Legal Foundations
This type of law governs professional negligence or malpractice cases.
What is tort law?
Practicum students are held to the same standards as this group of professionals.
Who are licensed social workers?
At this level, social workers often help clients secure legal services or protections.
What is the micro level?
Behavior that is harmful or below professional standards is called this.
What is malfeasance?
Progress note states: “Client was lazy and unmotivated today.” How would you reframe this statement to be unbiased and nonjudgmental?
What is "Client did not complete assigned activity and expressed fatigue”.
This legal requirement obligates social workers to report suspected child abuse.
What is mandated reporting?
This type of relationship occurs when professional boundaries are crossed, increasing legal risk.
What is a dual relationship?
Laws that protect workers and ensure fair treatment fall under this practice level.
What is the mezzo level?
Failing to report threats of violence violates this legal duty.
What is duty to warn?
During supervision, a student refers to a client as “that bipolar woman” instead of using her name. How would you reframe this statement to be unbiased and nonjudgmental?
What is “client diagnosed with bipolar disorder”
This term describes the minimum level of care expected within the social work profession.
What is the standard of care?
The NASW Code of Ethics emphasizes protecting this client right through confidentiality.
What is privacy?
Social workers advocating for policy change operate at this level of practice.
What is the macro level?
Acting beyond your competence without intent to harm is known as this.
What is misfeasance?
Progress note states: “Client is paranoid and overreacting about her neighbors again.” How would you reframe this statement to be unbiased and nonjudgmental?
What is "Client expressed concerns about perceived surveillance by neighbors."
This concept means that professionals act reasonably and logically within accepted norms.
What is prudent practice?
This legal document allows clients to express their end-of-life care preferences.
What is an advance directive?
Drafting legislation or testifying in court are examples of this level of practice.
What is macro practice?
This type of insurance protects social workers in case of legal claims.
What is malpractice or liability insurance?
Progress note states: “Client showed up looking sloppy and unkempt again.” How would you reframe this statement to be unbiased and nonjudgmental?
What is "Client arrived in casual clothing with limited attention to personal grooming"
Name the one of the five elements discussed that a client must prove in a malpractice case.
•Duty to care exists
•Standard of care is breached
•Negligence occurs
•Harm results
•The act/omission caused the harm
Failing to act when a client is in danger or needs services is called this.
What is nonfeasance?
Helping tenants organize to advocate for fair housing laws combines which two practice levels?
What are mezzo and macro levels?
Name two types of high-risk client situations that increase the chance of legal action.
Clients with suicidal ideation, history of violence, custody disputes, or complex trauma.
Progress note states: “Client was defiant and refused to follow my recommendations.” How would you reframe this statement to be unbiased and nonjudgmental?
What is "Client declined suggested intervention at this time, expressing concerns about its fit"