A. Definitions
Client - means the individual, couple, family, group,
organization, or community that seeks or receives social work services from an
individual social worker or organization. Client status is not dependent on
billing or payment of fees for such services.
Electronic social work services - mean the use of computers
(including the Internet, social media, online chat, text, and email) and other
electronic means (such as smartphones, landline telephones, and video
technology) to (a) provide social work information to the public, (b) deliver
social work services to clients, (c) communicate with clients, (d) manage
confidential information and case records, (e) store and access information
about clients, and (f) arrange payment for professional services.
In-person - refers to interactions in which the social worker
and the client are in the same physical space and does not include interactions
that may occur through the use of technology.
Remote - refers to the provision of a service that is
received at a different site from where the social worker is physically
located. Remote includes no consideration related to distance and may refer to
a site that is near to or far from the social worker.
B. Electronic Practice Social Work Services:
The practice of LSW, LMSW, or Clinical or Certified Social Work to an
individual in this state or another state through telephonic, electronic social
work services, or other means, regardless of the location of the practitioner,
shall constitute the practice of social work and shall be subject to Rules and
Regulations of the state where they are providing services and where the client
is receiving services. Social workers providing electronic social work services
shall take all necessary measures to ensure compliance with relevant practice
standards and ethics.
C. Social
workers who choose to provide electronic social work services shall:
1. Inform clients about risks associated with
disclosure of confidential information on the Internet, social media sites,
text-messaging sites, and videoconferencing sites, and the potential
consequences.
2. Use proper
safeguards, including encryption, when sharing confidential information using
digital or other electronic technology. Social workers shall protect clients'
stored confidential information through the use of proper safeguards, including
secure firewalls, encryption software, and password. Adhere to statutes and
regulations regarding the secure use of digital and other electronic technology
both within Mississippi and within the location where the client is
located.
3. Inform clients that
clients are advised not to disclose or post digital or other electronic
communications from social workers or other recipients of services without
proper consent.
4. Take steps to
ensure that confidential digital communications are protected. Social workers
shall use proper safeguards, including encryption, when using digital
communications such as email communications, online posts, online chat
sessions, mobile communication, and text communications. Social workers shall
develop and disclose policies and procedures for notifying clients as soon as
possible of any breach of confidential information.
5. Take reasonable steps to prevent client
access to social workers' personal social networking sites to avoid boundary
confusion and inappropriate dual relationships. Social workers shall maintain
separate professional and personal social media and websites in order to
establish clear boundaries and to avoid inappropriate dual
relationships.
