NASW Memberlink - March 2010

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March 2010

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In This Issue:

Celebrate Social Work Month

March is National Professional Social Work Month
“Social Workers Inspire Community Action”

Social Work Month Memorabilia Now Available

PRACTICE ADVANCES AND SUPPORT

HFA’s Teleconference on Living with Grief Scheduled for March 24

Increases in Work and Practice Expense Values Warranted, Say Respondents

NASW Encourages Clinical Social Workers to Review and Comment on Draft DSM-V

HIPAA Amendments Effective February 17, 2010

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT/CE CREDIT

Leadership Forum Webinar: Manage Your Professional Image Online (1.0 Free CE) — April 27, 2010

Relocation Stress Syndrome: Why Transitions Can Lead to Trauma for Older Adults
(1.0 Free CE) — April 29, 2010

Apply for Fellowship Opportunities for Social Workers in Aging and Health — Applications Due April 2010

GOVERNANCE

Cast Your Vote in the NASW 2010 Election

Submit Your Comments on Proposed NASW Bylaws Amendments by May 7

Set NASW Policy
Call to the 2011 Delegate Assembly

NEW PUBLICATIONS

March NASW NEWS

	From the Director: Social Work Congress Reminds Us of Call to Mentorship
	Social Workers Come to Haiti’s Aid
	NASW Celebrates ACSW's Golden Anniversary
	Cancer Oral Medication Adherence Course to Debut

New Edition of ATOD Title Prepares Social Workers for New Realities and Challenges in Substance Use

Inside February Health & Social Work

	What are the Parent-Reported Reasons for Unmet Mental Health Needs in Children?
	Older Latinos’ Attitudes Toward and Comfort with End-of-Life Planning
	Perceived Racism and Discrimination in Children and Youths: An Exploratory Study

LEGISLATIVE AND LEGAL ADVOCACY

Parity Rules Effective July 1

PUBLIC EDUCATION

Wear Your Social Worker Pin with Pride This March, Social Work Month

Social Workers Contribute to Help Victims of Haiti Earthquake

Part-Time Service Option for Loan Repayment Program Coming Soon

MEMBER BENEFITS

Learn How to Avoid Ethical Complaints, Licensing Board Violations, and Malpractice Lawsuits. Protect Yourself.

Protect Yourself, Your Livelihood, and Future Ability to Help Others

Free Risk Management Hotline for All NASW Members

Secure Your Family’s Future with Term Life Coverage Amounts up to $407,000

FREE Samsung Impression for NASW Members During March

Celebrate Social Work Month

March is National Professional Social Work Month
“Social Workers Inspire Community Action”

This March, join your social work colleagues around the globe in celebrating National Professional Social Work Month. This year’s theme—Social Workers Inspire Community Action—captures the leadership spirit of social workers and our role in inspiring community action to improve lives. This month, let the media and public know how you have changed lives in your community. For a sample radio public service announcement and ways to educate the public, click here.

Social Work Month Memorabilia Now Available

Celebrate the social work role in inspiring community action with this year’s Social Work Month memorabilia. Buttons, magnets, posters, mugs, key chains, and badges with the “Social Workers Inspire Community Action” theme are available for sale at www.NASWStore.com.

NASW Launches Two New Sections During Social Work Month

NASW is celebrating Social Work Month with the release of two new practice Sections for members: Administration/Supervision and Social Work and the Courts. Administration/Supervision focuses on leadership and advocacy consistent with the core values of social work, and Social Work and the Courts focuses on social work roles and responsibilities or expertise that intersects with the legal system.

The NASW Specialty Practice Sections are professional, practice-specific communities within NASW that keep you current on practice issues and trends affecting social work practice and service delivery and offer multiple opportunities to earn free CEs throughout the year. Learn more about the new Sections here and join today for just $35 per Section per year. We are currently accepting only online applications for the two new Sections. You must be a current NASW member to join a Section.

PRACTICE ADVANCES AND SUPPORT

HFA’s Teleconference on Living with Grief Scheduled for March 24

NASW supports the Hospice Foundation of America’s (HFA’s) national teleconference—Living with Grief: Cancer and End-of-Life Care—on Wednesday, March 24, 2010, 1:30-4:00PM (EST). Learn about care options related to cancer diagnoses, as well as loss and grief reactions for patients, families, and professional caregivers. Understand psychosocial aspects of cancer, pain management, and ethical issues related to the disease. Yvette Colon, PhD, MSW, will be part of the multidisciplinary panel discussing the topic. Social workers can receive continuing education credits for participating. For more information on the teleconference or on hosting a teleconference site or participating at a site, click here.

