Preserving end-of-life autonomy: the Patient Self-Determination Act and the Uniform Health Care Decisions Act.
As medical technology continues to advance and health care choices become more complicated, the preservation of end-of-life autonomy is an increasingly important issue faced by various client populations. This article examines two legislative efforts aimed at preserving end-of-life autonomy: The Patient Self-Determination Act and the Uniform Health Care Decisions Act. The enactment of both acts will provide a more comprehensive approach to advance directive planning. The article advocates for passage of the Uniform Health Care Decisions Act in all 50 states. Implications for social work practice are discussed from a research, community action, and clinical perspective.
Galambos
C M
CM
Department of Social Work, Western Maryland College, Westminster, MD 21157, USA. galambos@wmdc.edu
D016223:Advance Directives / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D005610:Freedom; D006801:Humans; D019726:Patient Self-Determination Act; D012297:Right to Die / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D012947:Social Work; D014481:United States