V Definition

The term advance directive (AD) refers to treatment preferences and/or the designation of
a surrogate decision-maker in the event that a person becomes unable to make medical
decisions on their own behalf.
 Underlying principle: autonomy (self-determination)

 Studies have found that use of ADs decreases use of life-sustaining treatment and increases use of
hospice and palliative care services.

The Patient Self-Determination Act

The Patient Self-Determination Act of 1991 states that health care facilities must inform
patients of their rights to:
 Participate in and direct their own health care decisions

 Refuse medical or surgical treatment

 Prepare an AD

 Review information on the institutional policies governing these rights

Definition
The term advance directive (AD) refers to treatment preferences and/or the designation of
a surrogate decision-maker in the event that a person becomes unable to make medical
decisions on their own behalf.
 Underlying principle: autonomy (self-determination)

 Studies have found that use of ADs decreases use of life-sustaining treatment and increases use of
hospice and palliative care services.

The Patient Self-Determination Act

The Patient Self-Determination Act of 1991 states that health care facilities must inform
patients of their rights to:
 Participate in and direct their own health care decisions

 Refuse medical or surgical treatment

 Prepare an AD

 Review information on the institutional policies governing these rights

Definition
The term advance directive (AD) refers to treatment preferences and/or the designation of
a surrogate decision-maker in the event that a person becomes unable to make medical
decisions on their own behalf.
 Underlying principle: autonomy (self-determination)

 Studies have found that use of ADs decreases use of life-sustaining treatment and increases use of
hospice and palliative care services.

The Patient Self-Determination Act

The Patient Self-Determination Act of 1991 states that health care facilities must inform
patients of their rights to:
 Participate in and direct their own health care decisions

 Refuse medical or surgical treatment

 Prepare an AD

 Review information on the institutional policies governing these rights

Definition
The term advance directive (AD) refers to treatment preferences and/or the designation of
a surrogate decision-maker in the event that a person becomes unable to make medical
decisions on their own behalf.
 Underlying principle: autonomy (self-determination)

 Studies have found that use of ADs decreases use of life-sustaining treatment and increases use of
hospice and palliative care services.

The Patient Self-Determination Act

The Patient Self-Determination Act of 1991 states that health care facilities must inform
patients of their rights to:
 Participate in and direct their own health care decisions

 Refuse medical or surgical treatment

 Prepare an AD

 Review information on the institutional policies governing these rights