Case Management and Counseling Ethics and Scope of Practice

Case Management Toolbox Podcast

Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes PhD, LPC-MHSP, LMHC

Executive Director: AllCEUs Continuing Education

Host: Counselor Toolbox Podcast & Case Management Toolbox Podcast

Objectives

~ Explain the scope of practice and code of ethics for case managers

~ Compare and contrast the code of ethics and scope of practice for case managers to that of Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counselors and Social Workers

Scope of Practice

~ CM ensure that the treatment team has provided education about the injury/disease/condition

~ CM provides information to the team and the client and family regarding available resources and benefits

~ Identify clinical, psychosocial, financial, operational and/or environmental issues which may need to be addressed to ensure quality care and reimbursement

~ CM will use assessment complimentary tools that identify risks associated with client needs

~ CM and client will develop a plan of care that matches the patients needs, preferences and available resources

~ CM will help sequence and organize the implementation of services to ensure efficient, effective care delivery

Scope of Practice

~ CM documentation focuses on acquisition and utilization of resources as they pertain to reducing risk and enhancing treatment delivery.

~ Risks include

~ Early termination/sporadic participation

~ Ineffective treatment (i.e. for someone who is hearing impaired or has limited literacy)

~ Worsening of symptoms due to medication noncompliance

~ Additional complications due to difficulty with ADLs

~ Readmission

Scope of Practice

~ CM and Counselors will identify available community resources and advocate for the resolution of gaps in services and/or problems in process implementation

~ CM and Counselors ensure all elements of the transition plan are communicated to all stakeholders as appropriate.

~ CM and Counselors will track avoidable delays and identify and communicate opportunities for improvement

~ CM and Counselors will proactively prevent denials based on medical necessity by documenting relevant information and educating key stakeholders

Ethical Principles of Counseling and CM

~ Beneficence

~ Act in the best interest of the client. Includes advocacy.

~ Nonmalfesance

~ Do no harm

~ Fidelity

~ Be faithful to your word

~ Justice

~ Ensure clients receive equal and fair treatment

~ Autonomy

~ Empower clients for success

Public Interest

~ Place the public interest above your own at all times (B, N, J)

~ False billing leads to higher insurance rates and loss of trust in the profession

~ Continuing to work while “burned out” or psychologically unavailable can harm clients and negatively impact perception of the profession

~ Report/address known misconduct

~ Make referrals when other providers are more appropriate due to case content or caseload

~ As a client advocate identify options and provide choices

Respect Rights and Inherent Dignity

~ Respect Rights and Inherent Dignity of All Clients (B, N, J, A)

~ Do not make decisions for clients which they can make for themselves

~ Advocate for client empowerment and autonomy

~ Respect the cultural values and personal preferences of clients

~ Inform clients about confidentiality restrictions

Maintain Objectivity

~ Maintain Objectivity with Clients

~ Is able to clearly articulate reasoning behind recommendations

~ Avoids making referrals to “preferred” vendors

~ Respects their cultural values and perspectives

~ Does not impose their own values or perspectives

~ Is aware of and addresses any transference or countertransference issues

~ Regularly self-evaluates performance

~ Avoids any dual relationships

Dual Relationships

~ Can exist between the case manager or counselor and

~ Client

~ Payor (insurance, state contract)

~ Employer (of the professional or client)

~ Friend/Relative (of the professional or client)

~ Other entities

Act with Integrity and Fidelity

~ Act with Integrity and Fidelity with Client