____________________________________________ Professional Ethics and Law in California, 2nd Edition
• Encourage mental health practitioners to participate in the formulation and refinement of public policy (at the state and federal levels) relevant to genetic research, services, and treatment of populations with genetically identified predispositions or conditions In 2003, the National Association of Social Workers published the NASW Standards for Integrating Genetics into Social Work Practice. These standards were meant to educate and inform social workers, encourage them to participate in formulating and refining public policy, advocate for clients’ life, and make sure that social workers provide services to cli- ents with genetic disorders in a manner guided by the NASW Code of Ethics. TECHNOLOGY While there are many individuals who are hesitant to embrace new technology that can enhance best practice, one cannot ignore its many benefits. Currently, mental health professionals can use technology, particularly the Internet, to conduct research, provide e-therapy, advertise their services (when permitted), and communicate on a global scale with both clients and other professionals. Email, though fraught with potential for security viola- tions and miscommunication, has certainly increased the efficiency and speed with which people can communicate with one another. For example, a mental health researcher can conduct a search on the Internet to inquire about and then contact another professional in another region to investigate innovative approaches to service delivery. Software applications (e.g., basic word processing, finan- cial management systems, and documentation templates) assist practitioners with service planning, delivery, evaluation, and reporting. And wireless technology allows better utilization of their time away from the office. Cell phones have greatly increased accessibility as well. National mental health associations, along with others, are continuing to develop and publish guidelines to assist practitioners in the appropriate use of technology, including those who provide virtual therapy services. Technology and practice are generally defined as any electronically mediated activ- ity used in the conduct of competent and ethical delivery of services. For example, a copy of the standards as developed by several social work organizations can be found at https:// www.socialworkers.org/includes/newIncludes/homepage/ PRA-BRO-33617.TechStandards_FINAL_POSTING.pdf. Social workers shall: • Act ethically, ensure professional competence, and uphold the values of the profession. • Have access to and ensure their clients have access to technology and appropriate support systems.
ETHICS FOR SPECIALIZED PRACTICE AREAS Responsible mental health practice can be found in a variety of settings and address multiple issues. As the world changes, practitioners are increasingly challenged to broaden their knowledge and adopt practices that meet the unique needs of their service populations and settings. Currently, most mental health associations provide additional guides or standards of practice that address areas including substance abuse, health care, marriage and family issues, couples’ work, clinical social work, child welfare, pal- liative/end-of-life care, work with adolescents, and long-term care. They also publish standards that address issues such as technology, cultural competence, and genetics. It is helpful to review a couple of relevant issues impacting mental health practice. GENETICS Years ago, mental health practitioners could neither fathom the science of genetics nor predict its impact on the profession. Today genetics, or the study of genes and their effects on human growth and development, is looking increas- ingly promising as a solution to many of the health problems faced by humans. Genetics enables science to diagnose certain conditions and offers hope of deeper understanding of diseases and con- ditions so that they may be prevented and/or treated. And as history has demonstrated, any innovation brings with it new challenges to what we consider right, fair, ethical, and legal. All licensed mental health practitioners can take an active role in ensuring that their clients are protected against genetic discrimination in areas such as health and life insur- ance, employment, and adoption. And national mental health professional associations are beginning to address the need to integrate knowledge of genetics into mental health practice. Some of their objectives are to: • Inform about genetics as an expanding field of mental health knowledge • Improve the quality of services provided to clients with genetic disorders • Provide a basis for the development of continuing education materials and programs in genetics • Ensure that services to clients with genetic disorders are guided by association code of ethics • Advocate for clients’ right to self-determination, confidentiality, access to genetic services, and nondiscrimination
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