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New Book Tackles Ethics for Case Management’s Interprofessional Workforce

By. Dr. Ellen Fink-Samnick DBH, MSW, LCSW, ACSW, CCM, CCTP, CRP, CGI Alumna and DBH Program Faculty

May 17, 2023

Ethics has long been viewed as not black and white, but rather the varied shades of gray. However, these interesting times mandate a novel stance. Ethics now comprise a spectrum of vibrant colors that reflect its fierce disruptions to practice, and for every member of the interprofessional workforce. Managing this intense reality is a constant struggle for every practitioner, and especially those in case management roles. The latest book by CGI graduate Dr. Ellen Fink-Samnick, The Ethical Case Manager: Tools and Tactics, offers clear guidance.

Case management’s workforce faces many accountability challenges not experienced by other professions. First, case management is an umbrella profession comprised of varied disciplines, including those engaged in integrated care. Each discipline has a distinct code of ethics or professional conduct, and requisite standards of practice (e.g., counseling, nursing, occupational therapy, and social work). To make matters more complex there are over 25 case management-related credentials for individuals (e.g., ACM, CCM, CDMS, CMGT-BCTM, CRC), and organizations (e.g., NCQA, URAC), each with unique requirements. There are also several professional associations for case managers across the industry. The range of established resources of guidance defined by each of these entities makes for two confusing conundrums; defining the ethical and legal parameters for case management practice, and reconciling this moving touchpoint with employer policies and procedures.

Dr. Fink-Samnick uses her innovative interprofessional lens to deliver a practical approach for the reader. The book’s expansive content provides a context for ethical accountability in addressing the most complex dilemmas to date. Didactic knowledge is blended with Federal and state regulations, innovative models, and dedicated resources. Each chapter provides real-life case scenarios and contemplation questions so that readers can dig in and apply the learning to their setting. The content is crafted for every professional stakeholder, whether students, new or more seasoned case managers, consultants, and those in leadership roles.

The Book’s Table of Contents is comprehensive and spans critical areas:

  • Section 1: Essentials of Ethics
    • Chapter 1: Terms and Definitions
    • Chapter 2: Established Resources of Guidance
    • Chapter 3: The Value Proposition for Ethical Case Management
  • Section 2: Realities of Practice
    • Chapter 4: Population-based Practice
    • Chapter 5: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice (co-authored with Michael Garrett)
    • Chapter 6: Workplace Bullying
    • Chapter 7: Health Information Technology
    • Chapter 8: Interstate Practice
  • Section 3: Activation of Ethical Decision-Making
    • Chapter 9: Enduring Models
    • Chapter 10: Case Scenarios and Direct Application
    • Epilogue

The Ethical Case Manager: Tools & Tactics will be your primary ethical resource to:

  • Educate students
  • Onboard new staff
  • Benchmark ethical practice
  • Resolve ethical dilemmas
  • Guide compliance practices
  • Ensure successful fiscal, clinical, and operational outcomes
  • Employ ethical decision-making models
  • Leverage interprofessional teams
  • Inform individual practices

The Ethical Case Manager: Tools and Tactics is available on Amazon for a special introductory price through May 30, 2023.