Informed Consent Agreements: Standards of Care for Digital Social Work Practices

ABSTRACT

The inclusion of remote digital practices (e-mail, texting, blogging, social media) to deliver social work services raises unique ethical and legal challenges for client and practitioner. Competent care necessitates providing clients with information that would materially affect clients’ decisions whether to assume the risks, benefits, and conditions associated with e-practices. As standards of care for distance service provision have not been firmly established, social workers are duty bound to be well-informed about current laws, duties, and obligations including specific rules governing the practice of social work in the states where they deliver remote services. This article identifies distinct threats to privacy and confidentiality associated with e-practices and offers suggested content for a comprehensive informed consent policy.

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Notes on contributors

Marian Mattison

Marian Mattison is a former Associate Professor in the Social Work Department at Providence College.