Identify common legal and ethical issues relevant to radiographers, and how they should be addressed.

• A. Consent, privacy and confidentiality, professional boundaries, reporting errors; follow policy, document, and act ethically.
• B. Privacy is not important.
• C. Boundary issues are trivial.
• D. Reporting errors is optional.

Answer: (A)

Legal and ethical responsibilities in radiography involve ensuring patient autonomy through informed consent, protecting privacy and confidentiality of health information, maintaining professional boundaries, and openly addressing errors to safeguard patient safety. Informed consent means the patient understands what imaging will involve, the potential risks and benefits, and agrees freely; if capacity is lacking, the correct process involves lawful substitute decision-making. Privacy and confidentiality require limiting access to patient data to those who need it, securing records, and sharing information only with authorized individuals, in line with data protection laws. Professional boundaries mean interactions remain respectful and professional, avoiding situations that could compromise judgment or exploitation, which protects trust and care quality. Reporting errors and near-misses is not optional—it is a duty to ensure transparency, learn from mistakes, and prevent recurrence, with appropriate documentation and communication per policy. By following policy, documenting accurately, and acting ethically, radiographers protect patients, themselves, and the profession. These aspects are fundamental because neglecting any of them can lead to harm, legal consequences, and loss of professional standing.