LMSW LMSW Social Work Ethics and Values Questions and Answers 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A social worker discovers that a colleague is billing Medicaid for sessions that never occurred. What is the social worker's primary ethical obligation?
- Ignore it to avoid workplace conflict
- Report the behavior through appropriate channels (Correct answer)
- Confront the colleague privately and take no further action
- Document the concern but wait for more evidence
Correct answer: Report the behavior through appropriate channels
The NASW Code of Ethics obligates social workers to take action when a colleague's conduct is illegal or unethical, which includes reporting fraudulent billing.
Question 2: Which ethical principle is most directly violated when a social worker begins a romantic relationship with a former client six months after termination?
- Justice
- Non-maleficence
- Dual relationships boundary violation (Correct answer)
- Autonomy
Correct answer: Dual relationships boundary violation
The NASW Code of Ethics strongly discourages sexual or romantic relationships with former clients and requires social workers to examine potential harm, given the power imbalance that persists.
Question 3: A client asks their LMSW to write a letter of support for a custody case. The social worker has concerns about the client's parenting. What should the social worker do?
- Write the letter as requested to maintain the therapeutic alliance
- Refuse without explanation
- Discuss the concerns honestly with the client before deciding whether to write the letter (Correct answer)
- Write a neutral letter that omits any concerns
Correct answer: Discuss the concerns honestly with the client before deciding whether to write the letter
Informed consent and honesty require the social worker to disclose relevant concerns to the client and engage in a transparent discussion before taking action that could affect the client's case.
Question 4: Under the NASW Code of Ethics, which of the following best describes the concept of 'informed consent' in social work practice?
- Clients must sign a form before treatment begins
- Clients must be provided with information in a way they can understand so they can make voluntary decisions about services (Correct answer)
- Consent is implied once a client schedules an appointment
- Social workers decide what information clients need to know
Correct answer: Clients must be provided with information in a way they can understand so they can make voluntary decisions about services
Informed consent requires social workers to use clear, understandable language to ensure clients can make voluntary, knowledgeable decisions about their participation in services.
Question 5: A social worker is treating a client who discloses they are undocumented and fears deportation. The social worker's primary ethical obligation is to:
- Report the client's status to immigration authorities
- Terminate services to avoid legal liability
- Maintain confidentiality and continue providing competent services (Correct answer)
- Refer the client to an immigration attorney only
Correct answer: Maintain confidentiality and continue providing competent services
Social workers must uphold confidentiality and provide services regardless of immigration status, consistent with the NASW values of dignity, worth of the person, and social justice.
Question 6: A client of a different cultural background declines a recommended mental health referral, citing cultural stigma around mental illness. The ethical response is to:
- Insist the client accept the referral for their own good
- Document the refusal and take no further action
- Respect the client's autonomy while exploring culturally congruent alternatives (Correct answer)
- Consult with a supervisor to override the client's decision
Correct answer: Respect the client's autonomy while exploring culturally congruent alternatives
Culturally competent practice requires social workers to honor client self-determination and explore alternatives that align with the client's cultural values and preferences.
LMSW LMSW Social Work Ethics and Values Questions and Answers 2
A social worker discovers that a colleague is billing Medicaid for sessions that never occurred.
What is the social worker's primary ethical obligation?