Ethics and the ASWB Exam: 1.08 Access to Records

Preparing for the ASWB exam can be a challenge, especially when it comes to ethical standards that require more than just memorization. One standard that often trips people up is 1.08 Access to Records from the NASW Code of Ethics. At first glance, it seems straightforward. Clients have a right to see their records. However, once you start thinking through real-life scenarios, the gray areas begin to emerge. What happens when access might harm the client? Are there exceptions? How do you respond when agency policies get in the way?

Access to Records is about more than just giving or withholding information. It requires you to use clinical judgment, apply ethical reasoning, and consider legal obligations simultaneously. The ASWB exam tests your ability to do just that. Ethics questions aren’t about choosing the nicest answer. They ask you to weigh risks, understand context, and protect client dignity without ignoring professional responsibility.

In this post, we’ll explore what 1.08 really says, how it plays out in real-life practice, and what kind of questions you’re likely to see on the exam. You’ll also get a sample practice question with an explanation of the correct answer, along with study tips tailored to this topic. If you’re looking for guided support while studying, we’ll show you how Agents of Change can help with tools like practice exams, live study groups, and access that lasts until you pass. Let’s get started and make sure you’re ready for anything the exam sends your way.

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1) What Is Section 1.08 Access to Records?

To pass the ASWB exam and practice ethically as a Social Worker, it’s important to understand both the language and the intent behind the NASW Code of Ethics. Section 1.08 Access to Records addresses a delicate area of practice: when and how to share client records with the clients themselves.

Below is the complete text of Section 1.08, followed by a plain-language breakdown of what each part means in the context of ethical Social Work.

Full Text: NASW Code of Ethics – Section 1.08 Access to Records

1.08 Access to Records

(a) Social Workers should provide clients with reasonable access to records concerning the clients. Social Workers who are concerned that clients’ access to their records could cause serious misunderstanding or harm to the client should provide assistance in interpreting the records and consultation with the client regarding the records. Social Workers should limit clients’ access to their records, or portions of their records, only in exceptional circumstances when there is compelling evidence that such access would cause serious harm to the client. Both clients’ requests and the rationale for withholding some or all of the record should be documented in clients’ files.

(b) When providing clients with access to their records, Social Workers should take steps to protect the confidentiality of other individuals identified or discussed in such records.

Breaking It Down

Let’s take a closer look at what each part of this section means for your day-to-day decision-making and for answering questions on the ASWB exam.

(a) Clients Have a Right to Access

The opening sentence sets the standard. Clients should be allowed to view their records within reason. Social Workers cannot block access simply because it might be uncomfortable or inconvenient. The starting point is that clients deserve to know what has been written about them.

Key Idea: Transparency is the ethical default. Clients generally have a right to review their records.

(a) Provide Support When There Is Risk of Harm

If you believe a client might misinterpret the content or experience distress from reading the records, you are expected to help guide them through it. That could mean offering to explain certain parts or reviewing the information together in session.

Key Idea: The role of the Social Worker is to inform and support, not simply hand over information without context.

(a) Limiting Access Only in Serious Situations

There may be rare occasions when it is appropriate to deny or limit access. But this can only happen when there is strong evidence that reading the records would cause serious harm to the client. Even then, the Social Worker needs to be thoughtful and cautious about this decision.

Key Idea: Restricting access is allowed only under exceptional circumstances and must be based on compelling evidence.

(a) Always Document Requests and Decisions

When a client requests access, you must record that request in their file. If you decide to limit or withhold any part of the record, you must also document the reason for doing so. This creates transparency and protects both you and the client.

Key Idea: Ethical practice requires written accountability. Every decision must be recorded.

(b) Protecting the Privacy of Others

Client records sometimes include information about third parties, such as family members or group participants. Even when the client is entitled to their records, you are responsible for protecting the confidentiality of others who may be mentioned.

Key Idea: A client’s right to access does not override another person’s right to privacy.

In summary, Section 1.08 is about striking the right balance. Clients generally have the right to access their records, and Social Workers should support that access whenever possible. At the same time, we must be cautious when serious harm is a possibility and take care to protect others’ privacy as we proceed. Understanding this balance is essential for both ethical practice and strong performance on the ASWB exam.

Agents of Change packages include 30+ ASWB topics, 2 free study groups per month, and hundreds of practice questions so you’ll be ready for test day!

