Obstetrics & Gynecology>>>>>Ethical and Legal Issues in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Question 1#

Which of the following is not a requirement for hospitals according to the Federal Patient Self-Determination Act? 

A. To provide all adults with information about their right to accept or refuse treatment in the event of life-threatening conditions
B. To state the institution’s policy on advanced directives
C. To prohibit discrimination in care provided to a patient on the basis of the patient’s advanced directive
D. To require donation of organs after death
E. To allow patients to decide who has the right to make decisions for them

Correct Answer is D

Comment:

The Patient Self-Determination Act (PSDA) took effect in 1991, and is intended to promote awareness and discussion to prepare for medical decisions at the end of life. It requires hospitals to inform patients upon admission of state laws concerning self-determination. Hospitals must inform patients about their rights to accept or refuse terminal care, and this information has to be documented in the patient’s chart. The patient has the option to make a clear assignment of who can make medical decisions if the patient is unable. Patients are not required to allow organ donation.