The introduction of technology into social work practice has presented unprecedented opportunities and challenges for social work practice. Knowing the impact of technology and its profound impact on social work practice, the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) board of directors in April 2013 appointed an international task force to develop model regulatory standards for technology and social work practice.
The Model Regulatory Standards for Technology and Social Work Practice was published in March 2015. This publication tended to guide regulators, educators, and practitioners as they consider how to embrace technology and integrate its use into social work practice. This document is intended to serve as guidance as regulators think through improving rules and regulations related to the evolving practice of providing electronic social work services.
The task force managed to develop standards for social workers who use digital or other electronic technology to provide information to the public, deliver services and manage confidential information about clients. The group developed standards addressing seven key concepts: practitioner competence; informed consent; privacy and confidentiality; boundaries, dual relationships, and conflicts of interest; records and documentation; collegial relationships; and social work practice across jurisdictional boundaries.