Midterm study guide Flashcards
Virtual Boundary
Places limits on social workers online activity
Professional Ethics
guides social worker and transforms professional values into practice
Ethics
Branch of philosophy that deals with the rightness and wrongness of human action and behavior
Malpractice
Professional negligence or misconduct: failure to provide the same level of care another prudent professional would provide in the same circumstances
Morality
reinforce ethical decisions, personal values and beliefs
Ethical Relativism
No absolute moral standard, reject fixed rules, ethical decisions based on context and circumstance, ethical decisions should be made to maximize pleasure and avoid pain
Ethical Absolutism
Fixed rules, universal moral standard regardless of situation or context; the action is right or wrong, not the outcome.
Decision-Making
A process or series of thoughts that occur over a period of time that guide action or inaction in a particular matter
Ethical Decision-Making
Analyzing or process ethical dimensions to inform and develop ethically appropriate professional behavior
Efficiency Criterion
Deals with the cost of achieving an objective
Effectiveness Criterion
The degree to which the desired outcome is achieved
Ethical Rules Screen
A step in ethical decision making, the code of ethics should be consulted to inform decision, use first before EPS
Ethical Principles Screen
Used when ERS does not provide an answer. Aid in organizing ethical principles when trying to make a decision where two or more are conflicted. Ranks them in order of importance
Ethical Dilemma
Choice between two or more relevant ethical principle that are contridictory; can be related to competing values or competing loyalities.
Client
The individual who enters into a formal, contractual, goal-focused relationship w/ social worker
Target
Person(s) or system(s) that must be modified to achieve the desired outcome
Beneficiary
Person(s) or system(s) that will benefit from this modification
Applicant
Person(s) or system(s) that requires help with defined or felt problem
Autonomy
self-determination, self-rule, being able to make free choices
Self-determination
A persons right to make their own choices
Value neutrality
Is a value in and of itself. Some believe that it is impossible to interact without making judgments, SW act as a moral agent, being direct is necessary at times.
Value imposition
Some argue that it can be helpful in the process, but a range of ethical dilemmas arise when SW self-discloses. SW may impose values unintentionally.
Confidentiality
A duty requiring those entrusted with private information to not share it. A contract to not reveal info unless informed constent is given.
HIPAA
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. Protects individuals identifiable health information
Privileged Communication
Legal concept to protect against forced disclosure in legal proceedings that would revel private information
Informed Consent
Knowledge and voluntary agreement by the client to undergo an intervention that is ethically based and sound. Involves disclosure of information, voluntariness, and competence of the practitioner
Three conditions in order to sue SW
- Negligence or below professional standard of care
- Client suffered injury or monetary loss
- SW action or inaction resulted in this injury or monetary loss.
Protect from Malpractice
- Risk management audit
- Consultative relationship with legal counsel
- Consult with specialists
- Continuing education
How to Document
Too much or too little content can be problematic, as can loose or inappropriate language and professional language can create problems.
