Misstating a client’s symptoms or diagnosis. This often happens when insurance rejects a claim. Most social workers are well intentioned and don’t want to financially burden their clients. But you can’t submit false information just to get someone covered. Falsifying documentation is misrepresentation and fraud.

Exaggerating the efficacy of a particular treatment. In these cases, the social worker may have an unconscious bias toward an intervention they typically use. However, it might not work for every client. Make sure you’re not overstating the effectiveness of any treatment or therapy. This kind of misrepresentation can undermine client relationships and slow progress.

(Reamer, 2008).

Practicing with an expired license
According to a survey of NASW License Board members, practicing with a lapsed license is one of the leading causes of censure. We all get busy and overwhelmed by administrative tasks, but forgetting to renew your license could result in losing it altogether. When you don’t have a valid license, it’s considered misrepresentation to call yourself an LMSW or LCSW.

Inadequate recordkeeping
It’s tempting to fall behind in documentation, as notes can be time-consuming and tedious. But failing to keep detailed records is a form of misrepresentation, because it does not document what you and the client actually did. You never know when your clinical notes may be subpoenaed in a court case. Staying on top of them is the ethical thing to do.

(Kincaid et al, 2024).

Misrepresentation sends a message to your clients that dishonesty is acceptable. It can result in loss of license, lawsuits by insurance companies, and even criminal charges.

(Reamer, 2008).