Did you know that significant changes were made to the NASW Code of Ethics in 2018? For the first time, NASW has included significant language about the use of technology in social work practice. I would be remiss not to give credit to our profession for being the first to outline ethical recommendations for the use of technology in the delivery of services. That being said, it is essential that we understand the guidance The Code provides for ethical practice. I thought it important to use this space to unpack some of the information for AOSW members.

The changes to The Code outline how our existing code of ethics applies to social work practice in a virtual world. Previously, NASW did have a guide, separate of The Code, for utilizing technology in practice. But these embedded recommendations are new.

The ethical standards apply to any interaction, relationship or communication between social workers and their clients regardless of where or how they happen—in person, by phone, online, text messaging, email. Some of the recommendations include:

• Discuss policies concerning the use of technology at the onset of professional services.
   
• If you plan to use technology—including making audio or video recordings of sessions and/or when an interaction is being observed by a third party—obtain informed consent from the client. Yes, informed, written consent. In many health care institutions, however, social workers are employed in the “host setting” so the written informed consent may be handled as part of the blanket consent the patient signs. Social workers may need to add an extra layer of informed consent to cover our profession’s recommendations for informed consent.
   
  • This implies a responsibility of the social worker to discuss technology and explain its usage or non-usage.
     
  • Assess the clients’ ability, comfort level and access to technology-aided services. If they aren’t able to utilize the technology, we need to provide therapeutic alternatives.

• Obtain informed consent before doing any electronic search on clients, including Google searches. The question we must ask before using any search on the internet about our clients is, “What is our intent?” A key exception is when the search is to protect the clients or others from harm or for “other compelling professional reasons.” My rule is, if you want to know something about your clients, ask them—not the internet.
   
• Comply with laws (including licensure) in the jurisdiction in which they are regulated and located, and in the jurisdiction in which the client is located.
   
  • This is the most concerning aspect of the changes to The Code for me. I’ve been a licensed practitioner for more than 20 years, providing services via telephone to families all over the country, even internationally. Because we do not have a national license, this provision could be problematic for social workers who provide services in this manner. I believe this will need to be revisited promptly by NASW as social workers are using technology to provide services to those who otherwise may not have access to these services.

• Avoid communicating with clients using technology for personal or non-work-related purposes. This includes relationships facilitated by social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. We should also avoid posting identifying or confidential information about our clients on technological platforms. Set and maintain the boundaries of your personal and professional lives by not engaging with clients in these settings. Also, be sure to check your privacy settings on these platforms regularly.
   
• The Code also encourages us to understand how the use of encryption, firewalls and passwords help us protect the privacy and confidentiality of our clients by protection electronic communications.

As OSWs, we are often called upon to provide services to patients, caregivers and families who aren’t necessarily in our physical presence. The Code provides us with a framework to use these services safely and ethically. Have you used technology to facilitate your services? And if you have, have you changed your practice based on the changes to The Code? I’d love to hear your experiences on SWON. You can also download a free copy of The Code from the NASW website.