Job of the Month
Clinical Therapist, Licensed

Employer:
Boulder Creek Academy

Location:
Bonners Ferry, Idaho

For more social work employment opportunities, go to CAREERS.socialworkers.org.

Increases in Work and Practice Expense Values Warranted, Say Respondents
Results of Request for Compelling Evidence to Increase Psychotherapy CPT Codes Now Available
Last year, NASW informed members that the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes for psychotherapy services were being considered for review to increase the work and practice expense values associated with reimbursement rates. NASW asked members to submit compelling evidence to resurvey these values. All respondents said that increases in values were warranted because the last increases were made in the 1990s. View the results and comments here.

NASW Encourages Clinical Social Workers to Review and Comment on
Draft DSM-V

From now until April 20, 2010, you can review and comment on the proposed fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V). NASW encourages clinical social workers to provide feedback on this work tool that is used frequently in a mental health environment. Click here to review the draft.

HIPAA Amendments Effective February 17, 2010

Changes to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) became effective February 17. The NASW Legal Defense Fund’s latest Legal Issue of the Month — HIPAA Amendments for a New Decade: 2010 and Beyond — addresses these changes, providing information about increased enforcement for HIPAA violations, increased responsibilities for business associates of health care entities, and the need for practitioners to revise HIPAA forms and policies. NASW is updating its online HIPAA courses and forms, which will be available in early March 2010. Read the LDF article here.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT/CE CREDIT

Leadership Forum Webinar: Manage Your Professional Image Online (1.0 Free CE) — April 27, 2010

Lunchtime Series

While most of us have used social media for maintaining personal relationships and contacts, the World Wide Web is also an opportunity for promoting your professional expertise and the services offered by your organization. This workshop anticipates key concerns of internet users, such as professional boundaries, appropriate use of basic interactive Web communications, and balancing risk with opportunities. Learn more and register here. NASW members only.

Relocation Stress Syndrome: Why Transitions Can Lead to Trauma for Older Adults (1.0 Free CE) — April 29, 2010

Relocation Stress Syndrome (RSS) is a clinical challenge to seniors, families, and professionals. The most effective interventions are often allied with core social work concepts and values: person-in-environment, self-determination, personal rights and responsibilities, and diversity. Learn more about this webinar and register here.

Apply for Fellowship Opportunities for Social Workers in Aging and Health
Applications Due April 2010

If you are working in aging and health care, are trying to enhance your organization’s services to older adults, or are interested in applying your practice experience to policymaking, consider applying for the following fellowships (unaffiliated with NASW):

Practice Change Fellows Program—Provides leadership training, individual mentoring, structured peer feedback, and funding to support each participant in developing leadership skills and content expertise that will enhance care for older adults.

Health and Aging Policy Fellows Program—Offers practical experience and professional mentoring in health policy development and implementation on behalf of older adults.

Click here for more information about these unique opportunities for social workers and other health care professionals.

GOVERNANCE

Cast Your Vote in the NASW 2010 Election

The NASW 2010 election began the first week in March. To be eligible to vote in this election, you must be a member in good standing with the Association as of February 26, 2010. A ballot and candidates’ information have been published in the March issue of the NASW NEWS. NASW also will be sending you an email with a personalized link to a ballot for voting electronically. This email will be sent to the email address in your member record. To update your email address, log in to the NASW Member Center at www.socialworkers.org/membercenter, or call 800.742.4089 or 202.408.8600 ext. 499. This is an important election year; let your voice be heard.

Submit Your Comments on Proposed NASW Bylaws Amendments by May 7

Proposed amendments to NASW Bylaws articles on 1) amendments to bylaws, 2) membership, and 3) dues and other income are under consideration. NASW invites you to review the proposed changes and submit comments by May 7, 2010. To access the proposed amendments and post your comments, first log in to the NASW Web site at www.socialworkers.org by clicking on the “Log In” button at the top of the page and entering your NASW username and password. Once logged in, copy and paste the following link to your browser: https://www.socialworkers.org/governance/BylawAmmend/default.asp?CatID=3

Set NASW Policy
Call to the 2011 Delegate Assembly

Have you considered changing NASW public or professional policy, or amending the NASW Code of Ethics? Activities for the 2011 Delegate Assembly—the representative, decision-making body through which NASW members establish program priority goals and develop a collective stance on public and professional policies—are underway. If you intend to write new NASW policy or propose changes, email Sue Jashinsky your intention by April 16, 2010 at sjashinsky@naswdc.org. If accepted, your proposed new policies would need to be written and submitted, per the policy guidelines, by June18, 2010. The 2011 Delegate Assembly holds its culminating meeting August 5-6, 2011. Learn more here.

