ARRT Standards of Ethics & Professional Scope

ARRT Standards of Ethics & Professional Scope

The ARRT Standards of Ethics Architecture

The ARRT Standards of Ethics serves as the foundational regulatory document governing radiologic science professionals and credential candidates. The document is structured into two distinct components: the aspirational Code of Ethics and the enforceable Rules of Ethics.

The Code of Ethics: Aspirational Ideals

The ARRT Code of Ethics comprises 11 aspirational statements articulating the core values, philosophy, and professional commitments expected of imaging professionals. Rather than defining punitive boundaries, the Code serves as an interpretive guide for evaluating conduct in complex clinical environments. It challenges practitioners to:

• Act with professional excellence and deliver compassionate, non-discriminatory patient care.
• Support colleagues in delivering high-quality healthcare and act in the patient's best interest.
• Protect patient privacy, dignity, and autonomy under all circumstances.
• Recognize that technical equipment must be utilized safely, prudently, and in accordance with radiation and magnetic resonance safety standards.
• Maintain professional competence through lifelong learning and continuing education.

Because the Code is aspirational, an alleged failure to adhere to an ideal in the Code of Ethics does not in itself constitute a direct basis for formal disciplinary sanction, unless the underlying behavior also violates a specific provision of the Rules of Ethics.

The Rules of Ethics: Enforceable Mandates

In contrast to the Code, the ARRT Rules of Ethics consists of 22 mandatory, enforceable credentialing rules. These rules establish the baseline of minimally acceptable professional conduct. Any violation of these 22 rules subjects the candidate or credential holder to formal administrative review, investigation, and potential disciplinary sanctions.

The ARRT Ethics Committee possesses credentialing authority to impose disciplinary actions, including:

1. Formal Reprimand: A formal written sanction censuring the practitioner, which may be issued as a private reprimand or published publicly.
2. Ineligibility: Barring a candidate or former registrant from examination, certification, or renewal for a specified duration or indefinitely.
3. Suspension: Temporarily revoking certification and registration for a defined period, during which the individual cannot hold themselves out as ARRT-certified.
4. Permanent Revocation: Cancellation of ARRT credentials under the applicable sanction; eligibility for reinstatement depends on ARRT rules and the decision.
5. Summary Suspension: An immediate, emergency suspension invoked when the ARRT determines that a practitioner poses an imminent threat to public health, safety, or welfare.

ARRT Ethical Review and Mandatory Reporting

Registrants report potential ethics violations, including reportable criminal charges or convictions and professional licensing actions, within 30 calendar days, at annual renewal, or when applying for another credential, whichever comes first. Do not wait for a conviction if a charge itself is reportable. Applicants must disclose earlier reportable events and comply with reporting requirements once they apply. People seeking their first credential may seek an Ethics Review Preapplication before applying.

The March 2026 Standards of Ethics and the current application questions control the reporting details. Noncriminal traffic infractions generally differ from felony or misdemeanor charges; drug- or alcohol-related traffic events require disclosure. Juvenile matters adjudicated in juvenile court are excluded by the handbook. Do not assume an expungement, diversion, or dismissed charge removes a reporting obligation; obtain ARRT guidance about the specific event.

A report initiates review; it does not establish guilt or guarantee revocation. Give a factual account and requested records. Notify the employer through its separate process when required. Employer notification does not substitute for ARRT reporting.

Scope of Practice: Imaging Assistant, Magnetic Resonance

The Imaging Assistant in Magnetic Resonance, I.A.(MR), serves a vital support role within the imaging team. However, the scope of practice is intentionally and strictly defined to safeguard patient well-being in an environment dominated by high-strength static magnetic fields, radiofrequency pulses, and switched gradient fields.

Permitted Responsibilities

The Imaging Assistant supports the qualified MR team under the supervision and task authorization required by law and facility policy. Authorized responsibilities include:

• Patient Reception and Intake: Verifying patient identity using two institution-approved identifiers (e.g., full name and date of birth), cross-referencing requisitions.
• Ferromagnetic Screening Assistance: Administering the written MR safety screening questionnaire, assisting patients through the question checklist, and identifying potential implanted devices for technologist evaluation.
• Gowning and Locker Protocols: Directing patients to change into facility-provided, metal-free gowns or scrubs and ensuring all jewelry, watches, hearing aids, dental appliances, and transit cards are locked securely in lockers outside Zone III.
• Physical Patient Transfers and Positioning: Utilizing safe body mechanics to transfer patients from wheelchairs or stretchers to the MR table, applying immobilization pads, positioning the patient comfortably, placing ear protection, and handing the emergency call bulb.
• Coil Management and Cable Routing: Staging designated RF coils, inspecting coil cables for insulation cracks, and routing cables straight down the table without crossing or loop formation to eliminate RF burn hazards.
• Zone Maintenance and Hygiene: Cleaning coils and bore surfaces with MR-compatible disinfectants between examinations, restocking supplies, and monitoring Zone II/III access doors.

The Explicit Non-Scanning Mandate

The most definitive line drawn in the ARRT I.A.(MR) scope is the non-scanning mandate. Imaging Assistants are trained to optimize clinical workflow and assist with patient safety, but they are strictly barred from independent scanner operation.

Prohibited actions include:

• Independently sitting at the MR console to initiate, manipulate, or adjust pulse sequences (e.g., TR, TE, flip angle, or slice thickness).
• Selecting or triggering diagnostic RF acquisitions. Direction from a technologist does not authorize an assistant to perform imaging.
• Performing venipuncture, contrast administration, or injector tasks without the training, authorization, orders, and supervision required by state law and facility policy. ARRT clinical requirements include venipuncture and preparation and/or administration of contrast, including injector preparation/activation where used; these are not blanket-prohibited assistant tasks.
• Discharging post-contrast or sedated patients without explicit technologist or radiologist evaluation and release.
• Interpreting, preliminary reading, or rendering diagnostic opinions on acquired images to patients, physicians, or family members.

Professional Conduct and Impaired Colleagues

Patient safety in MRI demands total cognitive acuity. If an assistant observes a fellow healthcare team member exhibiting signs of chemical intoxication, substance abuse, or psychological impairment in Zone III or Zone IV, the assistant possesses an affirmative ethical duty to report the observation immediately.

Reporting must occur through the designated institutional hierarchy—informing the lead technologist, department manager, or clinical supervisor. Shielding an impaired coworker or ignoring unsafe behavior in the vicinity of a 1.5T or 3.0T magnetic field introduces life-threatening projectile and burn risks, constituting a direct violation of professional standards.

Ethical Principles in Everyday Decisions

Beneficence means acting for the patient's benefit; nonmaleficence means avoiding preventable harm. Autonomy supports informed choices and refusal, while justice supports fair, nondiscriminatory care. These principles work together: rushing an anxious patient through screening to improve throughput does not become beneficial merely because it shortens the schedule. Explain the process, address barriers, preserve privacy and escalate uncertainty. If an assigned task exceeds competence, obtaining help protects the patient and fulfills professional accountability.