LCSW Ethics and Professional Standards 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which ethical principle requires social workers to respect clients' rights to make their own decisions, even decisions that may not be in their best interest?
- Beneficence
- Nonmaleficence
- Autonomy (Correct answer)
- Justice
Correct answer: Autonomy
Autonomy refers to the client's right to self-determination and making their own informed choices about their lives and treatment.
Question 2: An LCSW is subpoenaed for a client's records in a divorce proceeding. The client has NOT signed a release. The LCSW should:
- Provide the records immediately to comply with the subpoena
- Refuse to comply and destroy the records
- Consult an attorney and notify the client before releasing records (Correct answer)
- Release only a summary of records, not full notes
Correct answer: Consult an attorney and notify the client before releasing records
A subpoena does not automatically override privilege; the LCSW should consult legal counsel and notify the client so the client can invoke privilege if appropriate.
Question 3: According to NASW ethical standards, which of the following is an example of a boundary violation rather than a boundary crossing?
- Attending a client's graduation ceremony with supervisor approval
- Accepting a small holiday gift with clinical documentation
- Entering a sexual relationship with a former client after termination (Correct answer)
- Providing a client a ride to an emergency appointment
Correct answer: Entering a sexual relationship with a former client after termination
Sexual relationships with former clients are prohibited boundary violations, regardless of time elapsed, unlike crossings that may be clinically justified.
Question 4: Cultural competency in ethical practice requires the LCSW to:
- Treat all clients identically regardless of cultural background
- Modify all evidence-based practices to fit cultural preferences
- Recognize how cultural factors influence the helping relationship (Correct answer)
- Defer to cultural norms even when they conflict with client safety
Correct answer: Recognize how cultural factors influence the helping relationship
Cultural competency involves understanding and respecting how cultural identity shapes clients' experiences, values, and responses to intervention.
Question 5: An LCSW in private practice is terminating services due to relocation. The most ethical approach is to:
- Provide 30 days notice and a list of referrals (Correct answer)
- Transfer all client files to a local agency without client consent
- Abruptly terminate to minimize client dependency
- Continue via telehealth indefinitely to avoid abandonment
Correct answer: Provide 30 days notice and a list of referrals
Providing adequate notice and referrals ensures continuity of care and protects clients from abandonment.
Question 6: When using technology for telehealth services, an LCSW must ensure:
- Clients sign a standard in-person consent form
- HIPAA-compliant platforms are used and informed consent addresses telehealth specifics (Correct answer)
- Sessions are recorded for quality assurance without client knowledge
- Telehealth is only used for clients with mild symptoms
Correct answer: HIPAA-compliant platforms are used and informed consent addresses telehealth specifics
Telehealth requires HIPAA-compliant platforms and specific informed consent that addresses technology risks and limitations.
LCSW Ethics and Professional Standards 2
Which ethical principle requires social workers to respect clients' rights to make their own decisions, even decisions that may not be in their best interest?