What does the Patient Self-Determination Act guarantee?

The Patient Self-Determination Act guarantees individuals the right to make decisions regarding their medical care. This legislation, enacted in 1990, emphasizes patient autonomy and requires healthcare providers to inform patients of their rights to accept or refuse medical treatment and to make advance directives, such as living wills or healthcare proxies. It empowers patients to have a say in their treatment options and encourages them to express their healthcare preferences, thereby fostering informed consent and personal agency in health-related decisions.