Risk Management in Social Work

This new text is based on Frederic G. Reamer's key reference for practitioners, Social Work Malpractice and Liability: Strategies for Prevention. Rooted in his own experiences as an expert witness in court and licensing board cases, the volume introduces the concepts of negligence, malpractice, and liability before turning to the subject of risk management. Reflecting on recent legal cases and research, Reamer identifies a variety of problems in the social work field relating to privacy and confidentiality, improper treatment and delivery of services, impaired practitioners, supervision, consultations and referrals, fraud and deception, and termination of service. He also explores the unprecedented ethical challenges created by new digital technologies--such as online counseling, video counseling, and practitioners' use of social networks and social media--and describes current issues relating to HIPAA compliance and access to electronic health records (EHR) and health information exchanges (HIE).He concludes with practical suggestions for social workers named as defendants in lawsuits and respondents in licensing board complaints.
Introduces the concepts of negligence, malpractice, and liability before turning to the subject of risk management
Frederic Reamer is professor of social work at Rhode Island College and chair of the NASW Code of Ethics Revision Committee. His previous books include Heinous Crime, Ethical Dilemmas in Social Service, Social Work Malpractice and Liability, The Philosophical Foundations of Social Work, AIDS and Ethics, The Foundations of Social Work Knowledge, Rehabilitating Juvenile Justice (with Charles Shireman), and Social Work Research and Evaluation (all published by Columbia).
Original and authoritative.... With its strong emphasis on prevention, and the sound promotion of a prophylactic perspective, Risk Management in Social World, in my judgment, will be accepted as the definitive text on the topic. Clearly written, with detailed notes and useful references, full legal citations, and a masterful application of our profession's Code of Ethics, Frederic Reamer's newest text quite simply is a gift to all of us who are members of the social work profession.--Journal of Teaching in Social Work
Frederic Reamer's work is a significant contribution to the field. Containing vital details on changing ethical issues and laws related to cybertherapy, social networking, social media, and healthcare ethics, this book is a must-have for practitioners and managers and is perfect for advanced classes in both clinical and administrative social work education.--Deborah Borman, Northwestern University School of Law
Written by one of our premier scholars in social work ethics, this book provides students and practitioners with a comprehensive view of the practical ways of addressing ethical issues in practice. It features the following seven key steps for ethical decisionmaking: consulting colleagues; accessing supervisors; integrating the NASW Code of Ethics into practice; keeping up-to date on relevant laws, policies, and regulations; reviewing professional literature; obtaining legal counsel; and carefully documenting decision-making steps--all essential skills for twenty-first-century social work practice.--Michael J. Austin, Unviersity of California, Berkeley