Patient Self-Determination Act

Definition

The Patient Self-Determination Act (PSDA) is a U.S. federal law enacted in 1990 that mandates healthcare providers to inform patients about their rights regarding medical decisions, including the right to accept or refuse treatment and the right to create advance directives. This law emphasizes the importance of patient autonomy and encourages individuals to participate in decisions about their own healthcare, especially in situations involving end-of-life care.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The PSDA applies to hospitals, nursing homes, hospice programs, and home health agencies, ensuring that patients are informed of their rights upon admission.
2. Healthcare providers must document whether patients have an advance directive and provide information on how to create one.
3. The act encourages states to develop policies that support the use of advance directives and respect patients' choices.
4. Patients can express their wishes regarding life-sustaining treatments, which helps guide healthcare decisions when they are no longer able to communicate.
5. The PSDA has significantly contributed to the rise in awareness about patient rights and the importance of discussing end-of-life care preferences.

Review Questions

• How does the Patient Self-Determination Act empower patients in making decisions about their healthcare?
  • The Patient Self-Determination Act empowers patients by ensuring they are informed about their rights to make choices regarding their medical treatment. This includes the ability to accept or refuse treatment based on personal values and beliefs. By encouraging the creation of advance directives, patients can outline their wishes for future healthcare, particularly in end-of-life situations, promoting a sense of control over their medical decisions.
• Discuss the role of advance directives as mandated by the Patient Self-Determination Act and how they influence patient care.
  • Advance directives play a crucial role as mandated by the Patient Self-Determination Act, as they allow patients to communicate their healthcare preferences in advance. These documents ensure that healthcare providers respect the wishes of individuals, particularly when they become unable to express their desires due to illness. By facilitating discussions around end-of-life care and personal values, advance directives help align medical interventions with patient wishes, ultimately improving the quality of care.
• Evaluate the impact of the Patient Self-Determination Act on modern healthcare practices regarding end-of-life decision-making.
  • The Patient Self-Determination Act has significantly impacted modern healthcare practices by establishing a framework for respecting patient autonomy and enhancing communication about end-of-life decision-making. It has led to increased awareness and acceptance of advance directives among both healthcare providers and patients. This shift allows for more personalized care aligned with individual values, helping families and healthcare teams navigate difficult decisions during critical times. As a result, the act has fostered a culture where patient preferences are prioritized, ultimately improving the ethical standards within healthcare.

Related terms

Advance Directive: A legal document that outlines a person's preferences for medical treatment in case they become unable to communicate their wishes.

Living Will: A type of advance directive that specifies what medical treatments a person does or does not want if they are terminally ill or incapacitated.

Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare: A legal document that designates a person to make healthcare decisions on behalf of another individual if they are unable to do so.