Confidentiality Laws for the Imaging Technologist

AHRA November/December 2025 Quick Credit - The credit earned from the Quick Credit (TM) test accompanying this article may be applied to the AHRA operations management (OM) or asset human resource management (HR) domains.

By Savannah Blair, MSRS, RT(R)(CT)(MR), and Jennifer Grace Clark, MSRS, RDMS, RT(R)

Objective: The purpose of this research is to identify any areas of confidential information that may be misunderstood by imaging professionals and to inform imaging professionals of student and patient confidentiality practices in hopes of reducing the frequency of violations. Method: A 20-question survey was sent to imaging technologists and imaging directors concerning their knowledge of confidentiality laws. This data was then compared to the literature to discover if any information needs further explanation.

Result: Of the 6,000 ASRT emails sent, the total responses collected were 124, leaving the response rate at 2%.

Discussion: Survey results concluded that respondents were more familiar with HIPAA information in comparison to FERPA information.

Conclusion: It would be beneficial if imaging directors worked with the compliance team to create annual FERPA training for individuals who work with students to prevent any grievances or lawsuits against the educational or healthcare facility.