• Respecting a client’s confidentiality versus mandated reporting
• Conflicts that may arise in a multidisciplinary setting
• What actions to take if you consider a colleague’s behavior is unethical
• Conflicts that arise from providing counselling services in smaller communities
• Conflicts that arise between your agency employment and your private practice

If so, MASW/MIRSW can be a resource to you.

THE SERVICE*
In 1997 the MASW/MIRSW created the Professional Consultation Committee (PCC)
The objective of the consultation process is to support the professional practice of Social Workers across all settings.

The CASW Code of Ethics, the Manitoba Standards of Practice and all relevant legislation and social policy, guides the PCC in the consultation process as it relates to social work practice.

*This is a free service only available to MASW/MIRSW members.

ACCESSING THE SERVICE

Access to the service is easy and confidential.

• Call, FAX or e-mail the MASW/MIRSW office and request that a Consultation Request Form be sent to you if you cannot download the form below.
  E-mail: masw@mts.net 
  Consultation Request Form (70 kb)

THE PROCESS 

• Return the completed form to the MASW/MIRSW office to the attention of the Executive Director.
• Confidentiality is protected by removing all identifying information regarding the member and client(s) from the submitted documents.
• The Chair of the PCC will assign the request to a panel of 2 or 3 committee members based on their field of expertise and/or geographical area.
• The panel meets and prepares a written response that specifically addresses the member’s concerns.
• The response is reviewed by the PCC Chair and, if appropriate, by the MASW/MIRSW legal counsel.
• The PCC Chair sends the final consultation response to the member who requested the consultation.
• It is anticipated that the turn around time from the date received at the MASW/MIRSW office and final written response will be no longer than 21 days.  

NATURE OF CONSULTATIONS

Do you have ethical questions about … 

• Confidentiality 
• Conflict of Interest 
• Conflict with Organizational Guidelines 
• Clinical Records/Recording 
• Duty to Inform 
• Gift Giving 
• Living Wills 
• Professional Fees 
• Advertising 
• Referral of Clients 
• Responsibilities to Clients 
• Services to Minors 
• Unethical Professional Behavior 
• Social Justice 

(The PCC does not address employer/employee labor concerns) 

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

The MASW/MIRSW Board of Directors nominates members to the committee. Selection of committee members is then based on expertise and experience in their field of practice.

All are members of MASW and/or MIRSW.

Once selected, PCC committee members receive ongoing training in the consultation process.

Members are advised that actions taken as a result of a consultation are the responsibility of the member and not the MASW/MIRSW Professional Consultation Committee



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