Ministry of Health and Welfare: Complete Review of Social Workers' Legal Responsibilities by Year-End, Proposes Increase in Nighttime Contact and Duty Fees

Central News Agency report (Reporter Tseng I-Ning, Taipei, June 17)

KMT legislator Chen Jing-hui today questioned the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) on the progress of its review regarding potential legal liabilities for social workers. Minister Shih Chong-liang responded that the review will be completed by the end of the year. The MOHW's Protection Services Division also stated it intends to propose to the Executive Yuan an increase in nighttime emergency contact fees and nighttime duty fees for protective social workers.

The Legislative Yuan's Social Welfare and Health Environment Committee today reviewed the MOHW's proposed budget for fiscal year 2026 (115th year), with Minister Shih Chong-liang and other MOHW officials attending the session.

Chen pointed out that recent cases of social workers receiving severe legal judgments have raised concerns among frontline staff about occupational risks, legal responsibilities, and the boundaries of professional judgment, potentially affecting their willingness to serve. As a result, she proposed freezing NT$1 million from the budget line 'Planning to Establish Social Work Professionalism' under 'Social Worker and Community Development Operations.' She also inquired during the session about the progress of MOHW's public explanation meetings and the review of regulations related to social work.

Su Chao-ju, Director-General of the MOHW's Social Assistance Division, explained that common themes from four public meetings included ongoing efforts to strengthen social workers' salaries, allowances, and benefits, as well as frontline requests to simplify forms and documentation in work processes. Additionally, due to the labor-intensive nature of the job, social workers have expressed strong needs for psychological support such as counseling and legal aid.

Regarding legal responsibilities arising from social workers' service processes—particularly their 'guarantor status'—Su stated that preliminary reviews suggest protective social workers and those involved in care responsibilities are more likely to face such liabilities. However, each division must continue to examine the specific laws, procedures, and guidelines applicable to their respective social work service areas.

Minister Shih said the comprehensive review will be completed by the end of the year.

Chen also noted that although the MOHW has adjusted social workers' salaries in recent years, starting salaries for protective social workers remain around NT$46,000, which falls short of the risks, professional responsibilities, and talent retention needs associated with the role. She therefore proposed freezing 1% of the budget for the 'Enhanced Social Safety Net 2.0' program. During the session, she emphasized that this proposal aims to understand how much additional compensation the MOHW plans to provide, along with implementation methods and timelines.

In response, Kuo Tsai-jung, Director-General of the MOHW's Protection Services Division, said the ministry intends to propose to the Executive Yuan an increase in nighttime emergency contact fees and nighttime duty fees for protective social workers, though the proposal must follow Executive Yuan procedures. Specifically, the nighttime emergency contact fee, currently NT$300–1,000 per day, is proposed to be raised to NT$500–2,500. The non-business hours service fee, currently NT$2,000, is proposed to increase to NT$2,500–3,000.

Kuo added that a 'hazard allowance' for social workers is still under cross-divisional discussion, aiming for an increase substantial enough to be noticeable to workers. For high-risk households, local governments are encouraged to implement a 'veteran mentoring newcomer' approach, where experienced staff accompany new workers on difficult cases to prevent novices from handling such cases alone.

Ultimately, both budget freeze proposals were changed to main resolutions, with no budget cuts or freezes implemented. Instead, the MOHW is required to submit a written report to the Legislative Yuan's Social Welfare and Health Environment Committee. (Edited by Lin Ko-lun) 1150617