Abstract
MOST STATES DON’T REQUIRE A SOCIAL WORK DEGREE TO BE EMPLOYED IN A NURSING HOME
Innovation in aging, Vol.2(Suppl 1), pp.546-546
11/11/2018
DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igy023.2017
PMCID: PMC6227054
Abstract
Psychosocial well-being impacts quality of life. Many nursing home (NH) residents face serious psychosocial challenges including grief and loss associated with advancing disease and social network disintegration. Social workers are responsible for assessing psychosocial well-being, developing care plans, and assessing whether the plan is effective. However, federal regulations require only NHs with 120+ beds to employ one full-time social worker, yet do not require a social work degree. We reviewed state administrative codes to determine the minimum qualifications of NH social workers and compared these with federal requirements and with National Association of Social Workers (NASW) standards. Findings indicate that only Maine complies with NASW standards and 25 states do not appear to comply with federal rules. The broad variation in minimum requirements can make it difficult for residents, family, and staff to know what they can expect from the NH social worker.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- MOST STATES DON’T REQUIRE A SOCIAL WORK DEGREE TO BE EMPLOYED IN A NURSING HOME
- Creators
- M Bern-Klug - University of IowaE Byram - University of IowaN Sabbagh Steinberg - University of IowaH Garcia - University of IowaK Burke - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Abstract
- Publication Details
- Innovation in aging, Vol.2(Suppl 1), pp.546-546
- Publisher
- Oxford University Press
- DOI
- 10.1093/geroni/igy023.2017
- PMCID
- PMC6227054
- ISSN
- 2399-5300
- eISSN
- 2399-5300
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 11/11/2018
- Academic Unit
- Social Work; International Programs
- Record Identifier
- 9984307136702771
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