This program has been approved for 6 Category A Continuing Education Credits with 3 credits in Ethics by the National Association of Social Workers, NH Chapter. Auth. #3409
This workshop reviews proactive strategies to reduce the probability of ethics complaints to community agencies and mental health licensing boards as well as the filing of malpractice suits against mental health practitioners. The risks of such actions are discussed in the context of socio-cultural trends including the practices of managed care companies and the overall decline and weakening of the mental health care system nationwide.
Erroneous assumptions/beliefs about ethics complaints and malpractice actions as well as other risk factors, which can increase the likelihood of clients going forward with such actions, are clarified. Topics discussed that may elevate the risk of complaints include the clinical situations and professional roles likely to trigger complaints and client and mental health practitioner vulnerabilities.
The similarities and differences between non-admirable behavior, ethics violations and illegal behavior as well as the similarities and differences between complaints filed with community agencies, state mental health licensing boards and malpractice suits will be explained.
We will review risk management strategies to lower risk and mitigate the impact of a complaint or a suit. These include how to compose and update effective informed consent forms and office records as well as obtain consultation/supervision including collateral medical and specialty mental health evaluations.