California Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) Law and Ethics exam

When is it ethically acceptable for a social worker to disclose client information without consent?

1. When the client is at risk of harming themselves or others

2. When a family member requests information

3. When the treatment is moving to a group setting

4. When the social worker believes they have consent to disclose

The correct answer is: When the client is at risk of harming themselves or others

Disclosing client information without consent is a critical ethical consideration for social workers, and the correct context for such disclosure revolves around the safety and well-being of individuals involved. When the client is at risk of harming themselves or others, there is an ethical obligation to intervene to prevent potential harm. This aligns with the duty to protect the client and others from imminent danger, which is a fundamental principle within the field of social work. In this scenario, the concept of "duty to warn" and "duty to protect" plays a pivotal role, allowing social workers to breach confidentiality when the risk is tangible and immediate. It reinforces the idea that the safety of clients and the community at large takes precedence over confidentiality in circumstances where serious threats are present. The other situations do not meet the ethical thresholds established in social work practice. A simple family request does not constitute a valid reason for disclosure, as it requires the client's consent. Transitioning to a group setting typically necessitates informing clients about the limits of confidentiality inherent in that setting instead of disclosing personal information without individual consent. Lastly, assuming consent without clear communication from the client undermines the trust foundational to the client-worker relationship and is generally considered unethical.