Social Work Examination Services (SWES) Human Behavior Practice Test

According to ethical standards of informed consent, what can a social worker do with a client's managed care health insurance details?

1. Share without authorization

2. Share with verbal consent

3. Share with written authorization

4. Not share at all

The correct answer is: Share with written authorization

The ethical standards surrounding informed consent emphasize the importance of confidentiality and the protective measures social workers must adhere to regarding client information. When it comes to a client's managed care health insurance details, sharing this sensitive information requires explicit permission to ensure that the client’s right to privacy is maintained. Sharing with written authorization is the correct approach because it provides a clear and documented agreement from the client, ensuring that they understand what information is being shared, with whom, and for what purpose. This safeguard helps to prevent any misunderstandings or misuse of the client's personal and health-related information by ensuring that there is a formal record of consent. In the context of informed consent, verbal consent, while it may offer some level of agreement, lacks the permanence and clarity of written consent, which could lead to potential disputes or confusion regarding what was consented to. On the other hand, sharing information without authorization or choosing not to share at all would not align with the requirements of the managed care system since there are circumstances under which information must be communicated for the sake of treatment continuity and coordination—provided that consent is properly obtained.