Terminology Notice: Throughout the OCSWSSW’s website and documents, the term “member” and “registrant” are used interchangeably and synonymously as equivalent to the term “member” as used in the Social Work and Social Service Work Act, 1998, and the Regulations.
There are several circumstances that trigger a requirement to make a written report to the College, known as a mandatory report.
Who is required to report?
1. Employers
Employers are required to report the termination of a social worker or social service worker’s employment for reasons of professional misconduct, incompetence, or incapacity. An employer must also file a report if it intended to terminate the member’s employment, but the member resigned before it could do so. Even in situations where the employer agrees to accept the member’s resignation in lieu of termination, the legal obligation to report to the College remains the same.
2. Social workers and social service workers
Social workers and social service workers are members of the College. College members are required to file a report with the College if they have reasonable grounds to believe that another social worker or social service worker has sexually abused a client. Members are also required to file a self-report if they have been convicted of a criminal offence involving sexual conduct.
3. Health information custodians
A “health information custodian” (or “HIC”) is defined as anyone who is authorized to collect, use, retain and disclose personal health information.
HICs must file a report with the College when a social worker or social service worker who is employed by them is terminated, resigns, is suspended or subject to disciplinary action as a result of the unauthorized collection, use, disclosure, retention, or disposal of a client’s personal health information.
For more detailed information about the mandatory reporting process, please review the College’s Mandatory Reporting Guide. If you wish to file a report, please submit a completed Reporting Form. (Note: To fill and sign the Reporting Form, please save and open as a PDF first.)