Final answer:
The Patient Self-Determination Act (PSDA) of 1990 requires healthcare facilities to provide patients with information about their rights to execute an advance directive and to accept or refuse medical treatment. It underscores the principles of autonomy and beneficence in patient care. The Act is complemented by HIPAA, which protects the confidentiality of patient information related to advance directives.
Step-by-step explanation:
The healthcare facility's requirement to provide written information on patients' rights regarding advance directives and the right to accept or refuse medical treatment is mandated by the Patient Self-Determination Act (PSDA) of 1990. This law is part of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act and falls under the realm of health care legislation. A living will, health care proxy, or a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order are examples of advance directives that allow patients to articulate their wishes for medical treatment should they become incapacitated or unable to communicate their decisions. Under the PSDA, healthcare providers are required to inform patients of their rights to make decisions concerning their medical care, including the right to accept or refuse treatment, and to formulate advance directives. The PSDA emphasizes the principles of autonomy and beneficence, ensuring that patients have the agency to make informed decisions regarding their healthcare, and that those decisions are respected and followed by healthcare professionals.
In addition to the PSDA, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 provides guidelines for the protection of patient information, thereby affecting how information related to advance directives is handled to ensure the confidentiality of patient records.