CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

A radiographer disclosing confidential information to unauthorized individuals may be found liable for what?

1. Assault

2. Battery

3. Intimidation

4. Defamation

The correct answer is: Defamation

When a radiographer discloses confidential information to unauthorized individuals, they may be found liable for defamation. Defamation involves making false statements about someone that can harm their reputation. In the context of healthcare, sharing private health information without consent could potentially lead to reputational harm to the patient, as it violates privacy laws and ethical standards. This violation reflects a significant breach of trust and confidentiality in the patient-provider relationship, which is protected under laws such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the United States. If the disclosed information is misleading or untrue, it can undeniably damage the individual's standing in their community or professional life, hence supporting a defamation claim. While other options like assault, battery, and intimidation relate to different legal concerns involving harm or the threat of harm, they do not apply in this context, which is focused specifically on the wrongful disclosure of personal and sensitive information.