Professional Ethics & Legal Standards Flashcards

Which legal doctrine holds an employer responsible for the negligent acts of an employee performed within the scope of employment?

Answer: Respondeat superior

Respondeat superior makes employers vicariously liable for employees' negligence on the job.

A technologist performs an exam on a competent patient who clearly refused it. This act is most likely to be considered:

Answer: Battery

Touching or treating a patient without consent constitutes battery.

Which statement best describes the ALARA principle as an ethical obligation?

Answer: Exposure should be kept as low as reasonably achievable

ALARA requires minimizing exposure, taking economic and social factors into account.

Under HIPAA, which of the following disclosures of patient information is generally permitted without written authorization?

Answer: Disclosure for treatment purposes among providers

HIPAA permits uses and disclosures for treatment, payment, and healthcare operations.

A technologist notices a coworker repeatedly not wearing a personal dosimeter. What is the most appropriate first action?

Answer: Report the concern through the proper channel, such as the radiation safety officer

Ethical practice requires reporting safety violations to the appropriate authority such as the RSO.

Which agency regulates the use of byproduct radioactive materials in medical facilities in most states?

Answer: NRC or an Agreement State authority

The NRC, or Agreement States acting under its authority, regulate byproduct material licensing.

Which is an example of the legal concept of 'standard of care' in radiography?

Answer: What a reasonably prudent technologist would do in similar circumstances

Standard of care is the level of skill a reasonable, similarly trained professional would exercise.