Final Answer:
The Patient Self-Determination Act of 1990 requires healthcare facilities to inform patients about their right to make decisions regarding their medical treatment, including the right to accept or refuse life-sustaining interventions. It mandates hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare providers that participate in Medicare or Medicaid to provide information on advance directives to patients.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Patient Self-Determination Act (PSDA) of 1990 is a U.S. federal law designed to empower individuals in making decisions about their medical treatment. The act requires healthcare providers, including hospitals and nursing homes that receive Medicare or Medicaid funding, to inform patients about their rights to create advance directives. An advance directive is a legal document that allows individuals to outline their preferences for medical treatment in the event they become unable to communicate their wishes.
One key provision of the PSDA is the requirement for healthcare facilities to offer information to patients about advance directives. This includes living wills and durable power of attorney for healthcare, enabling patients to express their preferences regarding life-sustaining treatments or appoint a healthcare proxy to make decisions on their behalf. The act aims to ensure that individuals are aware of their right to make choices about their healthcare, fostering a patient-centered approach to medical decision-making.
The PSDA underscores the importance of patient autonomy and informed decision-making, especially in situations where individuals may be incapacitated and unable to communicate their preferences. By promoting awareness of advance directives, the act seeks to honor the individual's right to control their medical treatment and end-of-life care.