Chest Radiography

Ethical Considerations for B Readers

The B Reader Code of Ethics is intended to assist B Readers in recognizing and maintaining a high level of ethical conduct. The outcome of chest radiograph classification can have important medical, legal, and social implications. It is critical that B Readers perform chest radiograph classifications properly and with integrity. This code, modeled after those of the American Medical Association (AMA) and the American College of Radiology (ACR), is a framework to help B Readers achieve this goal.

B Reader Code of Ethics

The B Reader’s primary commitment is to serve the welfare and best interests of patients, workers, and society by striving to classify chest radiographs as accurately as possible.

B Readers shall uphold the standards of professionalism, be honest and objective in all professional interactions, and strive to report individuals or enterprises that they know to be deficient in character or competence, or engaging in fraud or deception, to appropriate entities.

B Readers shall recognize the limitations of chest radiograph classifications, and shall not make clinical diagnoses about pneumoconioses based on chest radiograph classification alone.

When a contemporary chest radiograph is classified, the B Reader shall either take responsibility for assuring to the extent feasible that the examined individual is promptly notified of all clinically important findings or must be assured that another appropriate party is taking that responsibility.

B Readers shall respect the law; the rights of patients, other health professionals, and clients; and shall safeguard medical information and other confidences within the constraints of the law.

B Readers shall continue to study and apply advances or changes to the International Labour Office International Classification of Radiographs of Pneumoconioses as specified by the NIOSH B Reader Program.

In providing expert medical testimony, B Readers shall ensure that the testimony provided is unbiased, medically and scientifically correct, and clinically accurate.

B Readers shall recognize and disclose any conflicts of interest in the outcome of a chest radiograph classification. B Readers shall not accept compensation that is contingent upon the findings of their chest radiograph classifications or the outcome of compensation proceedings or litigation for which they undertake readings.

B Readers shall not advertise or publicize themselves through any medium or forum of public communication in an untruthful, misleading, or deceptive manner.

B Readers shall promptly report to the NIOSH B Reader Program any revocation or suspension of a medical license, voluntary relinquishment of a medical license or conversion to inactive status, or the voluntary surrender of a medical license while under investigation.

References

American College of Radiology (ACR) Code of Ethics

American Medical Association (AMA) Code of Ethics

American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM) Code of Ethics