3 Reasons an Indiana Social Worker Could Lose Their License

Social work is a noble profession that requires dedication, sacrifice, and compassion. It is a job that impacts thousands of lives in Indiana, making the state a better place. However, social workers are held to certain professional ethics and standards. Failure to meet these standards can result in discipline, including license suspension or revocation. The loss of a license can be catastrophic for a social worker's career. By understanding the reasons that an Indiana social worker could lose their license, a person can take the necessary steps to avoid these issues.

Negligence and Malpractice

Negligence occurs when a social worker breaches the duty of care owed to their client. Malpractice, on the other hand, may occur when a social worker causes harm to a client as a result of professional misconduct or errors. Both negligence and malpractice can result in disciplinary action and the revocation of a social worker's license. To prevent negligence and malpractice, social workers must be diligent in their interactions with clients and draw firm boundaries.

Failure to Report Child or Elder Abuse

One of the most serious reasons a person can lose their social work license involves the failure to report abuse or neglect. As mandated reporters, social workers have the legal obligation to report any suspicions of child or elder abuse, and failure to act on this information could cause a person's professional license to be revoked. Every social worker should have a clear understanding of their legal requirements in this regard and take immediate action if they have any doubts about their obligations.

Boundary Violations

Social workers have an ethical responsibility to maintain appropriate boundaries with their clients. When these boundaries become blurred, this can lead to serious problems and potentially even result in license revocation. Common examples of boundary violations include giving or receiving gifts, engaging in sexual relationships with clients, committing other forms of sexual misconduct, and sharing personal information that is not relevant to the professional relationship. One of the quickest ways to lose a social work license is to cross the ethical boundaries outlined in the professional code of standards.

Substance Abuse

As with any profession, substance abuse or addictions can affect a social worker's ability to perform their job functions. A social worker with a substance abuse problem could put their clients in danger or make poor decisions that could affect their professional relationships. Social workers are expected to maintain a healthy and professional demeanor at all times, and substance abuse can be a clear violation of these expectations. Social workers who abuse drugs, alcohol, or any other substance risk losing their license -- not to mention facing legal consequences.

Fraud and Deception

Social workers must be honest and provide reliable information to their clients. Providing false information that results in a negative outcome can result in the loss of a social work license. Social workers are held to high ethical and legal standards, and fraud or other criminal conduct is usually a clear violation of these ideals. This type of conduct could damage the reputation of the profession and lead to a lack of trust with clients. Because of this, social workers who engage in criminal conduct could be subject to license suspension or revocation.

Contact Our Indianapolis Social Worker License Defense Attorney

As a social worker, it is important to understand the expectations and obligations of your profession. Failure to meet these standards could result in the loss of your license, which could have a lasting impact on your career and your ability to continue to work in the field. By avoiding common pitfalls such as those discussed above and maintaining a professional demeanor at all times, you can protect yourself and your clients and build a successful and fulfilling career. However, if you have been accused of violations, you will need to determine the appropriate response to defend against discipline to your license. At The Law Offices of Joseph J. Bogdan, LLC, our Indiana social work license defense lawyer can provide the representation you need in these situations. Contact us at 463-219-2612 to discuss these issues in a free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.in.gov/pla/professions/behavioral-health-and-human-services/behavioral-health-and-human-services-licensing-information/#Social_Work

https://www.aswb.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Model-law-for-web.pdf