What does the Patient Self-Determination Act (PSDA) require healthcare agencies to provide during admission?

The Patient Self-Determination Act (PSDA) aims to ensure that patients are informed of their rights regarding advance directives, which include living wills and durable powers of attorney for healthcare. During admission, healthcare agencies are required to inform patients about these rights, empowering them to make decisions about their medical care in advance if they become unable to communicate their wishes later. This requirement reinforces the importance of patient autonomy and self-determination in healthcare decisions.

Providing information about rights related to advance directives helps patients understand their options, the implications of those options, and the necessary steps to establish advance directives if they choose to do so. It ensures that individuals can express their preferences regarding end-of-life care and receive treatment per their wishes. This aligns with the PSDA's purpose of promoting respect for patients' choices as part of their care.