Chapter 20 - Ethics,, Legal Considerations, and Professionalism

Question 1

Morals

Answer 1

Morals are right actions based on religious teachings.

Question 2

Ethics

Answer 2

Ethics are rules that apply values and moral standards to our actions.

Question 3

Standards of Ethics

Answer 3

The Standards of Ethics for the profession of radiologic technology is a two-part document that consists of a Code of Ethics and Rules of Ethics. Both are developed and adopted by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)

Question 4

Code of Ethics

Answer 4

1.The radiologic technologist acts in a professional manner, responds to patient needs, and supports colleagues and associates in providing quality patient care.
2.The radiologic technologist acts to advance the principal objective of the profession to provide services to humanity with full respect for the dignity of mankind.
3.The radiologic technologist delivers patient care and service unrestricted by the concerns of personal attributes or the nature of the disease or illness, and without discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, familial status, disability, veteran status, age, or any other legally protected basis.
4.The radiologic technologist practices technology founded upon theoretical knowledge and concepts, uses equipment and accessories consistent with the purposes for which they were designed, and employs procedures and techniques appropriately.
5.The radiologic technologist assesses situations; exercises care, discretion, and judgment; assumes responsibility for professional decisions; and acts in the best interest of the patient.
6.The radiologic technologist acts as an agent through observation and communication to obtain pertinent information for the physician to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of the patient and recognizes that interpretation and diagnosis are outside the scope of practice for the profession.
7.The radiologic technologist uses equipment and accessories, employs techniques and procedures, performs services in accordance with an accepted standard of practice, and demonstrates expertise in minimizing radiation exposure to the patient, self, and other members of the health care team.
8.The radiologic technologist practices ethical conduct appropriate to the profession and protects the patient’s right to quality radiologic technology care.
9.The radiologic technologist respects confidences entrusted in the course of professional practice, respects the patient’s right to privacy, and reveals confidential information only as required by law or to protect the welfare of the individual or the community.
10.The radiologic technologist continually strives to improve knowledge and skills by participating in continuing education and professional activities, sharing knowledge with colleagues, and investigating new aspects of professional practice.
11.The radiologic technologist refrains from the use of illegal drugs and/or any legally controlled substances which result in impairment of professional judgment and/or ability to practice radiologic technology with reasonable skill and safety to patients.

Question 5

Beneficence

Answer 5

goodness. Actions that bring about good are considered right.

Question 6

Nonmaleficence

Answer 6

no evil. An obligation not to inflict harm.

Question 7

Veracity

Answer 7

truth. An obligation to tell the truth.

Question 8

Fidelity

Answer 8

faithfulness. An obligation to be loyal or faithful.

Question 9

Justice

Answer 9

fairness. An obligation to act with equity.

Question 10

Autonomy

Answer 10

self-determination. Respecting the independence of others and acting with self-reliance.

Question 11

HIPAA

Answer 11

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) was enacted in 1996 and has two main provisions. Title I provides for continuing health care coverage for workers and their families when there is a loss or change of employment. Title II, which concerns us here, requires the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to protect the privacy rights of patients and increase the efficiency of the health care system by drafting rules and creating standards for the use and dissemination of health care information.

Question 12

informed consent

Answer 12

informed consent is necessary for any procedure that is considered experimental or that involves substantial risk.

Question 13

intentional misconduct

Answer 13

The types of intentional misconduct that may occur in a health care setting include assault, battery, false imprisonment, invasion of privacy, and libel or slander (defamation of character).

Question 14

Assault

Answer 14

Assault may be defined as the threat of touching in an injurious way.

Question 15

Battery

Answer 15

Battery consists of an unlawful touching of a person without consent.

Question 16

False imprisonment

Answer 16

False imprisonment is the unjustifiable detention of a person against his or her will.

Question 17

Invasion of privacy

Answer 17

Invasion of privacy charges may result when confidentiality of information has not been maintained or when the patient’s body has been improperly exposed or touched.

Question 18

defamation of character

Answer 18

If the information disclosed reflects negatively on the patient’s reputation, there may also be justification for a claim of defamation of character.

Question 19

Libel and slander

Answer 19

Libel usually refers to written information; slander is more often applied to information spread verbally.

Question 20

Negligence

Answer 20

Negligence refers to the neglect or omission of reasonable care or caution.

Question 21

The Seven C’s of Malpractice Prevention

Answer 21

Competence: knowing and adhering to professional standards and maintaining professional competence reduce liability exposure.
Compliance: the compliance by health professionals with policies and procedures in the medical office and hospital avoids patient injuries and litigation.
Charting: charting completely, consistently, and objectively can be the best defense against a malpractice claim.
Communication: patient injuries and resulting malpractice cases can be avoided by improving communications with patients and among health care professionals.
Confidentiality: protecting the confidentiality of medical information is a legal and ethical responsibility of health professionals.
Courtesy: a courteous attitude and demeanor can improve patient rapport and lessen the likelihood of lawsuits.
Carefulness: personal injuries can occur unexpectedly on the premises and may lead to lawsuits.