21 NCAC 63 .0509. PUBLIC STATEMENTS

(a)  Public statements, announcements of services and promotional activities of social workers serve the purpose of providing sufficient information to aid consumers in making informed judgments and choices.  Social workers shall state accurately, objectively and without misrepresentation their professional qualifications, affiliations and functions as well as those of the institutions or organizations with which they or their statement may be associated.  They shall correct misrepresentations by others with respect to these matters.

(b)  In announcing availability for professional services, a social worker shall use his or her name, type and level(s) of certification and licensure; and may use highest relevant academic degree from an accredited institution; specialized post-graduate training; address and telephone number; office hours; type of services provided; appropriate fee information; foreign languages spoken; and policy with regard to third-party payments.

(c)  Social workers shall not offer to perform any service beyond the scope permitted by law or beyond the scope of their competence.  They shall not engage in any form of advertising which is false, fraudulent, deceptive, or misleading.  They shall neither solicit nor use recommendations or testimonials from clients.

(d)  Social workers shall respect the rights and reputations of professional organizations with which they are affiliated.  They shall not falsely imply sponsorship or certification by such organizations.  When making public statements, the social worker shall make clear which are personal opinions and which are authorized statements on behalf of an organization.

(e)  A social worker shall display his or her license or certificate at the social worker's primary place of practice as required by G.S. 90B-15.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 90B-6; 90B-11;

Eff. March 1, 1994;

Temporary Amendment Eff. October 1, 1999;

Amended Eff. January 1, 2009; July 1, 2000.