How to Complete and Submit a Request for Professional Review
How to Complete and Submit a Request for Professional Review
1. Find out if the social worker is a member of NASW *
To do this: Contact the Office of Ethics and Professional Review via email at NASWProfessionalReview@brightkey.net with ONLY the following information:
- First and last name of the social worker
- U.S. City and state where the violation(s) occurred
- Date of the alleged violation(s) (The NASW process can only review alleged violations that have occurred in the past calendar year)
Please send only one email. Do not include any attachments. The Office of Ethics and Professional Review (OEPR) will respond within fourteen (14) business days.
Please note: There is a one-year time limitation on violations that can be reviewed by the NASW process based on the date on which we receive a Request for Professional Review.
* Only AFTER you have
received our verification that the person is an NASW member,
proceed with the next steps.
2. Review the NASW Code of Ethics
Review the NASW Code of Ethics
Review the ethical standards in the Code of Ethics. Determine if your complaint meets any of the ethical standards listed. If so, can you provide examples?
3. If you determine your complaint meets the ethical standards, then download the NASW Procedures for Professional Review and required Request for Professional Review (RPR) and Confidentiality Forms.
The Office of Ethics and Professional Review (OEPR) will assign you a Consultant upon request. The consultant will help you complete the required Request for Professional Review (RPR) form and the Confidentiality Pledge/Statement of Understanding form. The Consultant can give guidance and technical assistance throughout the professional review process. However, the assigned Consultant cannot advocate on the Complainant’s or Respondent’s behalf.
NASW Procedures for Professional Review (PDF)
4. You will complete the Request for Professional Review Form
If the alleged misconduct occurred more than one (1) year (12 months) ago. You will need to complete a Time Limits Waiver (TLW) form in its entirety. A Consultant can explain and assist you with completing the form. You may request a consultant by emailing your completed Request for Professional Review Form and supporting documents to professionalreview@socialworkers.org with" RPR for Review" in the subject line. Note that all NASW emailed communications regarding a case will be secure.
NASW Request for Professional Review (PDF)
5. You will complete the Confidentiality Pledge / Statement of Understanding Form
The NASW professional review process is a fair and just legally protected peer-review process. All parties involved in the professional review process are required to maintain strict standards regarding confidentiality. Confidentiality pertains to all documents and proceedings including information that the Request for Professional Review (RPR) has been filed as well as any and all outcomes. Legal counsel may not participate directly in the professional review process.
NASW Confidentiality Pledge / Statement of Understanding (PDF)
6. Is your Request for Professional Review complete?
A Request for Professional Review package must include a fully completed and signed:
Request for Professional Review (RPR) form
and
Confidentiality Pledge/Statement of Understanding form.
Note: The Time Limits Waiver (TLW)form is required only if the alleged misconduct occurred more than one (1) year (12 months) ago but no more than 2 years (24 months) ago. Allegations that happened more than 2 years ago will not be accepted for review.
7. The Respondent will be notified and have an opportunity to submit a response
The Respondent will have 14 business days following the receipt of a correctly submitted RPR to submit a signed Confidentiality Pledge/Statement of Understanding form and a response that is pertinent to the criteria for acceptance of the RPR. The Respondent will be assisted by a different Consultant, if a Consultant is requested.
Next Steps: After both parties have submitted their materials the following steps will be taken:
8. Review
The Intake Subcommittee of the National Ethics Committee (NEC) will review the RPR to determine if the criteria for acceptance have (has) been met.
A. If the complaint is accepted: Both parties (Complainant and Respondent) will receive a decision letter noting the case has been accepted, the scope of the proceedings, and if the case has been referred to mediation or adjudication. The OEPR (Office of Ethics and Professional Review) will then begin to schedule the date of the review and the parties will be notified of the next steps.
B. If not accepted: Parties will receive a decision letter noting the case has been rejected, and which criteria for acceptance were not met.
Neither the Complainant nor the Respondent may appeal the NEC Intake Subcommittee's decision to accept or reject an RPR or to close a case.
9. The Complaint will be referred to Mediation or Adjudication
If the RPR is accepted for review, the NEC Intake Subcommittee will determine whether the matter will be referred to mediation or adjudication.
Mediation: a collaborative problem-solving process in which a neutral third party guides a discussion intended to aid the parties in the dispute define the issues, obtain relevant information, and generate reasonable options for resolution.
Mediation is a conflict resolution process that is valued both as an element of social work practice and as a way to resolve grievances related to violations of ethics. Because mediation is a conflict resolution process in which the participants themselves decide on the outcome, NASW does not determine whether specific violations of the NASW Code of Ethics have or have not occurred.
Adjudication: the process of determining whether a professional action is in violation of the NASW Code of Ethics.
When a RPR is referred for adjudication, a hearing is held to determine if the social worker’s action was indeed a violation of the Code. A report of the Hearing Panel’s conclusions is issued, and any appropriate recommendations are made.