California Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) Law and Ethics exam

What action does a social worker take if they suspect elder abuse after a client discloses concerns about their mother's estate?

1. Report the concern to the BBS

2. Assess for elder abuse and its potential impact on the client's case

3. Maintain confidentiality of the information disclosed

4. Discuss the situation with a supervisor

The correct answer is: Report the concern to the BBS

The most appropriate action for a social worker who suspects elder abuse is to assess for elder abuse and its potential impact on the client's case. This step involves gathering information to determine whether there has indeed been an instance of elder abuse and how it may affect not just the elder but also the client who has raised the concern. Reporting the concern to the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) may be relevant in some contexts, but it is not the primary immediate duty of the social worker upon suspicion or disclosure of elder abuse. The social worker's first obligation is to thoroughly assess the situation based on professional standards and ethical guidelines. Maintaining confidentiality is important, but it may be overridden in cases of suspected abuse where there is a duty to protect the elder. Discussing the situation with a supervisor is also a common practice to get guidance, but the priority is to conduct an assessment first to ensure that any necessary protective actions can be initiated promptly.