On April 26, 2012 the U.S. Senate reauthorized the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) including the provision of expanded protections for Native Americans, undocumented immigrants, and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community. However, it soon became clear that the Republican lead House of Representatives would not vote for the Senate version of the Act so long as it included the expanded protections.... 

May 19, 1012 is the first ever Hepatitis Testing Day inthe United States. Since chronic hepatitis often does not cause any symptoms until serious liver damage has been done, testing for hepatitis is crucial. Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C can become chronic, life-long infections which can lead to liver cancer. Millions of Americans are living with chronic viral hepatitis, and many do not know they are infected. HIV/AIDS,... 

The pervasive use of racial profiling as a policing tactic is an example of a social justice issue that is in need of reform. According to the World English Dictionary, racial profiling is defined as, an assumption of criminality among ethnic groups: the alleged policy of some police to attribute criminal intentions to members of some ethnic groups and to stop and question them in disproportionate numbers without probable... 

Social Work: Credentials, Climate and Value Tuesday, May 15, 2012 1:30 – 2:30 PM Eastern This webinar will provide a brief background of the hospice and palliative care macro-level climate in which social workers operate. Learn the significance of credentialing and its relevant terminology for social workers working in hospice and palliative care settings. For more details and to register, click here. Presenters: Chris... 

Questions below are from the NASW Specialty Practice Sections live webinar on ethics. NASW members can download the on demand audio recording or read the transcript by visiting the Sections page for details. CE credit is also available. Common Ethical Mistakes Made in Private Practice: A Focus on Areas Requiring Closer Attention for Even the Most Experienced Practitioners March 7, 2012 Q: Isn’t it breaking the husband’s... 

In December 2011, Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) issued a bulletin on the Essential Health Benefits (EHB), an important component of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (see 12/21/11 blog posting).   This week, NASW submitted its comments (see here) on DHHS’ proposed approach.  NASW made a strong appeal for a comprehensive, uniform set of national health benefits, and suggested that weak,... 

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued two important announcements related to the Affordable Care Act this week. Thirty-two health care organizations from around the country were selected to participate in the Pioneer Accountable Care Organization (ACOs) Program.  The Pioneer ACO program was designed for organizations with experience operating in ACO-like arrangements.  These 32 health care organizations... 

In a surprise move last Friday, HHS released a bulletin announcing its intention to let states determine the scope of essential health benefits to be established under the Affordable Care Act.  The  Essential Health Benefits Package (EHB) forms the basis for insurance coverage offered through the state-based “exchanges,” when they become operational in 2014.  The EHB will determine health care coverage for millions... 

Older Adults Adjusting to New Life Challenges: How Social Workers Help Wednesday, January 25, 2012 Exclusively for Specialty Practice Section Members Sponsored by the NASW Aging Section 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM ET Credit Hours: 1.5 CEU(s) Presenter: • Forrest Hong, LCSW, C-ASWCM Moderator(s): • Kamilah Omari, LMSW-Clinical and Macro, ACSW Thanks to the emergence of modern medicine and drugs, the generation... 

Celebrate Human Rights Background: On December 10 the world will celebrate Human Rights Day.  Every year, Human Rights Day marks the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations General Assembly on December 10, 1948. This year the day celebrates human rights activists who have taken to the streets across the globe to advocate for change.  The Role of Social Workers: Social work is fundamentally...