Ethics Review: Radiologic Technology

Legal responsibility

the employer is responsible for employees’ negligent acts that occur during the course of their work

Respondeat superior

“let the master respond”

Vicarious liability

“borrowed servant”

-liability by one person or agency for the actions of another

Vicarious liability

physicians may be liable for wrongful acts committed by hospital employees under the physician’s order

Laws

legal requirements for behavior

Ofenses against the state or society at large

Felony and misdemeanors

Examples of RT criminal acts

1. drug theft (felonies)

2. violations of laws that regulate practice or scope of practice limitations (misdemeanors)

   1. Fraud or misrepresentation with respect to one’s credentials or qualifications (felony or misdemeanor)

Felony

serious crime, violent or nonviolent

Examples of felony

murder, arson, fraud, manslaughter, grand theft

Misdemeanor

less significant crime

Examples of misdemeanor

trespassing, petty theft, vandalism, public intoxication, reckless driving, simple assault

Punishment for misdemeanor

fine or imprisonment for less than 1 year, jail time, probation, community service

Punishment for felony

death or imprisonment longer than 1 year