LMSW Professional Values and Ethics Questions and Answers Flashcards

A client requests access to their own clinical records. Under NASW ethical standards, the social worker should:

Answer: Provide access while discussing any potentially harmful content

Clients generally have the right to their records; the worker should facilitate access while using clinical judgment about presenting sensitive content.

Which ethical standard is MOST relevant when a social worker charges sliding-scale fees based on client income?

Answer: Social justice

Sliding-scale fees reflect the social justice value of ensuring services are accessible to people across economic circumstances.

A client reveals they are undocumented and fears that disclosing their status to a government agency will lead to deportation. The social worker's PRIMARY ethical obligation is to:

Answer: Protect confidentiality and not report immigration status

Social workers are bound by confidentiality and must protect client information; immigration status is generally not a mandated reporting category.

When is it ethically permissible for a social worker to break confidentiality WITHOUT client consent?

Answer: When required by law, such as mandatory reporting of child abuse

Mandatory reporting laws legally require disclosure of certain information, such as suspected child abuse, superseding standard confidentiality protections.

An LMSW working in a hospital setting is asked to witness a client's signature on a legal document outside their professional role. The ethical concern is:

Answer: Role confusion that creates a dual relationship

Acting outside one's professional role blurs boundaries and can create a dual relationship that compromises the therapeutic alliance.

A social worker feels strong personal disapproval of a client's lifestyle choices. The MOST ethical response is to:

Answer: Continue providing services while seeking supervision to manage personal reactions

Social workers are ethically obligated to be aware of personal biases and use supervision to ensure those biases do not harm clients.

Which action BEST demonstrates adherence to the NASW value of 'integrity' in social work practice?

Answer: Being honest with clients about the limits of one's competence and services

Integrity requires honesty and transparency with clients, including acknowledging limitations, even when that is uncomfortable.