NEW PUBLICATIONS

March NASW NEWS

Look for these articles in the March issue, available at NASW NEWS online.

From the Director: Social Work Congress Reminds Us of Call to Mentorship
By Elizabeth J. Clark, PhD, ACSW, MPH
In April, the second Congress of Social Work will be held in Washington, DC. Convened and supported by 12 social work organizations, this invitation-only meeting will bring together 400 leaders in the social work profession. One of the major areas of concern that will be addressed at the Congress is transition of leadership. As a profession, we need to be certain that we have prepared the next generation of social work leaders to step into the roles and shoes of those of us who will be retiring in the next decade.

Rep. Towns Honors ACSWs on the 50th Anniversary of the Credential
The year 2010 marks the 50th Anniversary of the Academy of Certified Social Workers (ACSW). In February Rep. Towns paid tribute to ACSW credential holders who have made significant contributions to society.
Read Towns’ Congressional Record statements here.
Learn more about the credential here.

Social Workers Come to Haiti’s Aid
Social Worker and NASW Member Meg Kallman had never seen such devastation. “Buildings were flattened like pancakes, streets were impassable with debris, cement and dust everywhere ... just everywhere," she said, struggling for the words to convey her first impression of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Amy Bess, NASW senior practice associate for human rights and international affairs, said that in the wake of disaster, it's important for officials to recognize that psychosocial well-being is on a par with physical health. “That's where social workers come in, and that's why professionals like Kallman are indispensible to the relief effort."

NASW Celebrates ACSW's Golden Anniversary
NASW has much in store to celebrate 50 years of the Academy of Certified Social Workers credential. Established in 1960, the ACSW was the first national credential for the social work profession. According to NASW Credentialing Center Manager Stephanie Chambers, the ACSW has evolved over time to remain relevant with the advent of state licensing and subspecialization. "It's become our leadership credential," says Chambers.

Cancer Oral Medication Adherence Course to Debut
A new NASW Web education course, "Promoting Adherence with Cancer Oral Medications: The Social Worker's Role," will launch this month.

The course, developed by NASW and the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship, will be available free of charge at www.NASWWebEd.org.

New Edition of ATOD Title Prepares Social Workers for New Realities and Challenges in Substance Use

Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs

The release of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs, 2nd Edition by Ann Abbott is now available for purchase. This release prepares new social workers for and updates seasoned professionals on the new realities and challenges in this specialization. Ann Abbott and her colleagues present the current state of knowledge related to the understanding, assessment, intervention, and practice evaluation of ATOD. To learn more about the title and purchase it, click here, or call 800.227.3590.

Inside February Health & Social Work

Look for These Forthcoming NASW Press Titles at www.NASWPress.org

Interactional Supervision, 3rdEdition
Lawrence Shulman

Empowering Social Workers for Practice with Vulnerable Older Adults
Barbara Soniat

A Guide to Essential Human Services, 2nd Edition
Rick Reamer

When Their World Falls Apart, 2nd Edition
Lawrence Rosenfeld

What are the Parent-Reported Reasons for Unmet Mental Health Needs in Children?
LeaAnne DeRigne
Parents of children with emotional or behavioral conditions often struggle to access and afford mental health services for their children. Examine parent-reported reasons for children’s unmet mental health needs and policy implications.

Older Latinos’ Attitudes Toward and Comfort with End-of-Life Planning
Janna C. Heyman and Irene A. Gutheil
Elders’ attitudes toward and comfort with end-of-life planning play a crucial role in the success of such planning. Is it possible to positively influence attitudes toward and comfort with end-of-life planning among older Latinos receiving homecare services? Understand the results of this study of Latino elders receiving homecare services and apply them to your work.

Perceived Racism and Discrimination in Children and Youths: An Exploratory Study
Lee M. Pachter, Bruce A. Bernstein, Laura A. Szalacha, and Cynthia García Coll
Little is known about children’s experiences of racism, but racism may be a factor contributing to poor health and healthcare disparities in minority children. Examine the results of this study describing occurrences of perceived racism among a convenience sample of urban 8- to 16-year-olds and apply them to your work.

