Ethics and the ASWB Exam: 1.15 Interruption of Services

1) What Is Section 1.15 Interruption of Services?

Section 1.15 of the NASW Code of Ethics addresses how Social Workers must plan for and respond to situations that interrupt the services they provide to clients. Whether it’s a scheduled absence, such as a vacation, or something sudden, like an illness, this ethical guideline ensures that client care continues in a thoughtful and professional manner.

Here is the full text of Section 1.15 from the NASW Code of Ethics:

1.15 Interruption of Services
Social Workers should make reasonable efforts to ensure continuity of services in the event that services are interrupted due to factors such as unavailability, relocation, illness, disability, or death.

Now, let’s break this down so you can understand what each part means and how it might show up in your ASWB exam or real-world practice.

“Social Workers should make reasonable efforts…”

This section focuses on professional responsibility. You’re not expected to control everything, but you are expected to plan ahead where possible. “Reasonable efforts” means taking steps that are within your power, appropriate to your setting, and aligned with professional standards. That could include designating a colleague to contact clients in emergencies, including service interruption language in informed consent forms, or making referrals well in advance of leaving a position.

“…to ensure continuity of services…”

The heart of this section is continuity. When clients are left without support, their progress can stall—or worse, regress. This clause emphasizes that Social Workers have an ethical obligation to avoid disruptions in client care. That might involve arranging temporary coverage, coordinating with other providers, or ensuring a warm handoff if you’re closing a practice or changing jobs. On the ASWB exam, look for options that put the client’s access to care at the center.

“…in the event that services are interrupted due to factors such as unavailability, relocation, illness, disability, or death.”

This final part acknowledges that life happens. Emergencies, transitions, and personal circumstances can arise suddenly. But ethical Social Work means anticipating these possibilities and creating a plan of action before they affect clients. These examples: unavailability, relocation, illness, disability, and death are serious, but even a long weekend or a conference could count if clients are left hanging without support.

Putting It All Together

Section 1.15 reminds Social Workers that ethical care doesn’t pause just because you do. Clients need stability, and it’s your job to prepare for the unexpected. Whether you’re studying for the ASWB exam or navigating real-life practice, understanding this principle helps you stay grounded in ethical action, even when things go off-script.

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2) Why Understanding Interruption of Services Matters on the ASWB Exam

Section 1.15 of the NASW Code of Ethics may seem straightforward at first, but on the ASWB exam, it’s much more than a basic guideline. This section appears in questions that assess your ethical reasoning, decision-making, and professional responsibility. It’s not about memorizing a rule. Instead, the exam wants to know if you can apply that rule when real-life challenges come up in practice.

Let’s explore why this concept is essential for the ASWB exam and how you can prepare to answer related questions with confidence.

You’ll See It in Ethical Scenario Questions

Interruption of Services is commonly tested in the Ethics and Professional Values sections of the ASWB exam. The exam will often present scenarios where something disrupts a Social Worker’s ability to provide services. These questions can involve situations like:

An unexpected medical emergency
A sudden resignation or job loss
Relocating to a different area
A planned absence without appropriate coverage
A private practice closing without proper referral processes

These aren’t yes-or-no questions. You’ll be asked to think through the situation and identify what the Social Worker should do, based on ethical guidelines and client-centered care.

It Goes Beyond Memorizing the Code

The ASWB won’t ask you to quote Section 1.15. Instead, the questions will require you to:

Identify the most appropriate action a Social Worker should take
Recognize when ethical standards are being ignored
Decide what steps prioritize the client’s well-being
Avoid actions that may unintentionally abandon the client

For example, if a Social Worker is hospitalized and cannot notify clients right away, the exam may ask what should have been arranged in advance. You will need to think about prevention, responsibility, and ethical planning.

You’ll Need to Know What Comes First

One of the hardest parts of the exam is choosing the first step in an ethical dilemma. Often, there may be multiple steps that sound correct, but only one is the best immediate action. Interruption of Services questions are a great example of this.

The exam is checking whether you understand how to prioritize actions, such as:

Referring clients to another provider before ending services
Ensuring continuity of care above administrative tasks
Communicating with clients clearly and professionally
Planning ahead to reduce harm during disruptions

How to Prepare Effectively

If you want to feel ready when these types of questions appear, you’ll need more than a surface-level understanding. Here’s how to study this topic with intention:

Review what qualifies as an interruption, including both planned and unplanned events
Learn how to develop and implement contingency plans
Understand what referral and termination processes look like
Focus on ethical decision-making through realistic practice questions
Join study groups or courses that explain the reasoning behind correct answers

Fast Facts: What You Should Know About Section 1.15

Clients should never be left without access to care
Social Workers must plan for absences whenever possible
Unexpected events still carry ethical obligations
Referrals must be timely and appropriate
Preparation is key to upholding professional standards

Understanding Section 1.15 is about more than passing a test. It’s about showing that you’re ready to be a responsible, thoughtful Social Worker who places client well-being above personal or organizational inconvenience. The ASWB exam looks for that kind of readiness, and with the right preparation, you’ll be more than capable of answering these questions with clarity and confidence.

