California Laws & Ethics for Social Workers (18 hr Pre-Licensure Course)

Course Level: Intermediate

Course By: Alden Hori, PhD

Dr. Hori earned a PhD in psychology from the University of California at Riverside. He was an Associate-In Professor and Research Assistant at the University of California at Riverside, where he supervised the completion of over 50 research projects in psychology. He is credited with three publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Course Description: This course examines the many nuances of California law and regulation and puts them in digestible, easy-to-apply language.

Course Delivery: Online, Self-Paced

Topics covered include:

• Scope of Practice
• Licensing Requirements
• Unprofessional Conduct
• Informed Consent
• Confidentiality and Privilege
• Working with Minors (including detailed information on child abuse reporting)
• Working with Elders and Dependent Adults
• Advertising
• Technology
• Advocacy

This course also reviews recent changes in law and regulations regarding records retention, child abuse reporting, advertising, disciplinary actions, and more.

In addition, this course includes a summary of the NASW Code of Ethics, and provides a clear and concise discussion of these ethical principles. Topics that are addressed within this course target issues related to maintaining confidentiality; disclosing confidential information with and without valid consent; responding to a subpoena; HIPAA’s privacy rule; client self-determination; professional competence; informed consent; payment for services; conflicts of interest and dual relationships; clients’ access to their records; client transfer; interruption or termination of services; and representing and advertising your services.

Learning objectives:

1. Define and delineate the scope of practice for social workers
2. Summarize the licensing requirements for social workers
3. Summarize the actions that constitute unprofessional conduct for social workers
4. Define the requirements for informed consent and issues related to disclosure
5. Evaluate the principles underlying confidentiality and privilege and distinguish between them
6. Evaluate key laws related to the treatment of minors
7. Evaluate key laws related to the treatment of elder and dependent adults
8. Evaluate the legal requirements for advertising services
9. Evaluate the legal requirements for telehealth
10. Gain knowledge of the key ethical principles in the NASW Code of Ethics
11. Gain knowledge of the range of penalties associated with violations on the statutes and regulations in California

NOTE: The information presented in this course is for informational purposes only and is not meant to serve as ethical or legal advice. For ethical or legal advice, please contact a professional organization, state licensing board, or attorney.