Selected Standards
Standard 1.03 of the NASW Code of Ethics was subject to significant revisions that were largely related to social workers’ policies and procedures concerning the use of technology in the provision of professional services.
1.04 Competence
Changes to section 1.04 largely focus on social workers’ competency as it relates to using technology and embarking on the use of new forms of technology.
Revisions related to standard 1.05 included a change to the title from “Cultural Competence and Social Diversity” to “Cultural Awareness and Social Diversity.”
Revisions to the “Conflicts of Interest” section resulted in the addition of four new standards
Section 1.07is the longest in the NASW Code of Ethics and accordingly was subject to the most revision.
This standard was revised to include a new standard.
Standard 1.09 details the prohibitions against
sexual activities with current and former clients, and with clients’
relatives and close associates.
Standard 1.11 states that social workers should not sexually harass
clients. The revision to this standard specifically addresses the fact
that “written or electronic communications” are included among the range
of behaviors that the term “sexual harassment” encompasses.
Standard 1.15 advises social workers to
make reasonable efforts to ensure continuity of services in the event
that services are interrupted.
The Referral for Services standard was revised in two ways. First, the standard,
previously numbered 2.06 is now 1.16. Second, the language in 1.16(a)
was modified to clarify that referrals for services in this context
address situations when social workers identify new services to replace
services currently being provided.
Termination of Services was formerly 1.16, and is now standard 1.17. There were no revisions to the content of this standard.
Standard 2.01 focuses on social workers’ ethical
responsibilities to colleagues. Revisions to 2.01 specify that social
workers should communicate with colleagues respectfully, including in
electronic communications. In addition, the reference to “mental and physical disability” was
replaced with “mental and physical ability.”
Formerly standard 2.11 of the NASW Code of Ethics, this standard was revised to include the use of technology.
Changes to standard 3.01 of the NASW Code of Ethics, Supervision and
Consultation, reference the use of technology and providing these
services remotely.
This standard focuses on the ethical responsibilities of social
workers who function as educators, field instructors, or trainers.
This standard addresses ethical requirements related to documentation and the maintenance of client records.
There are now 16 standards in this section, including new content that incorporates guidance for social workers using electronic technology in evaluation and research.
This standard addresses social workers’ responsibilities to the broader society.