2) Why Understanding Access to Records Matters on the ASWB Exam

Ethics questions on the ASWB exam are designed to test more than just factual recall. They measure your ability to think critically and make decisions that reflect professional Social Work values. Section 1.08 Access to Records may seem like a niche detail at first, but it often appears in both direct questions and nuanced scenarios that require sound judgment.

Understanding this section isn’t just about getting the correct answer; it’s also about understanding the underlying concepts. It’s about demonstrating that you can apply the ethical principles that define Social Work practice. Below are several reasons why this topic carries weight on the exam.

Recognizing Ethical Tension in Realistic Scenarios

The exam won’t ask if clients have the right to their records with a simple yes or no. Instead, it presents ethically complex scenarios that require balancing access with potential harm. You’ll need to make decisions that reflect ethical guidelines, legal awareness, and a genuine concern for the client’s well-being.

You might be asked to:

Evaluate whether a Social Worker should release full records to a client in crisis
Decide what steps to take when another person’s confidentiality is at risk within the file
Identify when to document a decision to withhold access

These questions test your ability to prioritize ethical standards under pressure. That’s why a deep understanding of Section 1.08 is essential.

It’s a Common Topic on the Exam

Ethics questions make up a significant portion of the ASWB exam. The topic of client access to records comes up frequently, especially in questions about:

Confidentiality
Documentation
Professional responsibility
Client rights

Because 1.08 sits at the intersection of several domains, you might encounter it across different question categories. You could see it in clinical vignettes, supervision scenarios, or even policy-related questions.

Key Concepts the Exam Might Explore

To be fully prepared, you’ll want to grasp the specific ideas the exam tends to emphasize in this area. These include:

Client autonomy
Clients generally have the right to access information about themselves.
Prevention of harm
Access can be limited only in cases where serious harm is a realistic concern.
Documentation requirements
Both the request and any rationale for denial or limitation must be documented clearly.
Confidentiality of third parties
Information about others in a client’s file must be protected, even when the client is accessing their own record.

What the ASWB Exam Is Really Testing

Beyond the content of 1.08, the ASWB exam is looking to see whether you:

Think critically under pressure
Understand how to apply ethics in complex, real-world situations
Can identify the most appropriate rather than just a reasonable answer
Know when to consult with supervisors or agency policy
Consider both ethical principles and potential consequences

These skills are essential for ethical practice and professional decision-making, and they are directly tied to how well you understand ethical standards like Access to Records.

Preparing with Confidence: What You Can Do

To prepare for questions about Access to Records, here’s what can help:

Practice realistic scenarios that involve client requests for records
Review the exact wording of Section 1.08 and break it down, as we did earlier
Use a structured study plan that includes ethics-specific review sessions
Work through sample questions that explore nuances around documentation and client safety

Make It Easier with Agents of Change

One of the most effective ways to get confident with ethical content like this is by studying with resources built around how the ASWB actually tests you. Agents of Change is designed to help you learn and apply ethics standards with tools that reflect real exam expectations.

Here’s what Agents of Change offers for your ethics prep:

Study plans that keep you on track and focused
Practice exams with scenario-based ethics questions
Two live study groups each month to work through questions in real time
Flashcards and ethical breakdowns to sharpen your recall and judgment
Unlimited access until you pass, so there’s no risk in starting early

Understanding Access to Records isn’t just about knowing the rule. It’s about showing that you can think like a Social Worker, someone who respects client rights, anticipates harm, and acts with integrity. With the right preparation, you’ll be ready to handle this topic with confidence on exam day.

3) ASWB Practice Question: Access to Records

A Social Worker is treating a young adult client who was recently hospitalized for suicidal ideation. During a follow-up session, the client requests a copy of their entire treatment record, including progress notes and assessments from both inpatient and outpatient care. The Social Worker believes that reading the records in full may trigger emotional distress or worsen the client’s symptoms. What is the MOST appropriate action for the Social Worker to take?

A. Deny the client’s request and advise them that records cannot be shared under any circumstances
B. Provide access to the records, but review them together with the client to offer interpretation and support
C. Refer the client to their previous inpatient provider for the record,s and avoid involvement
D. Release only the parts of the record the Social Worker feels comfortable sharing, without explanation

Correct Answer: B. Provide access to the records, but review them together with the client to offer interpretation and support

Rationale:

Why B is correct:
This answer aligns with Section 1.08 of the NASW Code of Ethics, which states that clients should have reasonable access to their records. When a Social Worker believes that access might lead to misunderstanding or harm, the ethical approach is to support the client by reviewing and interpreting the records with them. This maintains transparency while minimizing risk. Reviewing the information together allows for emotional support and clarification of any potentially distressing content.

