Course Description
This is the second module of a two-part series addressing legal and ethical responsibilities of California LCSWs and LMFTs. Module 1 explored 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 that have been adapted from published cases of disciplinary actions by licensing boards are used to explore and define therapists’ responsibilities. To print a certificate of completion, the online posttest must be passed with a score of 80% or better.
Target Audience
This two-part series 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 two-part series 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 confidentiality, including consent to release and/or exchange information, the treatment of minors, and managing subpoenas.
- Identify legal and ethical issues related to professional conduct, including setting and collecting fees, avoiding conflicts of interest, and being culturally competent.
- Identify strategies for avoiding legal and ethical dilemmas by knowing, interpreting, and applying professional codes of ethics and practice standards.