What it means
A law that applies to hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies and others that take Medicare or Medicaid. On admission they must give adults written information about their rights under state law to make health care decisions and write advance directives, ask whether the person has one and record it, and educate staff. They may not treat a person differently based on whether they have one.
For the nurse
Ask every adult on admission whether they have an advance directive or a health care agent, place a copy in the chart, and offer information if they want to make one.
At a glance
| Also written | PSDA, Patient Self Determination Act |
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Related terms
informed consent
A person's agreement to a treatment or procedure, given freely after the risks, benefits and other choices have been explained to them.
autonomy
A person's right to make their own choices about their body and their care.
DNI
Do not intubate: an order that a breathing tube must not be placed, even if breathing fails.
ACP
Advance care planning: talking about and writing down the care a person would want if they could no longer speak for themselves.