Section 839 IAC 1-3-4 - Standards for the competent practice of social work and clinical social workAuthority: IC 25-23.6-2-8
Affected: IC 25-23.6
Sec. 4.
(a) The competent practice of social work and clinical social work requires remaining current with generally accepted developments within the area of specialization and the development and exercise of judgment as to when to apply specific procedures in a reasonable, effective, efficient, and economical manner.(b) The competent practice of social work and clinical social work includes acting within generally accepted ethical principles and guidelines of the profession and maintaining an awareness of personal and professional limitations. These ethical principles include, but are not limited to, the following: (1) A social worker or clinical social worker shall provide a clear description of what the client may expect in the way of services, reports, fees, billing, and schedules.(2) A social worker or clinical social worker shall not misrepresent the practitioner's qualifications, training, or experience. If a social worker or a clinical social worker engages in advertising, the practitioner's credentials shall be presented factually.(3) A social worker or clinical social worker may not practice beyond the practitioner's competence. A social worker or clinical social worker shall make appropriate referrals when the client's needs exceed the practitioner's competency level. Such referrals should be timely.(4) A social worker or clinical social worker shall assure that referrals are always based solely on the best interest of the client and not for personal gain.(5) A social worker or clinical social worker shall not provide social work or clinical social work services while under the influence of alcohol or other mind-altering or mood-altering drugs, which impair delivery of such services.(6) Relationships with clients shall not be exploited by the social worker or clinical social worker for personal gain. A social worker or clinical social worker shall not violate such positions of trust and dependency by committing any act detrimental to a client.(7) A social worker or clinical social worker shall not abandon or neglect a client in need of immediate professional services without making reasonable arrangements for the provision or the continuation of services.(8) The social worker or clinical social worker shall under no circumstances engage in sexual activities with clients.Behavioral Health and Human Services Licensing Board; 839 IAC 1-3-4; filed Jul 1, 1992, 12:00 p.m.: 15 IR 2458; filed Nov 4, 1992, 5:00 p.m.: 16 IR 872; readopted filed Dec 2, 2001, 12:30 p.m.: 25 IR 1310; readopted filed Sep 26, 2008, 10:50 a.m.: 20081015-IR-839080337RFAReadopted filed 12/1/2014, 8:32 a.m.: 20141231-IR-839140389RFAReadopted filed 6/24/2024, 3:49 p.m.: 20240724-IR-839230815RFA