Professional Values and Ethics Flashcards
7 cards from real LMSW practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Professional Values and Ethics flashcards as text
A social worker discovers that a colleague is billing Medicaid for sessions that never occurred. What is the MOST appropriate first step?
Answer: Report the behavior to a supervisor or appropriate authority
The NASW Code of Ethics requires social workers to take action when a colleague engages in unethical conduct, including reporting to supervisors or licensing boards.
Which principle underlies the social work concept of 'self-determination'?
Answer: Clients have the right to make their own decisions about their lives
Self-determination respects the client's right to make their own choices, even when those choices differ from what the social worker would recommend.
A client shares information in session that suggests they are being abused by a family member. The client begs the social worker not to report it. What should the social worker do?
Answer: Report the abuse as required by mandatory reporting laws
Mandatory reporting laws supersede client confidentiality when abuse is suspected, and social workers are legally required to report.
The NASW Code of Ethics places social workers' primary ethical obligation to:
Answer: Clients
According to the NASW Code of Ethics, social workers' primary responsibility is to promote the well-being of clients.
A social worker in private practice wants to enter into a business relationship with a former client of two years. What is the BEST course of action?
Answer: Avoid the relationship due to potential exploitation of the former client
Social workers should avoid business relationships with former clients because the power differential from the therapeutic relationship may persist and create exploitation risk.
Which term describes a social worker's obligation to keep client information private unless the client consents to disclosure or a legal exception applies?
Answer: Confidentiality
Confidentiality is the ethical duty of social workers to protect private client information from unauthorized disclosure.
A social worker realizes mid-treatment that a client's presenting problem exceeds their competence level. The MOST ethical response is to:
Answer: Refer the client to a more qualified professional and assist with transition
When a client's needs exceed a social worker's competence, ethical practice requires referring to an appropriate provider while ensuring continuity of care.