Final answer:
The Patient Self-Determination Act was created in 1990. It required healthcare institutions to inform patients of their rights and encouraged the use of advance directives to ensure patient autonomy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Patient Self-Determination Act was created in 1990. It required healthcare institutions to inform patients of their rights, particularly their right to make decisions about their own medical treatment, including the right to refuse or accept treatment. The act also emphasized the importance of advance directives, such as living wills and durable power of attorney for healthcare, to ensure that patients' wishes are respected.