Health Practice Tools

The Core Competencies for Frontline Complex Care Providers, created by the National Center for Complex Health & Social Needs, describe the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to provide quality care for people with complex health and social needs. Complex care is an emerging field of practice in which social workers have particular expertise.

The 21st Century Cures Act (Cures) is a bipartisan health care innovation law enacted by Congress in 2016 that includes provisions to promote the free flow of health information and interoperability.

In this Practice Alert, NASW provides resources for social workers to learn more about COVID-19 vaccines that are currently available and general eligibility guidelines to access a vaccine in the initial phases of distribution. NASW encourages individuals to receive a COVID-19 vaccine when they meet their state’s eligibility criteria. NASW is advocating for vaccine access for social workers and populations that are at high-risk for COVID-19, and NASW will continue to monitor federal and state vaccine distribution plans.

Open Enrollment for the health insurance marketplace is Sun, November 1 through Tues, December 15, 2020 for coverage to begin on January 1, 2021. Social workers can help families make an informed decision about health insurance during this challenging time and promote health, wellness, and financial security by protecting families from unexpected medical costs.

Get resources for National Diabetes Month and beyond.

Taking social risk factors into account is critical to improving the prevention and treatment of acute and chronic illness. Social workers are specialists in providing social care who have a long history of working within health care delivery, and in-depth training and credentialing. With expertise in patient and family engagement, assessment, care planning, behavioral health, and systems navigation, social workers identify and address multiple factors that contribute to health and well-being.