Using AI in professional social work practice can offer powerful tools, but also raises important ethical, practical and relational considerations.
Consider the following:
• Does the AI tool protect client data in accordance with privacy laws (e.g., Health Information Act, Protection of Privacy Act, Access to Information Act, Personal Information Protection Act)?
• Are clients aware of how AI is being used and what it means for their data or decisions?
• Could the AI reinforce systemic biases or exclude marginalized populations?
• What is the AI being used for?
– Administrative support such as scheduling or documentation?
– Clinical decision support?
– Risk assessment or predictive analytics?
• Is it replacing or augmenting human judgement?
• Can you explain how the AI works to clients or colleagues?
• Who is responsible if the AI makes an error or influences a poor decision?
• Is there a human review process in place?
• Do you understand the tool well enough to use it responsibly?
• Have you received training or guidance on ethical AI use?
• Can you critically evaluate its outputs?
If you choose to use AI in delivering a professional service, you are still accountable for the substance of the note or document. If AI is used, you must still review and finalize the document.
If a client does not provide consent, you may not use AI.