NASW Law Note

Social Workers and Subpoenas

Introduction

What Is a Subpoena?

• Types of Subpoenas
• Subpoena ad testificandum
• Subpoena duces tecum
• How Are Subpoenas Issued?
• How Is a Subpoena Served?
• Scope of a Subpoena

Responding to a Subpoena

• Social Worker Responsibilities
• Objecting to a Subpoena
• Written Objections
• Protective Order
• Motion to Quash or Modify

Applying and Waiving Client Privilege

Social Workers, HIPAA, and Subpoenas

• NASW Code of Ethics Standard for Release of Client Information
• HIPAA Standards for Disclosure of Client Information in Legal Proceedings
• Disclosure Based on a Court Order
• HIPAA Rules for Disclosure Based on a Subpoena
• Disclosure of Records and State Law
• Disclosure of Records and Federal Law
• Disclosure of Records and Mixed State–Federal Law Cases
• HIPAA and Waiver of Privilege
• Ex Parte Interviews

Costs of Compliance

• Unretained Expert’s Opinion
• Contempt of Court
• Fees

Conclusion

Endnotes

Appendix A—NASW Code of Ethics: 1.07 Privacy and Confidentiality

Appendix B—State Subpoena Statutes

Appendix C—Federal Rules of Civil Procedure