Ethics Committee

NASW Oregon Chapter
Ethic Committee
CHARGE

Authorization and Accountability

The Ethics Committee is a standing committee of NASW OR Chapter.  The Ethics Committee is accountable to the Board of Directors.

Purpose

The purpose of the committee is to:

• Educate members about the Code of Ethics and Ethical Practice.

• Assist members in the use and application of the Code of Ethics.

• Provide forum to explore ethical issues for social work practitioners via informal consultation, but not legal advice.

Members, Terms, and Criteria

The Ethics Committee meets every other month, with additionally scheduled meetings as needed.  The Chair of the committee must be a member of NASW in good standing with experience and or specific interest in ethics, and prepared to serve for a minimum of one year.  Due to the potentially sensitive nature of ethical inquiries, Ethics Committee Members agree to confidentiality for those members seeking consultation.  The Committee shall have one active Board Member serving on the Committee.

Scope of Responsibilities

The Ethics Committee shall be responsible for the following:

• Respond to inquiries from members and chapter staff.

• Describe purpose of committee as stated above to all callers and inquiries. 

• Document inquiries and outcome of consultation.

• Provide consultation to the Committee on Inquiry if needed.

• Refer to State Licensing Board as appropriate for formal (mandatory reporting of gross violations of the code of ethics.

• Communicate to the Board of Directors (at regularly scheduled Board Meetings) and to the membership (via quarterly newsletters) regarding activities of the committee.

• Provide written report to the Board of Directors annually.

• Inform Executive Director of active inquiries.