Order your Health & Social Work subscription today at www.naswpressonline.org.

LEGISLATIVE AND LEGAL ADVOCACY

Parity Rules Effective July 1

Federal officials with the departments of Health and Human Services, Labor, and Treasury jointly issued interim final rules, effective July 1, on the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA), signed into law by President Bush in October 2008. The rules implementing the new law require that mental health and addiction benefits in group health insurance plans be equal to most medical and surgical benefits. The new rules prohibit group health insurance plans from restricting access to care by limiting benefits and requiring higher patient costs than those that apply to general medical or surgical benefits.

Learn more about the parity rules below.

PUBLIC EDUCATION

Wear Your Social Worker Pin with Pride This March, Social Work Month

Celebrate your education and experience, and help tell the Social Work story. Your support for the NASW Foundation’s National Social Work Public Education Campaign helps us educate the media, policymakers, employers, social workers, and the public about the importance of the social work profession. With just a $25 donation, you will receive a silver-plated Professional Social Worker pin in appreciation. Donors of $50 or more will receive a gold-plated Professional Social Worker pin. Please allow two weeks for delivery. Learn more about the Social Work Public Education Campaign and why and how you can get involved here.

Social Workers Contribute to Help Victims of Haiti Earthquake

NASW members have been extremely generous in their contributions to the NASW Foundation’s Social Work Disaster Assistance Fund to assist social workers and/or social welfare organizations in Haiti. One-hundred percent of donations go directly to helping others.

For resources on the social work response in Haiti, click here. Topics on this NASW site include child protection and adoption in Haiti, standards for psychosocial and mental health response in emergencies, resources for family members coping with this disaster, and resources for social workers who want to help.

Part-Time Service Option for Loan Repayment Program Coming Soon

In March 2010, clinicians working part-time (20 to 39 hours each week, at least 45 weeks each year) at facilities approved by the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) will be eligible to apply to the NHSC demonstration program for Part-Time Loan Repayment. For eligibility requirements and to be notified when the Application Information Bulletin: Eligibility becomes available, click here.

MEMBER BENEFITS

Learn How to Avoid Ethical Complaints, Licensing Board Violations, and Malpractice Lawsuits. Protect Yourself.

Did you know you can learn how to avoid ethical complaints, licensing board violations, and malpractice lawsuits, AND receive the continuing education credits you need to keep your license? The ASI Education Center offers risk management workshops, sponsored by NASW Assurance Services and co-sponsored by NASW Chapters and other hosts. Workshop presenters are social workers, who are also former board members, trained in the latest malpractice risk management techniques. Protect yourself and your ability to practice social work by participating in a local risk management workshop (3 CEs) or taking online NASW WebEd courses (free CEs) on ethics and malpractice.

Protect Yourself, Your Livelihood, and Future Ability to Help Others

As a social worker, you’re exposed to many potential malpractice lawsuits. Even a groundless claim can jeopardize your reputation and ability to practice. NASW Assurance Services’ Professional Liability Insurance allows you to tailor flexible coverage options to meet your specific needs. This program insures thousands of social workers worldwide. It’s perfect for independent contractors, private practitioners, exclusively employed individuals, partnerships, corporations, schools, students, and more. Apply now with no risk. For additional information, call 800.421.6694 or visit NASW Assurance Services today.

Free Risk Management Hotline for All NASW Members

A risk management hotline is available to all NASW members, as well as professional liability insurance policyholders. The hotline specializes in risk management information to help members avoid licensing board complaints and malpractice lawsuits. Call 800.421.6694 for more information.

Secure Your Family’s Future with Term Life Coverage Amounts up to $407,000

NASW Assurance Services offers you affordable Term Life insurance options in increments of $1,000 that give you the flexibility to customize the amount that’s just right for you and the ones you love. Visit NASW Assurance Services or call 866.591.8267 for more information.

FREE Samsung Impression for NASW Members During March

This March NASW members can receive the Samsung Impression for FREE at the NASW Wireless Center. The Impression comes with a FREE accessory bundle that includes a 2-in-1 charger, hard plastic case, and Bluetooth headset. Don’t miss out on this $450 value, FREE for NASW members for the month of March. Visit www.wirelessnasw.com for details and other great cell phone savings.