title: When a social worker becomes a voluntary commissioner and calls on the Code of Ethics.
abstract: When practicing in a new arena, where does a social worker turn for guidance? This article discusses the author's experiences as chair of a governor-appointed Special Commission to Study Sexual Orientation Discrimination. The Code of Ethics of the National Association of Social Workers proved a useful guide in framing the social work role and in helping to resolve thorny issues that emerged.
authors.affiliation: School of Social Work, University of Maryland, Baltimore 21201, USA. ggreif@ssw.umaryland.edu
authors.forename: Geoffrey L
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Greif
mesh_terms: D026683:Advisory Committees / Q000941:ethics*; D032781:Codes of Ethics; D003254:Consumer Advocacy; D004995:Ethics, Professional; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D008396:Maryland; D011057:Politics; D011287:Prejudice; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012935:Social Justice / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D012947:Social Work / Q000941:ethics*