Clients have a right to understand and participate in their own care—including the right to see the records social workers keep about them. Section 1.08 of the NASW Code of Ethics outlines how social workers should manage client access to records ethically, responsibly, and safely.
Here’s the official standard:
1.08 Access to Records
(a) Social workers should provide clients with reasonable access to records concerning the client. If access might cause serious misunderstanding or harm, social workers should offer interpretation and consultation. Limiting access should occur only in exceptional circumstances, with documentation of both the request and the rationale for withholding information.
(b) Social workers should develop and inform clients about their policies for using technology to provide access to records.
(c) When allowing access, social workers must protect the confidentiality of other individuals mentioned in the records.
Clients have a right to their records—but not a blank-check right.
Social workers must carefully balance:
The client’s right to self-determination and transparency
The duty to prevent foreseeable harm
The obligation to protect the confidentiality of others
You cannot withhold records just because they’re unflattering or inconvenient. Only compelling evidence of serious harm can justify limiting access—and even then, the decision must be documented.
Clients should be allowed to view or receive copies of their records upon request.
If you believe viewing the record could cause serious misunderstanding or harm:
Offer assistance interpreting the record.
Engage in consultation with the client to explain confusing or sensitive content.
Limit access only if absolutely necessary—and document clearly why.
If records are available electronically (e.g., client portals), social workers must:
Create clear policies explaining how clients can access their information securely
Share those policies early in the professional relationship
Ensure access methods are compliant with ethical and legal standards
If a client’s record contains information about others (e.g., family members, collateral contacts), protect their identities unless you have their consent to disclose.
Redact identifying information if necessary before giving access.
Here's how this section of the code might look in an ASWB exam question:
A client requests a full copy of their therapy records. The social worker notices that the records include sensitive disclosures about the client’s estranged sibling, made during family sessions. What should the social worker do first?
A. Release the entire record to the client immediately, as clients have a legal right to their records
B. Deny the request because third-party information cannot be shared under any circumstances
C. Review and redact sensitive information about third parties before providing access
D. Rewrite the record to remove all mentions of the sibling before releasing it
Clients generally have a right to their own records. However, social workers must protect the confidentiality of third parties mentioned in those records. The correct first step is to review the records and redact sensitive information about other individuals.
A would risk violating the sibling’s confidentiality.
B is too extreme; the client has a right to their own information, just with protections for others.
D rewriting records alters official documentation and could violate legal and ethical standards.
The correct answer is C.
Access to records is about transparency—but it’s also about responsibility. Social workers must empower clients with information while safeguarding them—and others—from unintended harm.
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