Patient Self-Determination Act. Implementing an information program in a nursing facility

1. Several legal landmarks regarding the withdrawal or refusal of life-sustaining treatments led to the development of advance directive documents. Advance directive documents allow an individual to indicate preference for medical treatment while he or she is capable. 2. The Patient Self-Determination Act (1991) was enacted to ensure that patients are advised of their right to accept or refuse medical care, and to promote the right to execute an advance directive. 3. Implementing an information program about advance directives in a nursing facility requires an understanding of the process of change.