What does the Patient Self Determination Act of 1990 require from healthcare facilities?

The Patient Self Determination Act of 1990 mandates that healthcare facilities inform patients of their rights regarding advance directives. This includes the right to make decisions about their medical care and to have those wishes documented through advance directives, which may include living wills or durable powers of attorney for healthcare. By requiring that patients be notified of their rights, the Act empowers individuals to participate actively in their healthcare decisions and ensures that their preferences are respected in medical situations.

This requirement helps facilitate discussions between healthcare providers and patients about end-of-life care and other significant medical decisions, promoting autonomy and informed decision-making. It establishes a framework within which patients can express their healthcare preferences, thereby enhancing their self-determination regarding medical treatment.

While confidentiality of advance directives is certainly important, it is not the primary requirement of the Act. Ensuring that every patient has a legal advisor and denying patients the right to advance directives are not aligned with the intentions of the Act, as it fundamentally supports patients' rights to understand and exercise their healthcare choices.