Texas Administrative Code › Title 22 - EXAMINING BOARDS › Part 34 - TEXAS STATE BOARD OF SOCIAL WORKER EXAMINERS › Chapter 781 - SOCIAL WORKER LICENSURE › Subchapter B - RULES OF PRACTICE › Section 781.304 - Relationships with Clients

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
(a) A social worker
				  shall inform in writing a prospective client about the nature of the
				  professional relationship, which can include but is not limited to office
				  procedures, after-hours coverage, services provided, fees, and arrangements for
				  payment.
(b) The social worker
				  shall not give or receive a commission, rebate, or any other form of
				  remuneration for referring clients.
(c) A social worker shall not enter into a
				  business relationship with a client. This rule does not prohibit a professional
				  social work relationship with a client, as described in this
				  subchapter.
(d) A social worker
				  shall not engage in activities that seek to primarily meet the social worker's
				  personal needs or personal gain instead of the needs of the client.
(e) A social worker shall be responsible for
				  setting and maintaining professional boundaries.
(f) A social worker shall keep accurate
				  records of services to include, but not be limited to, dates of services, types
				  of services, progress or case notes and billing information for a minimum of
				  seven years after the date of termination of services for an adult client or
				  five years beyond the age of 18 years of age for a minor, whichever is
				  greater.
(g) A social worker shall
				  bill clients or third parties for only those services actually rendered or as
				  agreed to by mutual written understanding.
(h) A licensee shall not make any false,
				  misleading, deceptive, fraudulent or exaggerated claim or statement about the
				  effectiveness of the licensee's services; the licensee's qualifications,
				  capabilities, background, training, experience, education, professional
				  affiliations, fees, products, or publications; the type, effectiveness,
				  qualifications, and products or services offered by an organization or agency;
				  or the practice or field of social work.
(i) If the licensee learns that false,
				  misleading, deceptive, fraudulent or exaggerated statements about the services,
				  qualifications, or products have been made, the licensee shall take reasonable
				  steps to correct the inappropriate claims, prevent their reoccurrence, and
				  report the incident to the Council.
(j) A licensee shall provide social work
				  intervention only in the context of a professional relationship.
(k) Electronic practice may be used
				  judiciously as part of the social work process and the supervision process.
				  Social workers engaging in electronic practice, providing services to clients
				  located in the State of Texas, must be licensed in Texas and adhere to
				  provisions of this chapter.
(l) The
				  licensee shall not provide social work services or intervention to previous or
				  current family members; personal friends; educational or business associates;
				  or individuals whose welfare might be jeopardized by a dual or multiple
				  relationship.
(m) The licensee
				  shall not accept from or give to a client any gift with a value in excess of
				  $25. If the licensee's employer prohibits giving or receiving gifts, the
				  licensee shall comply with the employer's policy.
(n) The licensee or relatives to the fourth
				  degree of consanguinity or affinity of the licensee may not intentionally
				  borrow or lend money or items of value to clients or relatives to the fourth
				  degree of consanguinity or affinity of clients.
(o) The licensee shall take reasonable
				  precautions to protect individuals from physical or emotional harm resulting
				  from interaction within individual and group settings.
(p) A licensee shall not promote the
				  licensee's personal or business activities that are unrelated to the current
				  professional relationship.
(q) A
				  licensee shall set and maintain professional boundaries, avoiding dual or
				  multiple relationships with clients. If a dual or multiple relationship
				  develops, the social worker is responsible for ensuring the client is
				  safe.
(r) A licensee may not enter
				  into a non-professional relationship with a client's family member or any
				  person having a personal or professional relationship with the client, if the
				  licensee knows or reasonably should have known such a relationship could be
				  detrimental to the client.