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Ethical and Legal Responsibilities of the Orthopaedic

Technologist

1. Principles of Medical Ethics

Orthopaedic technologists must adhere to ethical principles that guide patient care and
professional conduct:

• Autonomy: The right of patients to make their own medical decisions based on
informed consent. Orthopaedic technologists must ensure that patients understand
treatment options, risks, and benefits before consenting to procedures.
• Beneficence: The duty to act in the best interest of the patient by providing care that
promotes well-being, healing, and improved quality of life. This principle emphasizes
compassionate, evidence-based treatment.
• Nonmaleficence: The obligation to do no harm by ensuring that all medical
interventions and procedures are performed safely, effectively, and within the
technologist’s scope of practice to prevent unnecessary risks or complications.
• Justice: The ethical responsibility to treat all patients fairly and equitably, regardless
of socioeconomic status, race, gender, or background. This principle ensures equal
access to medical care and non-discriminatory treatment.
• Fidelity: The duty to maintain honesty, trust, and confidentiality in all professional
interactions. Orthopaedic technologists must uphold patient confidentiality, comply with
HIPAA regulations, and ensure transparent communication with both patients and
healthcare teams. Orthopaedic technologists must adhere to ethical principles that guide
patient care and professional conduct:

2. Legal Responsibilities in Orthopaedic Practice

Orthopaedic technologists must comply with legal guidelines and institutional policies to avoid
malpractice and ensure ethical practice. Key responsibilities include:

• Adhering to institutional policies and federal/state regulations governing orthopaedic care.
• Accurately documenting procedures, treatments, and patient interactions in medical records.
• Avoiding unauthorized medical procedures and only performing duties within the scope of
practice.
• Reporting ethical concerns, unsafe practices, or violations of patient rights to supervisors or
compliance officers.

Failure to follow these responsibilities may result in legal consequences, disciplinary action, or
revocation of certification.