As tele-supervision becomes a lasting feature of social work practice, social work supervisors, educators, and regulators must collaborate to define standards that balance accessibility, ethics, and client protection. In this session, participants will explore how ethical, competency-based tele-supervision can transform supervision into a dynamic partnership that protects the public while promoting professional growth.
This session addresses both the benefits of tele-supervision, including expanded access, flexibility, community, and continuity of care, as well as risks such as blurred boundaries, inconsistent supervision quality, and competing regulations. The session highlights the accountability of supervisors and supervisees in tele-supervision that meets state regulations, agency policy, and the codes of ethics and conduct that jurisdictions use to stand up ethical and safe practice.
A key component of this session focuses on regulatory development. Participants will discuss how regulatory bodies can develop their own tele-supervision guidelines, using a framework that distinguishes between the regulatory “floor” (minimum requirements for public protection) and best practices (the professional ceiling that promotes quality and competency). Attendees will consider how regulators can identify red flags in tele-supervision, build structured supervision agreements, and establish accountability systems that encourage excellence without overregulation.
Learning objectives
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Describe the benefits and risks of tele-supervision
- Analyze the difference between the minimum tele-supervision standards for public protection (the floor) and the aspirational best practices (the ceiling).
- Identify resources to learn more about tele-supervision best practices
- Develop strategies for regulators and supervisors to co-create policies and practices to ensure accountability and uphold public trust.
Speaker
Susan Reay, EdD, LICSW
Former board member, Nebraska Board of Mental Health Practice