Legal Issues & ARRT Standard of Ethics

50 practice flashcards covering legal terminology, ethical principles, negligence, legal doctrines, and ARRT standards based on RADI 223 lecture notes.

According to the lecture, what are the two required patient identifiers used to confirm a patient's identity?

Name and date of birth

What is the primary purpose of confirming a patient's identity with at least two identifiers?

To ensure the correct patient is receiving the correct exam

What initial interactions should a radiographer perform to ensure identifying the right patient for the right reasons?

Confirm identity, initiate rapport, assess comprehension level, obtain brief history/reason for exam, and review the requisition

What is the definition of a Tort?

A private or civil injustice, injury or misconduct where the injured party is seeking reparations for damage incurred

How is False Imprisonment defined in the context of intentional torts?

Holding a patient against his/her will

What intentional tort is defined as the 'threat of harm'?

Assault

What is an example of Assault in a clinical setting mentioned in the notes?

Threatening to repeat a difficult exam if the patient does not cooperate

What is the definition of Battery as an intentional tort?

To carry out the threat of harm

Performing an exam without a patient's consent after they have refused is an example of which intentional tort?

Battery

What is the definition of Defamation of Character?

Disclosing confidential information that is detrimental to the patient

What is the difference between Slander and Libel?

Slander is spoken defamation; Libel is written defamation

How is Invasion of Privacy defined in the lecture?

Disclosing confidential info to unauthorized individuals

What does the ethical principle of Beneficence refer to?

The idea that all acts must be meant to attain good results, relating to doing good and being kind

What term is defined as telling the truth and not practicing deception?

Veracity (i.e., sincerity)

What does the principle of Autonomy grant to patients?

The right to decide what will or will not be done to them

What ethical term is defined as faithfulness and loyalty?

Fidelity

Negligence is categorized as what type of tort?

Unintentional tort

In cases of negligence, what is 'Duty' defined as?

What should have been done, as determined by the standard of care

In the context of negligence, how is 'Breach' defined?

A deviation from duty

What are two examples of negligent/unintentional torts mentioned in the notes?

X-raying the wrong patient (or wrong limb) and a patient fall due to being left unattended

What is the number one ($1$) cause for common lawsuits mentioned in the lecture?

Patient falls

What are the four ($4$) elements that must be present to prove negligence?

$1$. Duty, $2$. Breach (deviation from duty), $3$. Injury sustained, and $4$. Cause (as a result of breach)

What does the legal phrase 'Respondeat Superior' mean?

Let the master answer (or 'The one ruling is responsible')

What does the legal doctrine 'Res Ipsa Loquitur' relate to?

A thing or matter that speaks for itself

What is the definition of 'Res Judicata'?

A thing or matter settled by justice

What does the term 'Stare Decisis' refer to?

A matter settled by precedent

What action is required before utilizing restraints on a patient?

A doctor's order, which must be updated regularly

Name three items categorized as immobilization devices rather than restraints.

Sponges, velcro straps, and tape

When using tape for immobilization, how should the technologist protect the patient's skin from the adhesive side?

Twist the tape so the non-adhesive side is against the skin, or use a cloth or tissue to protect the skin

Which legal doctrine is applied if a technologist crops or masks an electronic X-ray image to look as if they collimated?

Res Ipsa Loquitur

Why is cropping or masking of anatomy considered negligent beyond the exposure issues?

It may leave out important information needed for proper diagnosis or incidental findings

What specific values/settings should a technologist NOT modify or manipulate according to the notes?

EI values, processing algorithms, and brightness/contrast values

The ARRT Standard of Ethics Number $2$ states the radiologic technologist advances the profession to provide services with respect for what?

The dignity of mankind

Which ARRT Standard of Ethics addresses providing care without discrimination on basis of sex, race, or religion?

Standard $3$

According to Standard $6$, what is recognized as being outside the scope of practice for a radiologic technologist?

Interpretation and diagnosis

Standard $7$ emphasizes expertise in what specific safety area?

Minimizing radiation exposure to the patient, self, and other members of the healthcare team

Which ARRT Standard of Ethics focuses on protecting the patient's right to privacy and respecting confidences?

Standard $9$

According to the Honor Code, which criminal occurrences must be reported to the ARRT?

Felonies, misdemeanors, and various criminal procedures

What can a candidate use to determine ethics eligibility before enrolling in a radiography program?

The pre-application process

If a student has been suspended or expelled from a radiography program, what must they do on their ARRT application?

Identify the incident, submit a detailed explanation, and provide accompanying documentation

When is an Ethics Review Preapplication NOT an option for a student?

When they have fewer than six ($6$) months until graduation

How early can an application for certification and registration be submitted before completing an educational program?

Up to three ($3$) months before completion

What are examples of serious honor code (academic) violations defined by ARRT?

Patient abuse, violating patient confidentiality, and cheating

Name four ethical violations defined by the ARRT Standards of Ethics.

Fraud or deceptive practices, subversion, unprofessional conduct, and being unfit to practice

Approximately how long can an ARRT Ethics Review take to process?

Three ($3$) months or more

In 2017, out of $1,909$ alleged ethics violations, how many resulted in the revocation of certification and registration?

$30$ cases

What was the percentage of revocation sanctions among investigated ethics violations in 2017?

$$1.57\%$$

Does a student need to report falling asleep in class or poor grades as an ethics violation?

No

What document provides the 'Practice Standards' for radiographers mentioned on Page 9?

ASRT document

Standard $10$ of the ARRT Standards of Ethics requires technologists to improve knowledge and skills through what?

Participating in continuing education and professional activities