PURPOSE: This rule is promulgated pursuant to section 337.630.2(15), RSMo and sets forth the ethical standards/disciplinary rules for relationships with colleagues.

1. (1) A licensed social worker, provisional licensed social worker, temporary permit holder and registrant should act with integrity in his/her relationships with colleagues, other organizations, agencies, institutions, referral sources and other professions so as to facilitate the contribution of all colleagues toward achieving optimum benefit for clients.
2. (2) A licensed social worker, provisional licensed social worker, temporary permit holder and registrant shall not knowingly cause a client to terminate the service of another professional solely for personal gain.
3. (3) A licensed social worker, provisional licensed social worker, temporary permit holder and registrant shall not exploit his/her professional relationships with supervisors, colleagues, supervisees, students or employees either sexually, economically or otherwise.
4. (4) Licensed social workers, provisional licensed social workers, temporary permit holders and registrants who have direct knowledge of a social work colleague’s impairment which is due to personal problems, psychosocial distress, substance abuse, or mental health difficulties, and which interferes with practice effectiveness should consult with that colleague when feasible and assist the colleague in taking remedial action.
5. (5) Licensed social workers and temporary permit holders who function as supervisors or educators should not engage in sexual intimacies or contact as defined in the rules promulgated by the committee, with supervisees, students, trainees, or other colleagues over whom they exercise professional authority.
6. (6) Licensed social workers and temporary permit holders must exercise appropriate supervision and provide appropriate working conditions, timely evaluations, constructive consultation and experience opportunities.

AUTHORITY: sections 337.600, 337.615, 337.650, 337.665, 337.677 and 337.680, RSMo Supp. 2003 and 337.627 and 337.630, RSMo 2000.* This rule originally filed as 4 CSR 263-3.060. Original rule filed Sept. 18, 1990, effective Feb. 14, 1991. Rescinded and readopted: Filed Dec. 30, 1998, effective July 30, 1999. Amended: Filed June 25, 2004, effective Dec. 30, 2004. Moved to 20 CSR 2263-3.060, effective Aug. 28, 2006.

*Original authority: 337.600, RSMo 1989, amended 1995, 2003; 337.615, RSMo 1989, amended 1995, 1997, 2001, 2004; 337.627, RSMo 1989, amended 1993, 1995, 1997, and 337.630, RSMo 1989, amended 1997; 337.650, RSMo 2001; 337.665, RSMo 2001; amended 2004; 337.677, RSMo 2001; and 337.680, RSMo 2001.