PURPOSE: This rule is promulgated pursuant to section 337.630.2(15), RSMo and sets forth the ethical standards/disciplinary rules as they pertain to competence.

1. (1) Licensed social workers, provisional licensed social workers, temporary permit holders and registrants shall limit their practice to the area(s) for which they are trained.
2. (2) Licensed social workers, provisional licensed social workers, temporary permit holders and registrants shall utilize consultation on an as-needed, self-determined basis.
3. (3) Licensed social workers, provisional licensed social workers, temporary permit holders and registrants shall be knowledgeable about how and when to utilize the expertise of other professional disciplines for their clients.
4. (4) Licensed social workers, provisional licensed social workers, temporary permit holders and registrants shall maintain their accessibility to clients.
5. (5) Licensed social workers, provisional licensed social workers, temporary permit holders and registrants shall make every effort to foster maximum self-determination on the part of the client.
6. (6) A licensed social worker, provisional licensed social worker, temporary permit holder and registrant shall stress the personal risks involved in any services and help clients explore their readiness to face these risks.
7. (7) A licensed social worker, provisional licensed social worker, temporary permit holder and registrant shall promote the welfare of clients in the selection, utilization and interpretation of assessment measures and strategies of intervention.
8. (8) A licensed social worker, provisional licensed social worker, temporary permit holder and registrant shall recognize the effects of socioeconomic, ethnic, gender, sexual orientation, disability and racial and cultural factors on clients in assessment and planning services.
9. (9) When a client’s judgement is seriously impaired, a licensed social worker, provisional licensed social worker, temporary permit holder and registrant shall use careful deliberation before assuming responsibility for the client. The client should resume responsibility for him/herself as quickly as possible.
10. (10) A licensed social worker, provisional licensed social worker, temporary permit holder and registrant shall not engage in the practice of clinical social work or baccalaureate social work beyond the scope of his/her competence, as is demonstrated by his/her education, training or experience. A licensed social worker, provisional licensed social worker, temporary permit holder and registrant shall make a referral to other professionals when the services required are beyond his/her competence.
11. (11) Licensed social workers, provisional licensed social workers, temporary permit holders and registrants shall seek treatment for their own medical, substance abuse, psychological and emotional problems to ensure that their personal problems do not interfere with their ability to provide services to clients.
12. (12) A licensed social worker shall take all necessary and reasonable steps to maintain 20 CSR 2263-3

continued competence in the practice of clinical social work or baccalaureate social work by completing at least thirty (30) clock hours of continuing education on or before the expiration of the license for each renewal period. AUTHORITY: sections 337.600, 337.615, 337.618, 337.650, 337.662, 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 263-3.140. Original rule filed Sept. 18, 1990, effective Feb. 14, 1991. Rescinded and readopted: Filed Dec. 30, 1998, effective July 30, 1999. Amended: Filed July 26, 1999, effective Jan. 30, 2000. Amended: Filed March 15, 2004, effective Sept. 30, 2004. Moved to 20 CSR 2263-3.140, effective Aug. 28, 2006.

*Original authority: 337.600, RSMo 1989, amended 1995, 2003; 337.615, RSMo 1989, amended 1995, 1997, 2001; 337.618, RSMo 1989, 1997, 2001; 337.627, RSMo 1989, amended 1993, 1995, 1997; 337.630, RSMo 1989, amended 1997; 337.650, RSMo 2001; 337.662, RSMo 2001; 337.665, RSMo 2001; 337.677, RSMo 2001; and 337.680, RSMo 2001.