What does the Patient Self Determination Act of 1990 ensure?

The Patient Self Determination Act of 1990 is primarily focused on ensuring that patients have the right to make informed decisions about their own healthcare. This includes the ability to participate actively in decisions regarding their medical treatment and end-of-life care. The law mandates that healthcare providers inform patients of their rights to accept or refuse medical treatment and to create advance directives, such as living wills and durable powers of attorney for healthcare.

By guaranteeing patients the opportunity to express their preferences and make choices about their care, the act fosters autonomy and respects individual values and wishes in the context of healthcare. This empowerment is a fundamental aspect of patient-centered care, which has become increasingly important in modern healthcare systems.

The other options, while related to healthcare in some manner, do not align with the primary intent of the Patient Self Determination Act. Financial reimbursement and coverage are addressed through different regulations and laws, while limiting treatments does not reflect the act's focus on patient autonomy and rights.