A Policy Analysis of the Patient Self-Determination Act of 199

This is a policy analysis of the Patient Self-Determination Act of 1990 which aimed to improve access and education of Advance Health Care Directives (ADs). ADs are in the form of durable power of attorneys and living wills that communicate a patient's decisions concerning life sustaining treatment. The policy has three objectives, first that health care staff are required to educate patients on ADs and to follow such documentation when treating patients. Second, the policy calls for the Federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to educate the United States population on the benefits and need for ADs. Lastly, it required states to create and implement their own laws concerning end-of-life treatments and the use of ADs. This analysis focuses on the impact of the policy on patient self-determination, informed consent and quality-of-life.