RUNNING HEAD: Code of Ethics

Code of Ethics
Thanh Bui
Argosy University Twin Cities
Clinical Training, Radiation Therapy: RTH290
Jennifer Rems
12/12/2014

RUNNING HEAD: Code of Ethics

In this paper it will cover the five codes of ethics for Radiation Therapist. An explanation
of the five codes and how the codes apply to Radiation Therapy will be discussed. The last part
of this paper will be about how I personally applied these codes during my own clinical training
and the consequences if they are not applied.
Radiation Therapist is required to follow the guidelines in the code of ethics and apply
them to their job duties. The first code states that The Radiation Therapist advances the
principal objective of the profession to provide services to humanity with full respect for the
dignity of mankind(ASRT, 1998). This means to be respectful of the patient and their personal
information. This ties into the HIPAA law. HIPAA is the acronym for the Health Insurance
Portability and Accountability Act. This law requires the protection and confidential handling of
protected health information. Keeping patient info safe and secure keeps the level of dignity high
for the patient. Being respectful to the patient instead of just treating them like another number is
also another way to exercise the code. Since Radiation Therapist have access to patients charts,
its important to keep the information safe and secure. Making sure that information is discussed
only during work conditions. I apply this code every day in my clinical training by reviewing
chart doses with other therapist and keeping in mind that we only talk about this information
during work hours.
The second code 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 (ASRT, 1998).
This means that no patient will be discriminated against and everyone will be treated equally.
Radiation Therapist will see many types of patients cases and every patient is different. It is part

RUNNING HEAD: Code of Ethics

of RT to show equality with every patient and not to discriminate against someone. If this code is
broken the institute is liable for any trouble.
The third code 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 (ASRT, 1998). This means that professionals act in the best interest for the
patient and leaves the choice for the patient. For example, the best option will obviously be
stated to the patient but if the patient denies the best option that is their choice. This code has
been applied to my clinical training during a request from a patient. He was a bladder patient and
need to relieve his bladder just a little bit, although not recommended we still respected his
wishes and allowed him to use the bathroom. After the CBCT his bladder actually checked out
perfect. If we would have denied his request of going to the bathroom we would be taking away
the right of their choice.
The fourth code states The Radiation Therapist adheres to the tenets and domains of the
scope of practice for Radiation Therapist. This means that therapist know their job and job
duties. They do their job to the fullest and follow protocol. This applies to Radiation Therapist
because there is no room for error when dealing with patients. Doing the job right is key to
insure no mistakes are made. For example, following protocol by asking every patient for their
date of birth makes sure we are treating the right person. This has been applied during my
clinical training by working with other therapist. Since treatment is usually done with two
therapists, it has become very normal that one therapist checks the other therapist work to make
sure no mistakes were made. If the second person does not perform the second check a problem
could slip by and could cause a number of things to happen like a mistreat or injury etc.

RUNNING HEAD: Code of Ethics

The fifth and final code states The Radiation Therapist actively engages in lifelong
learning to maintain, improve and enhance professional competence and knowledge
(ASRT,1998). This means that the RT will continue to further educate themselves and stay
competent to new knowledge. This applies to every therapist because continuing education
credits are required every two years to stay accredited. This keeps your certificate valid and
keeps you up to date on new things going on in the cancer world. This has been applied during
clinical training because I am required to attend three tumor conferences. I have gone to one so
far and learned so much about new treatment modalities. If for example I did not get my
continuing education credits a consequence of that would be that I would lose my certification in
radiation therapy.
In conclusion, Radiation Therapist is required to follow and base their work ethic after
the five codes of ethics. Each code was explained in detail of what they ment. If all five codes
are followed by the therapist then the job will be performed right.

RUNNING HEAD: Code of Ethics

References