NYS Social Work:Practice Guidelines:Providing Access to Services

Disclaimer: Law, rules and regulations, not Guidelines, specify the requirements for practice and violating them constitutes professional misconduct. Not adhering to this Guideline may be interpreted as professional misconduct only if the conduct also violates pertinent law, rules and regulations.

6. Providing Access to Services

6.1: Provide a clear and specific plan for clients to contact you if an emergency arises. This plan, preferably in writing, should include a prompt response mechanism (usually within six hours) and accurate message system.
6.2: Enlist competent and appropriate colleagues to provide professional coverage for clients when you are ill, on vacation, or otherwise unavailable. Provide clear and specific information to the clients about how to contact those colleagues covering for you.
6.3: Provide colleagues covering your practice sufficient relevant information about any especially vulnerable clients and their life situations.
6.4: Professional space should be private, safe, and easily accessible to clients.

Citations of Pertinent Law, Rules or Regulations:

Education Law, section 6509(2) - negligence
Regents Rules, part 29.1(b)(1) - failing to comply with Federal, State or local laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act requiring reasonable access
Regents Rules, part 29.2(a)(1) - abandoning or neglecting a patient/client