The first ethical standard, self-determination states that it is the responsibility of the social worker to inform the client in order to help the client make their own decisions. However, the social worker also has the right to limit one’s self-determination if there is harm that could fall upon the client or if the client has intentions of harming someone else (NASW Code of Ethics, 1.02). Pablo has the right to inform Steve about the harms that HIV has on people and needs to determine the amount of harm that Steve’s girlfriend Rosanne is in.
