NASW (National Association of Social Workers) code of
ethics is a set of guidelines applied by individuals and
organizations to address ethical issues or dilemmas. Values and
ethics are in constant conflict in professional environments which
can result in ethical dilemmas. In such situations, guidelines of
NASW code of ethics are helpful in making decisions.
NASW code of ethics includes following six core values
:-
- Social justice
- Service
- Importance of human relationships
- Dignity and worth of the person
- Competence
- Integrity
According to NASW code of ethics, the ethical standard
relate to the dilemma in the following way:-
- In hospice, the patient is our client, not the
family
- We are responsible for making sure that the patient's
rights are respected
- If the patient elects not to have information shared,
then it is his / her right
- If he/she wants to know, it is his / her
right
The purpose of NASW code of ethics includes
:-
- Identification of social work values
- Guidelines for practice
- Addressing ethical dilemmas
- Professional accountability
- Upholding goals, missions, ethics inherent in social
work profession
- Setting specific standards for practice that can be
used to judge social work conduct