What does the Patient Self-Determination Act (PSDA) mandate?

The Patient Self-Determination Act (PSDA) mandates that all health care facilities receiving federal aid, such as Medicare and Medicaid, must comply with specific requirements designed to ensure that patients are informed of their rights regarding their medical care. This includes informing patients about their right to participate in decisions about their medical care, including the right to create advance directives. The goal of the PSDA is to promote patient autonomy and self-determination by ensuring that individuals are aware of their rights regarding health care decisions.

The act emphasizes the importance of communication between patients and health care providers about end-of-life care and other medical preferences, thereby enhancing the patients' ability to control their own health care. This requirement applies to hospitals, nursing homes, and other facilities that rely on federal funding, thereby establishing a standard across the health care system.

The other options do not accurately reflect the scope of the PSDA. For instance, the requirement regarding patient reimbursement, filling out extensive forms, or accessing medical records does not align with the primary intent and regulations put forth by the PSDA.