Reducing the risk of litigation: Information for Sonographers

ASA - BMUS Joint Statement

The ASA and the British Medical Ultrasound Society (BMUS) have worked together to develop a joint information statement for sonographers in Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom to help reduce the risk of litigation.

The joint statement provides sonographers with clear definitions of common legal terminology and outlines simple recommendations to keep sonographers and their patients safe through optimal standards of care.

With rising incidents of complaints and litigation within healthcare systems, it is important sonographers understand their role and responsibilities and ensure high standards of care and communication. For example, sonographers must ensure they know and adhere to local protocol, work only within their scope of practice and scan for a clinical reason, and ensure the examination findings are clear and unambiguous.