Example

The RT does not have a legal obligation to routinely disclose their serologic status to patients to obtain informed consent for a procedure, because healthcare workers have the right to privacy and confidentiality of their own personal medical information. However, from a moral and professional obligation, all efforts must be made to protect the patient from any exposure or harm, potentially even altering their practice. Organizational policy may differ with respect to disclosure.

If a patient is exposed to the RT’s blood/bodily fluids at some point during treatment, proper follow-up through their organizational process must occur and the patient be informed of the nature of the exposure. Proper post-exposure testing, and treatment is required, although all attempts to protect the identity of the RT must be made.