N.J. Admin. Code § 13:44G-10.2

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 21, November 4, 2024

Section 13:44G-10.2 - Financial arrangements with clients

(a) Fees for social work services and clinical social work services shall be reasonable and commensurate with the status and experience of the social worker when compared with fees of social workers offering like services or treatment in the geographic area and shall be consistent with the provisions of 13:44G-10.10 prohibiting excess fees.

(b) Where payment of the usual fee would be a hardship, a social worker shall refer the client to other sources for provision of needed services.

(c) A licensee or certificate holder shall not accept goods or services from clients as payment for professional services.

(d) Before providing social work services or clinical social work services, a licensee or certificate holder shall assist the client to understand financial arrangements.

Financial arrangements shall use clear and understandable language and be in writing, dated, and signed by the licensee or certificate holder, maintained as part of the licensee's or certificate holder's records, and provided to the client. Financial arrangements shall inform clients of:

1. The purpose of services;

2. Risks related to services;

3. Limitations of services imposed by third party payors;

4. The fee for services or the basis for determining the fee to be charged;

5. The identity of the person or entity responsible for payment of the fee for services;

6. Whether the licensee or certificate holder will accept installment payments;

7. The financial consequences, if any, of missed appointments; and

8. The client's right to terminate the financial arrangement.

(e) A licensee or certificate holder shall review the contract with a client at least once a year.

(f) A licensee or certificate holder may terminate services with a client who has not paid an overdue balance as long as:

1. The contract for services made clear to the client that services could be so terminated;

2. The consequences for nonpayment were discussed with the client; and

3. The termination of services will not pose an imminent danger to the client or to others.

(g) An LCSW providing clinical social work services shall prepare and maintain a written list of current fees for standard services and shall provide the list to clients. The list shall include:

1. Whether Medicaid, Medicare, or other third party payor plans are accepted;

2. Whether insurance payments (excluding deductible and copay) are accepted as payment in full; and

3. Whether special fee categories are available, such as senior citizens or members of designated groups (for example, preferred provider plan members).

(h) The provisions of this section shall not apply to a social worker in an agency setting.

N.J. Admin. Code § 13:44G-10.2

Amended by 50 N.J.R. 2017(a), effective 9/17/2018