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Ethics and Boundaries: Ethics and the Law

Understand how the intersection of law and professional ethics can complicate ethical decision making. Earn 4 Contact Hours (0.4 CEUs) while covering this topic through live, online training.

Key Program Information
Series Ethics and Boundaries

Learn your place between ethics and the law

Knowledge of relevant law and professional ethics, and the ability to apply both in practice, are hallmarks of the profession. In many situations, law and ethics intersect and complicate the resolution of the issue. This program discusses the sources of authority and the expectations of both ethics and law. Using MPSW 20, the NASW Code of Ethics, the ABA Code of Ethics, and Wisconsin and federal statutes, we will examine how law and ethics work together, especially in regard to boundaries, the duty to report, duty to evaluate, and the scope of practice. Case scenarios will be used for group problem-solving.

Learning Objectives: 

  1. Explain how law and ethics can intersect to complicate ethical dilemmas. 
  2. Define and explain the expectations of duty to report and the duty to evaluate. 
  3. Discuss sources of ethics authority including MPSW 20, NASW Code of Ethics, and ABA Code of Ethics. 
  4. Cite Wisconsin and federal laws that illustrate how laws and ethics work together. 
  5. Utilize a decision‐making model when an ethical or boundary issue arises.

This program satisfies the Wisconsin Social Worker’s Ethics and Boundaries requirements for licensing.

woman reviewing paperwork

Who should attend

Social workers, counselors, psychologists, marriage and family therapists, substance abuse counselors, school psychologists, and other human service professionals.

Instructors

  • Headshot of Nick Smiar

    Nick Smiar, Professor Emeritus of Social Work at UW-Eau Claire, has been doing ethics workshops for twenty years. Dr. Smiar has worked in residential treatment, child welfare, community mental health, and psychiatric hospital settings. He is also a graduate of the Divinity School of The University of Chicago, a County Board Supervisor for Eau Claire County, member of the board of the Bolton Refuge House (Eau Claire), board member of Western Dairyland CAA, and former Chairperson of the Social Worker Section of the Marriage and Family Therapy, Professional Counseling, and Social Work Examining Board.

CEU Information

Participants will earn 4 Contact Hours upon completion of this program.

Additional CEU Information by Profession: 

Wisconsin Social Workers

Our programs qualify as continuing education offered by an accredited university. The State Board recognizes contact hours for all listed programs.

Wisconsin Substance Abuse Counselors

The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services approves contact hours for programs consisting of relevant content taught by qualified presenters. Contact our office with questions about specific program approvals.

Wisconsin Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists

Our programs qualify as required continuing education offered by an accredited university. The State Board recognizes contact hours for all programs.

Wisconsin Licensed Counselors

Our programs qualify as required continuing education offered by an accredited university. The State Board recognizes contact hours for all programs.

Wisconsin Educators and School Psychologists

Continuing education programs from the University of Wisconsin campuses may qualify toward your Professional Development Plan (PDP).

Other Professions

Contact your professional board or organization for specific continuing education requirements.

Cancellation Policy

We understand life happens. Should you need to cancel your registration, you may substitute someone to take your place, at any time, at no cost to you. If we cancel a program, we’ll give you your money back.

If your program is 14 or more days away:
You may transfer once to any currently available program – no charge!
If you have to cancel, you will receive a refund, minus a 20% administrative fee.

If your program is less than 14 days away:
You may transfer once to any currently available program, plus a 20% transfer fee.
If you cancel, you will not receive a refund.

If you are registered and do not attend the program, you are responsible for the full fee.

Substitution, refund or transfer requests must be submitted via email or phone call to UW-Eau Claire Continuing Education.

There are currently no upcoming dates for this program. To make sure you are notified when dates are scheduled, please join our mailing list.

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