Question 1

Madison is aware of a fellow colleague with a drug abuse problem. Until recently, it did not appear to be affecting job performance. Now the colleague is missing work and failing to meet with clients as required. Madison does not want to get her fellow worker in trouble and feels someone else will eventually notice the problem. How else could this be handled?

A)Surprise drug testing at the workplace
B)Tell another colleague about the problem
C)Tell a supervisor immediately
D)Talk to the colleague having a problem

Talk to the colleague having a problem

Accepted Answer

- Madison should first talk to her coworker with the drug abuse problem. Clinical social workers are professionals in many fields, and this should also fall into place with their own colleagues. If there is direct knowledge of a fellow worker's impairment, that individual should first be consulted and assisted in taking action.

Question 2

Mr)Bentley has been providing clinical social work services to a client for three weeks based on a referral for self-esteem issues. During the course of assessment, it is discovered there are also drug abuse problems. Since this is not an area of expertise for Mr. Bentley, what should his next step be?

A)Terminate services immediately
B)Notify Adult Protective Services
C)Seek training in drug/alcohol abuse
D)Refer the client to another professional to address the substance abuse issues.

Refer the client to another professional to address the substance abuse issues.

Accepted Answer

-When a provider cannot adequately serve a client, he or she should be referred to a professional with the necessary expertise. Social workers are encouraged to make appropriate referrals in recognition of the fact that they will likely not have the training to meet every one of their client's needs.

Question 3

Miranda discovers that a client she has been working with is secretly stalking a fellow colleague. The other professional had provided clinical social work services to the client one year ago for alcohol abuse. Miranda understands her obligation to protect the client's confidentiality and privacy. What could make this an exception?

A)The client needs a psychological assessment
B)Miranda wants to know about the prior relationship
C)It is necessary to prevent serious harm
D)There is no exception

It is necessary to prevent serious harm

Accepted Answer

This situation would be an exception to confidentiality and privacy considerations if Miranda's colleague could be in danger of serious harm. Note that stalking, such as phone calls, etc., without weapon or threat does NOT qualify as imminent harm to others. In a situation involving imminent harm, the social worker should only disclose information relevant to the potentially threatening situation. Any other disclosures require the consent of the client.

Deck 6: Ethics