)

A

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..

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15
Q

Payment for Services (3)

A

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.

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16
Q

Labor management dispute

A

SW should carefully examine relevant issues possible impact on clients before deciding on a course of action to take regarding a labor dispute.

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17
Q

Termination of services (6)

A

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.

18
Q

Social work and broader society (4)

A

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.

19
Q

Referring an existing client for Services with someone else (3)

A

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.

20
Q

Respect (3)

A

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.

21
Q

Derogatory language

A

All language to and about clients must be professional and respectful.

22
Q

Six core values that guide, social work practice

A

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.

23
Q

Social worker commitments to employers (6)

A

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

24
Q

Consultation (3)

A

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.

25
Ethical responsibilities towards colleagues (4)
S W‘s must hold confidentiality with regards to any protected info shared with them by colleagues Treat with respect Interdisciplinary collaboration Referral for Services
26
Sexual relationships among colleagues (2)
 avoid sexual relationships with colleagues that can lead to potential conflict of interest. Never enter into a sexual relationship with someone you have authority over – student, intern, etc.
27
Solicitations (2)
No uninvited solicitations of potential clients – as they may be vulnerable to undue influence, coercion, etc. No soliciting of testimonial endorsements of current clients. This includes use of clients prior statements.
28
Sexual harassment
It is all forbidden – be a verbal, written, electronic or physical
29
Categories of discrimination (13)
Race Ethnicity National Color Immigration sexual orientation Gender identity/expression Age Marital status Political belief Religion Mental/physical ability
30
Impairment
Personal problems are interfering with professional judgment, or performance, it is time to seek consultation and support. Mental health, psychological distress, substance abuse, legal problems. Take the steps that makes sense: time off, reduce caseload, professional, help, etc.
31
Supervision/educators (5)
Only provide supervision within your area of expertise Set clear, culturally, sensitive bound No dual relationship relationships with person you supervise/teach Be fair and reasonable in the way you evaluate supervisees/students Always let a client know ahead of time if they are to be working with a student or intern
32
Competence (4)
SW’s must only provide Services within their area of expertise SW’s must assure that they are current in trainings, innovative, practices, etc. SW used technology must be able to do so, in a competent manner – especially mindful of challenges that modern communication brings SW is using technology must comply with laws governing both the jurisdiction they are in – as well as the one client in
33
Client records (4)
Must be accurate – and a reflection of services provided Must be completed timely – to assure the delivery of services and continuity of care Must protect privacy – and only document info directly related to delivery of services Records should be stored after services have terminated – in accordance with relevant laws, agency, policies, and contracts
34
Misrepresentation (3)
SWS must make clear distinctions between statements/actions as a private individual versus those as a SW SW’s who speak on behalf of their agency must make certain they accurately represent their positions SW should only claim those professional credentials. They actually hold. They must take steps to clear up any misunderstandings in this regard: example - “actually, I’m not a doctor“
35
Acknowledging credit (2)
If you’re using other people’s words – say so! SW’s must honestly acknowledge the contributions made by others
36
Seek supervision when…
Faced with complex, ethical dilemmas. Example: client implies they might harm you – but not in a clear, direct way.
37
Receiving client transfer (2)
When contacted by another SW about providing services to his client… Discuss with S W, nature of current relationship with other service provide Assess benefits/risks in client entering into a new relationship – is transferred in client’s best interest?
38
Evaluation and research – engage in clients in study (10)
S W must obtain voluntary and written informed consent from participants engagement research. There can be no implied threat for choosing not to participate. Informed consent must include all details of participation requested – along with disclosure, risk, and benefits, tied to participating and When using technology – SW must assure client offers informed consent as of the use of the technology period. SW must assess whether our client is able to use such If client is unable to provide consent, they should obtain participants sent to the extent they are able – and obtained written consent from an appropriate proxy. SW must inform participants they come back out of the study whenever they choose without penal SW must take steps to assure participants have access to appropriate SW must assure that that will not place participants in unwarranted harm: physical or mental SWS must protect privacy of participants – only discussing collected information with those professionally concerned SW’s must her confidentiality of participants – explain any limits – explain measures taken to assure confidentiality – and advise when research records will be destroyed SW’s must avoid dual relationships/conflict of interest with participants
39
Your private life
Don’t let sketchy choices in your private life interfere with your professional life. Keep that private life in check!
40
The purpose of social work
Enhance problem-solving and co-pay Link people to system systems and provide them with resources, opportunities, and services Promote the humane operation of the systems Contribute the development and improvement of social policy