A social worker is leaving their current position and asks a client if the client would like to continue to see the social worker at the new agency. The appropriate response is:

A social worker is leaving their current position and asks a client if the client would like to continue to see the social worker at the new agency. The appropriate response is:

• A. Okay as long as the social worker's current employer says it is okay.
• B. The client can continue seeing the social worker without any restrictions.
• C. The client should switch to a different provider.
• D. The social worker must obtain consent from the new agency.

Answer: (A)

Continuity of care during a clinician transition hinges on coordinating with the current employer to move the client’s care to the new setting. The social worker’s ability to continue seeing the client at the new agency relies on the current employer approving the transfer. This approval helps ensure proper release of records, adherence to confidentiality, and that the new agency can legally accept and supervise the clinician. Without that employer clearance, moving the client could violate agency policies and ethics, and could disrupt treatment. Once the current employer signs off and appropriate consent to release records is obtained, the client can continue with the same clinician at the new agency in a way that protects both the client and the professional boundaries.

Continuity of care during a clinician transition hinges on coordinating with the current employer to move the client’s care to the new setting. The social worker’s ability to continue seeing the client at the new agency relies on the current employer approving the transfer. This approval helps ensure proper release of records, adherence to confidentiality, and that the new agency can legally accept and supervise the clinician. Without that employer clearance, moving the client could violate agency policies and ethics, and could disrupt treatment. Once the current employer signs off and appropriate consent to release records is obtained, the client can continue with the same clinician at the new agency in a way that protects both the client and the professional boundaries.