| (a) A social worker shall inform in writing a prospective
client about the nature of the professional relationship, which can
include but is not limited to office procedures, after-hours coverage,
services provided, fees, and arrangements for payment.
(b) The social worker shall not give or receive a commission,
rebate, or any other form of remuneration for referring clients.
(c) A social worker shall not enter into a business
relationship with a client. This rule does not prohibit a professional
social work relationship with a client, as described in this subchapter.
(d) A social worker shall not engage in activities
that seek to primarily meet the social worker's personal needs or
personal gain instead of the needs of the client.
(e) A social worker shall be responsible for setting
and maintaining professional boundaries.
(f) A social worker shall keep accurate records of
services to include, but not be limited to, dates of services, types
of services, progress or case notes and billing information for a
minimum of seven years after the date of termination of services for
an adult client or five years beyond the age of 18 years of age for
a minor, whichever is greater.
(g) A social worker shall bill clients or third parties
for only those services actually rendered or as agreed to by mutual
written understanding.
(h) A licensee shall not make any false, misleading,
deceptive, fraudulent or exaggerated claim or statement about the
effectiveness of the licensee's services; the licensee's qualifications,
capabilities, background, training, experience, education, professional
affiliations, fees, products, or publications; the type, effectiveness,
qualifications, and products or services offered by an organization
or agency; or the practice or field of social work.
(i) If the licensee learns that false, misleading,
deceptive, fraudulent or exaggerated statements about the services,
qualifications, or products have been made, the licensee shall take
reasonable steps to correct the inappropriate claims, prevent their
reoccurrence, and report the incident to the Council.
(j) A licensee shall provide social work intervention
only in the context of a professional relationship.
(k) Electronic practice may be used judiciously as
part of the social work process and the supervision process. Social
workers engaging in electronic practice, providing services to clients
located in the State of Texas, must be licensed in Texas and adhere
to provisions of this chapter.
(l) The licensee shall not provide social work services
or intervention to previous or current family members; personal friends;
educational or business associates; or individuals whose welfare might
be jeopardized by a dual or multiple relationship.
(m) The licensee shall not accept from or give to a
client any gift with a value in excess of $25. If the licensee's employer
prohibits giving or receiving gifts, the licensee shall comply with
the employer's policy.
(n) The licensee or relatives to the fourth degree
of consanguinity or affinity of the licensee may not intentionally
borrow or lend money or items of value to clients or relatives to
the fourth degree of consanguinity or affinity of clients.
(o) The licensee shall take reasonable precautions
to protect individuals from physical or emotional harm resulting from
interaction within individual and group settings.
(p) A licensee shall not promote the licensee's personal
or business activities that are unrelated to the current professional
relationship.
(q) A licensee shall set and maintain professional
boundaries, avoiding dual or multiple relationships with clients.
If a dual or multiple relationship develops, the social worker is
responsible for ensuring the client is safe.
(r) A licensee may not enter into a non-professional
relationship with a client's family member or any person having a
personal or professional relationship with the client, if the licensee
knows or reasonably should have known such a relationship could be
detrimental to the client.
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