What is a requirement if a facility does not have a certified social worker on staff?

When a facility does not have a certified social worker on staff, one of the primary requirements is to effect an agreement with a qualified social work consultant. This approach ensures that the facility can still meet the necessary social work needs of its patients, providing professional guidance and support even in the absence of a full-time certified social worker.

Hiring additional staff members or providing additional training to existing staff may not adequately address the specific expertise required in social work, as these alternatives may not bring the necessary qualifications or experience that a consultant could provide. Outsourcing all patient services, on the other hand, would be an extreme measure not typically mandated in regulatory frameworks and could disrupt the continuity of care. Thus, forming an agreement with a qualified social work consultant is both a practical and compliant solution for the facility.