Confidentiality & Privacy
You must obtain this written document before sharing any client information with a third party.
Informed Consent / Release of Information
This occurs when a social worker relates to a client in more than one capacity (e.g., as a therapist and a business partner).
Dual Relationship
The legal standard required to file a report for child or elder abuse (You do not need "proof").
Reasonable Suspicion
If a client can no longer afford services, the social worker should explore this specific option to ensure the client receives necessary care before considering termination.
A sliding fee scale
This principle overrides all others because you cannot have self-determination or privacy if the client is not alive.
Protection of Life
When receiving this legal document, a social worker should first claim privilege and protect the record before complying with a court order.
The Subpoena
Social workers should avoid doing this on personal social networking sites to prevent boundary blurring.
Accepting "Friend Requests" or communicating with clients
A social worker must report suspected abuse of an older adult to this specific agency.
Adult Protective Services (APS)
When a social worker treats two or more people who have a relationship (like a couple or siblings), the worker must clarify this at the start to avoid taking sides.
Identifying "who is the client" and the worker's obligations to each party
Social workers may limit a client's right to self-determination only when a client’s actions pose a serious, foreseeable, and imminent risk to themselves or others.
The professional judgment of risk/safety
True or False: A social worker’s duty to protect a client’s private information ends once the client has passed away.
False (Confidentiality continues after death)
In this specific geographical setting, dual relationships may be unavoidable and must be managed through clear boundaries and documentation.
A Small Rural Community
If an adult client discloses they were abused as a child, but no current child is at risk, is a report required?
No (Mandated reporting typically applies to current risks)
When a social worker is involved in research, they must protect participants from distress and ensure this is obtained from all participants.
Voluntary Informed Consent
Even when services are mandated, social workers should explain the nature of the relationship and the client's right to refuse services, even if refusal leads to legal consequences.
Informed Consent for Mandated Clients
The standard that states social workers should only disclose the smallest amount of information needed to achieve a specific purpose.
Minimum Salary Disclosure
This term describes a situation where a social worker's personal interests interfere with their professional judgment.
A Conflict of Interest
In some states, a social worker may have a "Duty to Warn" if a client with a communicable disease intends to engage in high-risk behavior with a specific person.
Tarasoff Rule / Duty to Warn (HIV/AIDS)
A social worker may terminate services for an unpaid balance only if the client is not a danger to self or others and if the financial terms were clearly discussed in advance.
Clinical stability and the clear financial contractual agreement
Before a client can legally provide informed consent, the social worker must assess that the client has the mental and legal ________ to make the decision.
Capacity
Social workers may only limit a client’s access to their own records in this specific circumstance.
When access would cause "serious misunderstanding or harm" to the client.
According to the NASW, social workers should never engage in sexual relationships with these individuals, regardless of how much time has passed.
Former Clients
If a social worker has direct knowledge of a colleague's incompetence or impairment, they should first take this step.
Consulting with the colleague directly
During a natural disaster, social workers should provide professional services to the greatest extent possible, aligning with this core value.
The core value of Service
This principle involves choosing the option that results in the least amount of permanent damage to the client.
Least Harm