Final answer:
The Patient Self Determination Act (PSDA) of 1990 is a law that requires healthcare providers to inform patients of their rights to make decisions about their medical care, including the creation of advance directives. It ensures respect for patient treatment preferences and was influenced by a broader civil rights consciousness.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Patient Self Determination Act (PSDA) of 1990 is a significant piece of legislation in the field of healthcare, primarily concerning patients' rights. This act requires medical facilities to inform patients of their rights under state law to make decisions about their medical care. This includes providing information about their right to create advance directives, such as a living will or a durable power of attorney for health care. These directives enable patients to outline their preferences for medical treatment and end-of-life care, in case they are no longer able to communicate their decisions.
Moreover, the PSDA helps ensure that healthcare providers respect the treatment preferences expressed by patients, especially concerning the use of life-sustaining treatments. The act impacted many institutions that receive federal funding through Medicare or Medicaid, mandating compliance for these funded facilities. The PSDA was integral to promoting patient autonomy and the recognition of patients' rights in healthcare decisions, reflecting a heightened rights consciousness that emerged from various civil rights movements.