Ethical practices.
Clyde Lukke voluntarily entered Sunnyside Psychiatric Hospital on Wednesday afternoon. He complained of severe depression and was afraid that he might commit suicide. The admitting psychiatrist diagnosed his case as depression, recurrent. The usual treatment at Sunnyside for this diagnostic category is two to three weeks hospitalization, followed by long-term intensive individual therapy and medication. Five days after admission, Angela Mennikke, the floor social worker, was notified by the business office to prepare the patient for discharge. Ms. Mennikke was surprised since discharge orders are usually discussed by the floor staff before they are entered. Rarely is discharge an administrative decision. Upon inquiry she learned that Mr. Lukke’s HMO benefits are limited to one week of psychiatric hospitalization. She also learned that this HMO, like many similar organizations, reimburses only for time-limited group therapy, not for individual therapy. Should the social worker prepare a routine discharge and let the HMO staff worry about how to help Mr. Lukke? Or should she take an advocate stance to ensure that Mr. Lukke will get the treatment he needs? What is expected in this situation from a professional social worker who wants to engage in ethical practice?
Sample Answer
The social worker in this case should take an advocate stance to ensure that Mr. Lukke will get the treatment he needs. This is expected of a professional social worker who wants to engage in ethical practice.
Social workers have a professional obligation to promote the well-being of their clients and to advocate for their rights. In this case, Mr. Lukke’s HMO is limiting his access to needed treatment. The social worker should advocate for Mr. Lukke by:
- Talking to Mr. Lukke about his options and helping him to develop a plan for getting the treatment he needs.
- Contacting the HMO and explaining Mr. Lukke’s situation. The social worker should advocate for the HMO to extend Mr. Lukke’s hospitalization and to cover the cost of individual therapy.