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ASRT Code of Ethics
Jenica Hand
Argosy University
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Ethics is defined as a system of moral principles that define the rules of conduct
recognized by an individual, group, or culture (Ethics, 2013). It is the act of practicing what is
morally right from wrong, good from bad. Ethics refers to the principle while morals refer more
to the action. A code of ethics is “a set of principles of conduct within an organization that guide
decision making and behavior. The purpose of the code is to provide members and other
interested persons with guidelines for making ethical choices in the conduct of their work” (Code
of Ethics, 2013).
The Radiation Therapist Code of Ethics was adopted by the American Society of
Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) as a guideline for therapists to aspire to professional conduct,
respect, nondiscrimination, appropriate use of technology, beneficence, assist as the
patient/physician advocate, minimize radiation exposure, ethical conduct, confidentiality, and to
aspire to continue their education (Standards of Ethics, 2009).
The code is divided into five main sections. The first states “the radiation therapist
advances the principal objective of the profession to provide services to humanity with full
respect for the dignity of mankind” (Radiation Therapist, 2013). This means that by becoming a
radiation therapist, one cannot simply perform the technical aspects of the job. This is a very
intimate profession that requires respect for the patient and their beliefs.
The second Code of Ethics states “the radiation therapist delivers patient care and service
unrestricted by concerns of personal attributes or the nature of the disease or illness, and without
discrimination on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion or socioeconomic status” (Radiation
Therapist, 2013). Cancer does not discriminate. Radiation therapists treat a diverse population
and should treat each individual with equal care as well as respect their sanctity of life,
regardless of personal beliefs.
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The third Code of Ethics states, “the radiation therapist assesses situations; exercises care,
discretion and judgment; assumes responsibility for professional decisions and acts in the best
interest of the patient (Radiation Therapist, 2013). Therapists often need to use critical thinking
to help with treatment planning and be confident in the decisions made. They must adhere to
patient confidentiality as well as demonstrate the principles of beneficence and nonmaleficence.
The fourth Code of Ethics states, “the radiation therapist adheres to the tenets and
domains of the scope of practice for radiation therapists” (Radiation Therapist, 2013). This states
that the therapist demonstrates, and believes in, their ability to provide treatment of radiation therapy.
They understand the benefits and potential outcomes of the different treatments available.
The fifth Code of Ethics states that “The radiation therapist actively engages in lifelong
learning to maintain, improve and enhance professional competence and knowledge” (Radiation
Therapist, 2013). Radiation therapy is a technologically advanced profession that requires
continuous education in order to be able to provide the best and most advanced treatment to the
patient. By continuing to learn, the therapist not only expands their knowledge, but is also able to
treat more confidently, which helps ease patients’ fears.
By adopting this Code of Ethics, the ASRT is setting a baseline of universal standards that its
members must adhere to.
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References
Code of ethics law & legal definition. (2013). USLegal. Retrieved from
http://definitions.uslegal.com/c/code-of-ethics/
Ethics. (2013). Dictionary.com. Retrieved from http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/ethics
Radiation therapist code of ethics. (2013). ASRT. Retrieved from
http://www.asrt.org/docs/practice-standards/rtcodeofethics.pdf
Standards of ethics in practice. (2009). The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
Educator Edition. Part 1: Evolution, Purpose, Structure.