The Patient Self-determination Act: has it reached the end of its life?
The Patient Self-determination Act requires that patients be informed in writing of their right to accept or refuse treatment and the right to an advance directive. For the past 15 years, hospitals have been providing these written materials, yet advance directives are still not adequately directing end-of-life care. Barriers and facilitators to implementation of this law are discussed, as well as the role of nursing management in meeting its true intent.
University of North Carolina at Greensboro, USA. dlkring@uncg.edu
Daria L
DL
Kring
D032722:Advance Care Planning / Q000941:ethics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent / Q000941:ethics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000523:psychology; D008484:Medicaid / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006278:Medicare / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009936:Organizational Innovation; D028701:Patient Rights / Q000941:ethics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D019726:Patient Self-Determination Act / Q000941:ethics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012067:Religion; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D016312:Treatment Refusal / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D014481:United States; D019366:Western World