title: The Patient Self-Determination Act: the ethical dimensions.
abstract: Advanced, sophisticated technology, rising health care costs, and consumerism all combined to drive the development of the Patient Self-Determination Act. Ethical implications include, but are not limited, to the principles of autonomy and beneficence. Paternalism is also discussed as a compromise to autonomy. Caring is used to focus on the contextual perspective of both patients and nurses for ethical decision making. Implications for future ethical practice conclude the discussion.
authors.forename: W J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Pinch
authors.forename: M E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Parsons
mesh_terms: D026686:Beneficence; D004993:Ethics, Nursing; D006801:Humans; D016224:Living Wills / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D009722:Nurse Practitioners / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D024802:Nurse's Role; D026706:Paternalism; D010344:Patient Advocacy / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D014481:United States