What is the primary focus of the Patient Self-Determination Act (PSDA)?

The primary focus of the Patient Self-Determination Act (PSDA) is to ensure that a patient's right to make healthcare decisions is communicated and protected. Enacted in 1990, the PSDA mandates that healthcare providers inform patients about their rights to make decisions regarding their medical care, including the right to refuse treatment and the option to create advance directives. This legislation aims to empower patients to participate actively in their healthcare choices and to ensure that their wishes regarding medical treatment are respected, particularly in circumstances where they may be unable to communicate their preferences directly.

The act also emphasizes the importance of clear communication between healthcare providers and patients regarding these rights, thereby promoting patient autonomy and informed consent. It reinforces that patients have the authority to decide what medical interventions they want or do not want, reflecting the core ethical principle of respect for patient autonomy in healthcare.