Why A is incorrect:
Flatly denying the request without considering the client’s right to access or offering explanation contradicts the ethical guidelines in 1.08. Denial is only appropriate in exceptional circumstances, and even then, the decision must be justified and documented.

Why C is incorrect:
Referring the client elsewhere avoids responsibility and overlooks the fact that the Social Worker holds relevant outpatient records. Ethically, Social Workers are obligated to address their own documentation and not deflect responsibility unless there’s a clear boundary of care.

Why D is incorrect:
Releasing selective information without explaining the reason lacks transparency and can harm trust. If portions of the record are withheld, the Social Worker must clearly explain why and document the rationale. Simply choosing what feels comfortable to share is not an ethical approach.

4) FAQs – Code of Ethics: 1.08 Access to Records

Q: Can a Social Worker ever deny a client’s request to see their records?

A: Yes, but only in exceptional circumstances. According to Section 1.08 of the NASW Code of Ethics, Social Workers should provide clients with reasonable access to their records. However, access may be limited or denied if there is compelling evidence that reading the records would cause serious harm to the client. This isn’t a casual decision—it must be based on clear clinical judgment and documented thoroughly in the client’s file. If a portion of the record is withheld, the rationale for doing so must be clearly explained and recorded.

This standard emphasizes client empowerment, but it also acknowledges that complete transparency can, in rare instances, be detrimental. Social Workers are ethically obligated to weigh both the client’s right to access and their emotional well-being when making this decision.

Q: What should a Social Worker do if the client’s record includes information about another person?

A: When a client requests access to their record, the Social Worker must take steps to protect the confidentiality of any third parties mentioned in the documentation. This includes family members, partners, group participants, or collateral contacts. Even though the record belongs to the client, the ethical responsibility to safeguard others’ privacy still applies.

In practice, this may mean redacting names or sensitive details before releasing the record. According to Section 1.08(b), protecting third-party confidentiality is non-negotiable. On the ASWB exam, you may see questions that test whether you recognize this responsibility. Choosing an answer that preserves both client rights and third-party privacy reflects ethical and competent decision-making.

Q: How should a Social Worker handle a situation where agency policy conflicts with Section 1.08?

A: If agency policy creates barriers to fulfilling ethical obligations under Section 1.08, the Social Worker should attempt to resolve the conflict through consultation and advocacy, while still prioritizing the client’s best interests. This might involve speaking with supervisors, consulting legal counsel, or initiating policy reviews within the agency.

The NASW Code of Ethics is a guiding framework for professional conduct, and while it does not override the law, it often provides direction when legal or institutional policies are unclear. Social Workers are expected to advocate for ethical practice within their agencies and institutions. On the ASWB exam, the best course of action in such scenarios usually involves seeking supervision, clarifying policies, and acting in accordance with both ethical standards and legal requirements.

5) Conclusion

Understanding Section 1.08 Access to Records is essential for anyone preparing for the ASWB exam and for practicing ethically in the field of Social Work. This standard reinforces the importance of transparency, documentation, and professional judgment when clients request access to their records.

While the ethical default is to honor client autonomy, Social Workers must also be prepared to assess risk, offer guidance, and protect the confidentiality of others when needed. These responsibilities are deeply rooted in the values of trust, respect, and care that define the profession.

On the ASWB exam, this topic frequently appears in scenario-based questions that require you to apply both ethical principles and critical thinking. Knowing the language of the code is helpful, but more important is your ability to make thoughtful decisions that prioritize client welfare without compromising professional integrity. Whether you’re faced with a direct question or one that blends ethics with documentation or confidentiality, your understanding of 1.08 could easily influence your score.

► Learn more about the Agents of Change course here: https://agentsofchangeprep.com

About the Instructor, Dr. Meagan Mitchell: Meagan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has been providing individualized and group test prep for the ASWB for over 10 years. From all of this experience helping others pass their exams, she created the Agents of Change course to help you prepare for and pass the ASWB exam!

Find more from Agents of Change here:

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Disclaimer: This content has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or clinical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Ethics and the ASWB Exam: 1.08 Access to Records

Ethics and the ASWB Exam: 1.08 Access to Records

1) What Is Section 1.08 Access to Records?