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The NASW Legal
Defense Fund (LDF)—which is financed principally
by contributions from NASW members through the check-off contained
on member dues renewal forms—provides financial legal assistance
and support for legal cases and issues of concern to NASW members
and the social work profession, and also supports educational projects
and programs to improve the legal status and knowledge of the social
work profession.
The LDF Board of Trustees,
which meets twice yearly, applies established guidelines in its
process of deciding which cases or projects will be funded.
General counsel will
continue to work with the Association's Marketing and Development
departments to raise awareness of the LDF, and to increase contributions
to LDF to further the Association's legal endeavors.
EDUCATING
SOCIAL WORKERS ABOUT HEALTH CARE CONFIDENTIALITY LEGISLATION.
This year, LDF provided grants totaling $20,000 to offer
information to members and chapters about the Health Insurance Portability
and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). The general counsel's staff
presented HIPAA information to seven chapters; developed a "HIPAA
Highlights" section on the NASW Web site, and also made the materials
available in hard copy format; offered 10 free telephone trainings
on HIPAA regulations for NASW members; and developed a continuing
education Web-based program of four courses on HIPAA. To date, more
than 1,200 individuals have taken advantage of NASW's HIPAA trainings.
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