Association of Social Work Boards Masters (ASWB MSW) Practice Exam

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Prepare for the Association of Social Work Boards Masters (ASWB MSW) Exam with confidence. Our comprehensive quiz offers detailed questions and explanations to help you understand critical concepts and theories in social work. Get ready to excel in your exam!

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How should a social worker respond when receiving a subpoena?

  1. Ignore it

  2. Claim privilege and wait for a court order to turn over records

  3. Immediately turn over records

  4. Consult a lawyer to destroy records

The correct answer is: Claim privilege and wait for a court order to turn over records

A social worker should not ignore a subpoena as it is a legal document and holds the authority of a court. Option A is incorrect as ignoring a subpoena can lead to serious consequences for both the social worker and their client. Option C is also incorrect as it goes against the ethical standards of confidentiality and privacy of a client's records. Option D is also incorrect as destroying records without a court order or consent from the client is unethical and illegal. Therefore, the best course of action for a social worker when receiving a subpoena is to consult with a lawyer and claim privilege, and only turn over records if a court order is received. This protects the client's privacy and maintains the social worker's ethical and legal responsibilities.