Legal Issues, Doctrines and Documentation

Torts

A tort is a wrong against a person that can lead to a civil lawsuit. Intentional torts are done on purpose. Assault is a threat that makes the patient fear harm, such as saying the exam will be done whether they like it or not. Battery is touching without consent, even if the exam helps. False imprisonment is holding a patient against their will, including an unneeded restraint. Invasion of privacy is exposing the body or health information without need. Defamation is a false statement that harms a reputation: slander when spoken, libel when written. Unintentional torts are negligence: failing to do what a reasonably prudent radiographer would do. Malpractice is negligence by a professional. Negligence has four elements: a duty, a breach of that duty, causation, and actual harm.