A client who is trying to get pregnant tells you she’s been having a glass of wine every night to unwind. “That’s ok, right?” she asks. What do you say? How much drinking is too much? Is there a level of drinking that’s “ok” for someone who is pregnant or thinking of having a baby? If you’re not sure how ... Read More »
Practice and Professional Development
Breaking Barriers from Within
When it comes to snap decisions, we can all benefit by pausing to reflect first By Lorrie R. Appleton, LCSW The theme for Social Work month is descriptive and inspiring – Social Work Breaks Barriers. At our best, Social Workers are analogous to Super Heroes. When clients and families are faced with challenges, we rise to the occasion. Social workers ... Read More »
NASW Member Voices: ADHD and Mindfulness
By Marisa Markowtiz,LMSW, CASAC-T Multi-ethnic group of kids in fitness class together. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that develops in childhood and lasts into adulthood. Approximately nine percent of children get diagnosed with ADHD, according to the latest CDC survey from 2019. Common features of ADHD include problems with executive functioning tasks, including working memory, self-monitoring, planning, prioritizing, ... Read More »
Planning for Medicaid Unwinding in 2023
By Carrie Dorn, MPA, LMSW, NASW Senior Practice Associate At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in January 2020, the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services first declared a 90-day public health emergency (PHE). The PHE declaration allowed flexibility in health care funding and regulations to respond to the pandemic. Since January 2020, the PHE has ... Read More »
Practice Alert: Affordable Care Act Health Insurance Marketplace Open Enrollment November 1 to January 15
Open Enrollment for the health insurance marketplace is November 1 to January 15, 2023. For coverage to begin on January 1, enrollment must be completed by midnight on December 15. NASW is a Champion for Coverage and recognizes the importance of social workers who help individuals and families connect to health insurance coverage and health care services. Health insurance coverage is ... Read More »
CMS Seeks Feedback on Good Faith Estimates
Attention Clinical Social Workers: CMS Seeking Feedback on Good Faith Estimates The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is seeking feedback from clinical social workers and other providers about how they should provide estimates for costs of services for patients who use their insurance to pay for health and mental health services. Your feedback would be helpful in providing information ... Read More »
A National Coming Out Day Message from NASW Missouri Chapter Executive Director Cassie Brown
By Cassie Brown, MSW, LCSW For all of you who are on the Rainbow Spectrum, all of you who have known the inside of a closet, all of you who have had to tell your story and your truth again (and again, and again, and again) because of the oppressive world in which we live and the assumptions that we ... Read More »
NASW Recognizes October 6th as National Depression Screening Day
By Denise Johnson, LCSW-C Senior Practice Associate, Clinical Social Work Depression is a very common and serious mental health condition that can significantly impact a person’s ability to function in all aspects of life. It can result from a number of social, emotional, and biological factors. In fact, those with other health conditions such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and substance ... Read More »
NASW Member Voices: Let’s Begin a Conversation to Share Our Social Work Perspectives
By Chad Dion Lassiter, MSW It’s been 21 years since first responders rushed headlong into the burning World Trade Center while frightened civilians rushed for the exits. Each September, we remember and reflect on their bravery. Heedless of their own safety, they carried out their mission to serve and to protect us in our most devastating time of need. ... Read More »
Highlights of CMS 2023 Proposed Physician Fee Schedule
On July 7, 2022, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released its proposed rule of the Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) that announced proposed policy and practice changes for Medicare Part B payments beginning January 1, 2023. The proposed changes may impact social workers and other Medicare providers in various settings. The proposed rule also looks to solicit comments ... Read More »