LMSW Practice Test

Paying or receiving commissions and fees in return for client referrals is considered:

1. An accepted professional and business practice

2. An unethical practice since the social worker should have no interests other than the client's needs

3. Reportable earned income on which taxes must be paid

4. Similar to an advertising or marketing fee

The correct answer is: An unethical practice since the social worker should have no interests other than the client's needs

The correct choice identifies paying or receiving commissions and fees for client referrals as an unethical practice. In the field of social work, professionals are held to high ethical standards that prioritize the welfare of their clients above all else. Engaging in financial arrangements for referrals can create conflicts of interest, where the social worker's motivations may veer towards financial gain rather than the well-being of the client. This practice can undermine the trust that is foundational to the client-social worker relationship, ultimately compromising the quality of care and support being provided. The other choices reflect misunderstandings of ethical practices in social work. Compensation for referrals could easily lead to exploitation or manipulation, which goes against the ethical standards established by many professional social work organizations.