Radiography Exam Professional Standards & Competencies 2 — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Which organization grants primary certification for radiographers in the United States?

ASRT
ARRT (Correct answer)
ACR
JRCERT

Correct answer: ARRT

The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) grants the primary national certification (R.T.(R)) for radiographers in the United States after successful examination.

The ARRT administers the examination for Radiography (R.T.(R)) and other radiologic science disciplines. To sit for the exam, candidates must: graduate from a JRCERT-accredited program, meet ARRT's ethics requirements (no disqualifying criminal history), and apply within a specified timeframe after graduation. The ARRT also oversees the Continuing Qualifications Requirements (CQR) and credential renewal every 2 years through CE. The ASRT is the professional membership organization; JRCERT accredits educational programs.

Question 2: The ARRT Standards of Ethics includes which two primary components?

Code of Conduct and Standards of Practice
Code of Ethics and Rules of Ethics (Correct answer)
Scope of Practice and Competency Standards
Mission Statement and Vision Statement

Correct answer: Code of Ethics and Rules of Ethics

The ARRT Standards of Ethics consists of the Code of Ethics (aspirational principles) and the Rules of Ethics (enforceable standards of conduct). Violations of the Rules of Ethics can result in certification revocation.

The ARRT Code of Ethics contains 11 aspirational principles describing the ideal behavior of radiologic technologists. The Rules of Ethics are mandatory, enforceable standards. Violations (e.g., patient abuse, fraud, practicing outside scope) are reviewed by the ARRT Ethics Committee and can result in revocation, suspension, or censure of credentials. Radiographers must self-report certain violations (e.g., criminal charges) to the ARRT within 30 days.

Question 3: A radiographer who performs computed tomography without additional CT certification from the ARRT may be:

In compliance if their employer approves
Violating their scope of practice and state regulations (Correct answer)
Covered by their initial R.T.(R) credential in all cases
Permitted as long as a radiologist is supervising

Correct answer: Violating their scope of practice and state regulations

Performing CT without ARRT CT certification (R.T.(CT)) may violate state licensure laws and the radiographer's defined scope of practice. Many states explicitly require modality-specific credentials for CT practice.

While the initial R.T.(R) credential covers some overlap with CT (especially conventional radiography-based positioning), many state licensing laws and employer policies require ARRT CT certification for unsupervised CT performance. The ARRT Post-Primary Certification in CT (R.T.(CT)) requires completion of structured education and a written examination. Performing CT without proper credentials can expose the radiographer to license suspension or legal liability.

Question 4: The Scope of Practice for radiographers is defined by:

The radiographer themselves based on experience
ARRT standards, state licensing laws, and institutional policies (Correct answer)
The ordering physician exclusively
Medicare reimbursement guidelines only

Correct answer: ARRT standards, state licensing laws, and institutional policies

A radiographer's scope of practice is defined by a combination of ARRT standards, applicable state licensing laws, and the policies of the employing institution. No single source exclusively determines what a radiographer may perform.

The ASRT Scope of Practice document describes what radiographers are qualified to perform based on education and training. State licensure boards add jurisdiction-specific requirements and limitations. Employers may further limit or (rarely) expand practice within legal bounds. For example, some states allow radiographers to start IVs for contrast; others prohibit it. Radiographers must understand all three levels — ARRT/ASRT national standards, state law, and facility policy — to practice within their scope.

Question 5: Which of the following is an example of an intentional tort that a radiographer could commit?

Accidentally knocking over a patient
Performing an exam on a patient without obtaining consent (Correct answer)
Making a positioning error that results in a repeat image
Missing a scheduled appointment with a patient

Correct answer: Performing an exam on a patient without obtaining consent

Performing a procedure without consent constitutes battery (an intentional tort) because it is deliberate touching without permission. Negligence (unintentional) differs from intentional torts such as battery, assault, or false imprisonment.

Tort law distinguishes between negligence (unintentional) and intentional torts (deliberate acts). Battery involves intentional non-consensual physical contact. In healthcare, performing a procedure on a patient who has not given consent — even if the procedure itself is performed correctly — constitutes battery. Assault is threatening to touch without actual contact. False imprisonment (e.g., restraining a patient without justification) is another intentional tort. Radiographers must obtain proper consent and respect patient autonomy.

Question 6: Which federal law protects the privacy of a patient's health information and regulates how radiographers can share exam results?

OSHA
HIPAA (Correct answer)
ADA
EMTALA

Correct answer: HIPAA

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule protects individually identifiable health information (PHI) and governs when and how patient information — including radiographic images — can be shared.

HIPAA's Privacy Rule (45 CFR Parts 160 and 164) establishes standards for protecting PHI. For radiographers, HIPAA applies to: sharing images with non-authorized parties, discussing patient results in public areas, leaving patient information on screens visible to others, and sending images electronically. Radiographers may share information on a 'need to know' basis for treatment purposes without additional authorization. Violations can result in civil and criminal penalties. Annual HIPAA training is required in most healthcare facilities.

Radiography Exam Professional Standards & Competencies 2

Which organization grants primary certification for radiographers in the United States?