Ethical considerations for neuropsychologists as functional magnetic imagers

This discussion highlights ethical and practical issues potential neuropsychologist-imagers should consider in conducting functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). While fMRI is not currently approved for clinical use, research is ongoing which has implications for clinical practice, from refining brain-behavior relationships, to assisting with diagnosis and treatment decisions. To protect the welfare of cognitively impaired populations requires special care with respect to MR risks and informed consent. Competent functional imaging requires an understanding of the strengths, limitations, and appropriate domain of applications of the measure.