What does the Patient Self-Determination Act ensure for patients?

The Patient Self-Determination Act primarily ensures that patients are provided with information regarding their rights in the context of healthcare decision-making. This legislation emphasizes the importance of informing patients about their rights to make their own healthcare choices, including the right to accept or refuse medical treatment, the right to create advance directives, and the right to be involved in their care plans.

By mandating that healthcare providers inform patients about these rights, the Act empowers individuals to take an active role in their medical care and ensures they understand their options and the implications of their healthcare decisions. This is essential for respecting patient autonomy and supporting their right to make informed choices about their own treatment.

While informed consent, access to medical records, and the ability to select healthcare providers are all important aspects of patient rights as well, they are not the primary focus of the Patient Self-Determination Act, which specifically highlights the recognition of a patient's right to self-determination in healthcare matters.