Missouri Code of State Regulations › Title 20 - DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND INSURANCE › Division 2263 - State Committee for Social Workers › Chapter 3 - Ethical Standards/Disciplinary Rules › Section 20 CSR 2263-3.040 - Client Relationships

Current through Register Vol. 49, No. 14, July 15, 2024
PURPOSE: This amendment updates terminology from
				  "member(s) of the profession" to "licensee(s)".
(1) A licensee shall not enter into or
				continue a dual or multiple relationship, including social relationship,
				business relationship, or sexual relationship, as defined by the committee,
				with a current client or with a person to whom the member has at any time
				rendered psychotherapy (clinical social work) or other professional social work
				services for the treatment or amelioration of mental and emotional conditions.
				Business relationships do not include purchases made by the member from the
				client when the client is providing necessary goods or services to the general
				public, and the member determines that it is not possible or reasonable to
				obtain the necessary goods or services from another provider.
(2) A licensee shall be alert to and avoid
				conflicts of interest that interfere with the exercise of professional
				discretion and impartial judgment.
(3) A licensee should make clear to clients
				the purposes, goals, techniques, rules of procedure, and limitations that may
				affect the professional relationship at or before the time that it is begun. A
				licensee shall not provide professional services to clients without being able
				to justify the basis upon which those services are rendered.
(4) A licensee should be aware of his/her own
				mental health and emotional stability and the effect those have on his/her
				ability to provide appropriate services to clients. A licensee shall not
				undertake or continue a professional relationship with a client when the
				competency of the member is or reasonably could be expected to be impaired due
				to mental, emotional, physiologic, pharmacologic, or substance abuse
				conditions. If that condition develops after a professional relationship has
				been initiated, the member shall notify the client in writing of the
				termination of services and shall assist the client in obtaining services from
				another professional.
(5) A
				licensee shall not undertake and/or continue a professional relationship with a
				client when the objectivity or competency of the member is, or reasonably could
				be expected to be, impaired because of present or previous familial, social,
				sexual, emotional, financial, supervisory, political, administrative, or legal
				relationship with the client. If that dual relationship develops or is
				discovered after the professional relationship has been initiated, the licensee
				shall terminate the professional relationship in an appropriate manner, shall
				notify the client in writing of this termination, and shall assist the client
				in obtaining services from another professional.
(6) A licensee should be knowledgeable about
				the services available in the community and make appropriate referrals for
				their clients. When a licensee has a relationship, particularly of an
				administrative, supervisory, and/or evaluative nature, with an individual
				seeking counseling services, the licensed social worker shall not serve as the
				practitioner for such individual but shall refer the individual to another
				professional.
(7) A licensee must
				inform clients about electronic recording of sessions, how such sessions will
				be used, and provide specific information about any specialized or experimental
				activities in which they may be expected to participate as a condition of
				service.
(8) A licensee shall
				terminate a professional relationship when it is reasonably clear that the
				client is not benefiting from the relationship or when the service has been
				satisfactorily rendered.
(9) A
				licensee shall protect clients against physical threats, intimidation, and
				coercion in the provision of social services insofar as is reasonably
				possible.
(10) A licensee shall not
				attempt any intervention unless thoroughly trained in its use or under the
				supervision of an expert.
(11) A
				licensee rendering services to a client shall maintain professional records
				that include:
(A) The presenting problem(s),
				assessment, plan of action, and progress notes;
(B) The fee arrangement;
(C) The date and substance of each contact
				with the client;
(D) Notation and
				results of formal consults with other providers;
(E) A copy of all evaluative reports prepared
				or received as a part of the professional relationship;
(F) A copy of a written communication with
				the client identifying the date and reason for termination of professional
				service if the licensed social worker is in private practice.