Patient Self - Determination Act The Patient Self - Determination Act (PSDA) was passed in 1990 as an amendment to the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990. The PSDA was put in effect on December 1, 1991. The purpose of the Patient Self- Determination Act is to ensure that patients are informed of their rights regarding their medical care and that they are being communicated to the patient from their medical provider. The PSDA fosters all individuals to have a say about the type of medical care they should receive or deny should they become incapable of making these decisions due to sickness. These decisions are then followed recognized through the power of attorney or a living will. All healthcare agencies are then required to honor the living will or power of attorney. Following the Patient Self- Determination Act, several key points are associated with it. Health care agencies such as long-term care facilities, home health care agencies, and hospitals are required to ask if you have advanced directives regarding your health care and educate you about the rights you have under the state law. Printed information should be provided to patients during admittance or the start of the healthcare process. They must be provided to skilled nursing care facilities so that care agencies can assure patients that they are providing quality care and treatment. Healthcare organizations must maintain policies and procedures of individual rights. They need to ensure quality care and must be respectful towards the patient's decision-making during surgical treatments. Care records of each patient must be kept confidential and secured. Healthcare providers must ensure their ethical compliance with state healthcare directives. Furthermore, advance directive education should be provided to the care staff to ensure quality care to patients