Clinical Practice SWES Practice Exam

According to ethical standards, how should a social worker handle information sharing with a managed care company?

1. Share information with the client's verbal consent

2. Provide information with written authorization only

3. Utilize the client’s wishes for all contact

4. May not be required to share any information

The correct answer is: Provide information with written authorization only

The most appropriate approach for a social worker when handling information sharing with a managed care company is to provide information with written authorization only. This is rooted in the ethical guidelines that stress the importance of client confidentiality and informed consent. Written authorization serves as a clear and documented acknowledgment from the client that they understand what information is being shared, with whom it is being shared, and for what purpose. This protects the client’s privacy and ensures that their personal information is handled with the necessary care and consideration. The legality and ethics of information sharing in a therapeutic context require that consent be explicit and documented, which written authorization facilitates. While verbal consent might seem sufficient in some scenarios, it lacks the robustness and clarity that written consent provides. Additionally, relying solely on the client’s wishes can lead to ambiguity and potential misinterpretations about what they specifically agree to. Moreover, there are circumstances where the social worker may not be required to share any information, but these would pertain more to specific legal protections or conditions rather than ethical obligations regarding client consent.