3) ASWB Practice Question: Interruption of Services

A Social Worker in a solo private practice is preparing to take a two-week vacation abroad where they will have no access to phone or email. Several of the Social Worker’s clients are in the middle of addressing complex trauma-related issues and rely on weekly sessions for stability. What is the MOST appropriate action the Social Worker should take before leaving?

A. Inform clients that services will resume after the vacation and provide the dates of unavailability
B. Recommend that clients reduce their session frequency until the Social Worker returns
C. Arrange for coverage by a qualified colleague and inform clients of how to access services during the absence
D. Send an automated email response explaining the absence and apologizing for the inconvenience

Correct Answer:
C. Arrange for coverage by a qualified colleague and inform clients of how to access services during the absence

Rationale:

Section 1.15 of the NASW Code of Ethics requires that Social Workers make reasonable efforts to ensure continuity of services when services are interrupted. In this scenario, clients are actively engaged in intensive work and may need support during their absence. Simply informing them of the dates (choice A), reducing frequency (choice B), or sending an automated message (choice D) is insufficient to protect client welfare.

Option C reflects the Social Worker’s ethical responsibility to arrange for continued access to care by securing a trusted colleague to provide coverage and clearly communicating that option to clients. This protects clients from harm, maintains professional integrity, and aligns with the expectation to anticipate service disruptions in advance.

4) FAQs – Code of Ethics: 1.15 Interruption of Services

Q: What exactly counts as an “interruption of services” in Social Work?

A: An interruption of services refers to any situation where a Social Worker becomes unable to provide scheduled or ongoing care to clients. This could be temporary, like taking a vacation or attending a conference, or more serious, like becoming ill, relocating, taking a leave of absence, or even passing away.

According to Section 1.15 of the NASW Code of Ethics, it is the Social Worker’s responsibility to anticipate these situations when possible and make reasonable plans to ensure clients are not left without support. The ethical obligation applies regardless of whether the disruption is planned or unexpected.

Q: How should I apply Section 1.15 on the ASWB exam when multiple answers seem correct?

A: On the ASWB exam, questions tied to ethical standards like Interruption of Services often include answer choices that are all technically acceptable—but only one will be the most ethical, client-centered, and immediate action.

When in doubt, ask yourself: Which option best protects the client’s access to uninterrupted care? Look for answers that involve planning ahead, arranging referrals or coverage, and communicating clearly with clients. Avoid choices that delay action or focus only on administrative tasks. The correct answer will usually demonstrate proactive thinking that aligns with professional standards.

Q: What steps can I take now, as a student or new practitioner, to meet this ethical standard in real life?

A: Even early in your Social Work career, you can start building habits that reflect ethical responsibility under Section 1.15. Begin by understanding your organization’s policy for coverage and continuity.

If you’re in private practice or plan to be, have a written contingency plan for emergencies, designate a trusted colleague for client referrals, and include information about potential service disruptions in your informed consent paperwork. Being prepared not only protects your clients but also strengthens your professional credibility. Practicing this mindset now will make applying it on the ASWB exam much easier.

5) Conclusion

Ethical practice in Social Work doesn’t pause when circumstances change. Whether it’s a scheduled leave, an unexpected illness, or the end of a professional role, clients still deserve consistent, thoughtful care. That’s the core of Section 1.15 Interruption of Services, and why it plays such a vital role on the ASWB exam. Understanding this section isn’t about memorizing a rule; it’s about embracing the deeper responsibility Social Workers carry to protect their clients’ well-being, even when they themselves must step away.

The ASWB exam is designed to test your ability to respond ethically under pressure, and scenarios involving service interruption are a common and important part of that. When you recognize the potential for disruption and take steps to plan ahead, refer appropriately, and communicate clearly, you’re practicing exactly the kind of professional judgment the exam looks for. Knowing how to apply Section 1.15 shows that you’re prepared not just to pass, but to serve with integrity in real-world settings.

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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!

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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: 1.15 Interruption of Services

Ethics and the ASWB Exam: 1.15 Interruption of Services