Ethics and Legal Resources
Navigating the ethical and legal dimensions of social work is essential to providing responsible, informed, and effective care. This page offers key resources to help you stay grounded in the NASW Code of Ethics, understand your legal responsibilities, and address complex situations with confidence. Whether you're facing a challenging ethical dilemma or simply want to stay up to date on best practices, these tools are here to support your commitment to ethical, professional practice.
NASW Office of Ethics and Professional Review (OEPR)
The NASW Office of Ethics and Professional Review (OEPR) is a key resource for guidance on ethical practice in social work. NASW OEPR offers ethics education and training, consultations for NASW members, and oversees the professional review process. Social workers can access a range of tools, including the NASW Code of Ethics, resources on AI and social work, Ethics Table Talks, and information on how to file a complaint.
Attorney Services
Below is a list of free or low fee attorney services. NASW is providing this list as an information resource only. This list is not intended to and does not constitute legal advice. NASW does not endorse any of the attorneys/services found through this list. The quality or adequacy of the services provided is not warranted or guaranteed.
Minnesota State Bar Association
Find a Lawyer
612-333-1183
mnbar.org
Find a Lawyer
LawHelpMN.org
LawHelpMN Guide
Minnesota Laws
The Social Work Practice Act is a state law passed by the Legislature to regulate the practice of social work in Minnesota. The Social Work Practice Act can be found in Minnesota Statutes, Sections 148E.001 through 148E.290. Provided below is a sample of the laws and regulations included:
- Licensure information
- Supervision guidelines and requirements
- Responsibilities to and relationships with clients
- Confidentiality and records
- Reporting requirements
- Compliance laws
- Professional and ethical conduct
More information on Minnesota Laws and Regulations can be found at the Minnesota Board of Social Work (BOSW).
Concerns about unethical practice in Minnesota?
The Standards of Practice, included in the Social Work Practice Act, govern ethical social work practice in Minnesota. The Standards of Practice govern the minimum standards that must be met by social workers to ensure the protection of the public. Licensed social workers are responsible for being aware of and complying with these laws. Visit the BOSW to learn more.
Clients, colleagues, and other affected parties can submit complaints to the BOSW. A complaint can be filed with the BOSW if a licensed social worker:
- Mistreated a client in any way
- Was dishonest in providing services or billing
- Released information without consent
- Did not provide appropriate treatment
- Did not practice safely and competently
- Developed a personal relationship with a client
- Has an illness that impairs their ability to practice safely.
Click here to learn more about filing a complaint.
How do I know if someone is licensed?
The BOSW has a Public License Lookup which verifies if a license is active, the type of licensure, if there has been any public action against the license, and if there are any restrictions or conditions on the license.