Course Description
This is the first module in a two-part series addressing legal and ethical responsibilities of California LCSWs and LMFTs. Module 1 explores legal and ethical issues related to scope of practice, scope of competence, and crisis and imminent danger situations including the duty to warn and protect, suicidality, child abuse, elder and dependent adult abuse, and domestic violence. Module 2 explores legal and ethical issues related to confidentiality, consent to release and exchange information, subpoenas, treatment of minors, professional conduct, and cross-cultural treatment. To illustrate legal and ethical responsibilities, case vignettes (adapted from published cases of disciplinary actions by licensing boards) are used to explore therapists’ responsibilities. To print a certificate of completion, the online posttest must be passed with a score of 80% or better.
Target Audience
This course can be used toward the ongoing mandated license renewal requirement of six hours of training in law and ethics for California LCSWs and LMFTs. This course can also be used toward the mandated 12-hour California law and ethics coursework for LCSW and LMFT applicants.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, readers will be able to do the following:
- Identify legal and ethical issues related to scope of practice and scope of competence.
- Identify high-risk behavior and crisis issues, including the duty to warn, suicidality and impairment, child abuse and neglect, elder and dependent adult abuse and neglect, and domestic violence.
- Identify California laws related to child abuse, elder and dependent adult abuse, and domestic violence, including mandated reporting requirements.