Ethics & Professional Standards Flashcards

The concept of 'least restrictive environment' in social work means:

Answer: Intervening in the least intrusive way that still meets client needs

The least restrictive environment principle holds that interventions should be the minimum necessary to achieve treatment goals, preserving maximum client freedom.

Which of the following actions would constitute a breach of professional ethics for a licensed social worker?

Answer: Sharing client information with a family member without consent

Disclosing confidential client information to a family member without the client's consent violates confidentiality, a foundational ethical obligation.

The NASW Code of Ethics identifies which of the following as a core social work value?

Answer: Social justice

Social justice is one of six core values in the NASW Code of Ethics, reflecting the profession's commitment to challenging injustice and inequity.

Telehealth social work practice requires practitioners to consider which unique ethical issue?

Answer: Client privacy, technology security, and jurisdictional licensure across state lines

Telehealth raises distinct ethical concerns including digital privacy, HIPAA-compliant platforms, and whether the practitioner is licensed in the client's state.

In ethical decision-making, the principle of 'beneficence' requires the social worker to:

Answer: Actively promote the client's well-being

Beneficence is the ethical obligation to act in ways that positively benefit others and actively promote their welfare.

What is the purpose of clinical supervision in social work?

Answer: To ensure ethical, competent practice and support professional development

Clinical supervision provides oversight, guidance, and professional development to ensure practitioners deliver ethical, competent, and effective services.