Telepractice — social work (Nova Scotia)
When delivering electronic social work services, social workers must: confirm service users can access and use the technology, understand its purpose and operation, have their needs met and their identity protected (6.5.1); use safeguards such as password protection, encryption and secure firewalls when sharing confidential information digitally or on storage devices (6.5.2); follow applicable legislation in the province where they are regulated, where they practise, AND where the service user resides (6.5.3); be aware of inter-jurisdictional issues and act to preserve privacy and confidentiality (6.5.4); obtain informed consent before using search engines or social media to gather information about service users, except in exceptional circumstances to protect those at risk (6.5.5); make reasonable efforts to verify identity and contact information and represent themselves accurately (6.5.6); and be competent in the technologies used, applying face-to-face supervision standards to supervision delivered by technological means (6.5.7). Service users must be informed: to be alone in a private area and refrain from cellular phone use during the encounter (6.5.8); that telephone, video, text and electronic messaging provide limited security (6.5.9); of the risks of sharing confidential information over the internet, social media, text and videoconferencing (6.5.10); and that they may not disclose or post electronic communications from the encounter (6.5.11).
“Guiding Principle 6.5: Social workers preserve privacy and confidentiality in the provision of electronic social work services.” … “6.5.3 following applicable legislation governing the provision of electronic social work services in the province or territory where they are regulated, or practise, and where the service user resides” — NSCSW Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice (effective 2026-02-01)