Ethics for Social Workers, Case Managers, and Substance Use Disorder Professionals

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The conceptual foundation of ethics represents an inherent and essential framework for delivery of healthcare services.  In this seminar attendees will gain a thorough understanding of the fundamental concepts of ethics in practice, including autonomy, justice, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and others. Ethical codes and guidelines will be discussed, including the NASW Code of Ethics, the MCBAP Code of Ethics, and the CCM Ethical Code and Principles. Ethical concepts such as confidentiality, informed consent, professional boundaries, and dual relationship issues will be addressed, and relevant case studies will be presented and discussed in large and small group sessions. With the increase of clinical practice through phone and video platforms, ethical concepts surrounding telehealth and teletherapy will be defined and discussed. Attendees will learn about ethical issues surrounding beginning and ending clinical relationships. Ethical problem-solving models and strategies will be examined and demonstrated. Throughout the seminar attendees will be actively engaged in a multi-media, multi-sensory presentation, well suited to all learning-styles.

Learning Objectives:
Participants will be able to:
1.    Name and describe the fundamental concepts of ethics in practice 
2.    List, describe, and utilize the steps of the ethical problem-solving model
3.    Describe how ethical concepts impact the clinical therapeutic relationship
4.    Define the concept of confidentiality, including confidentiality-exceptions 
5.    Define and describe informed consent in various contexts and disciplines
6.    Explain the ethical issues surrounding “dual relationships”
7.    Name and describe common ethical issues that arise in telehealth