QUESTIONS UPDATED.
◍ When was the advance medical directive formally initiated?
Answer:In January 1993, to clarify medical action when a client is
incapacitated and unable to make or communicate decisions.
◍ What is an advance medical directive? Answer:A legal document
stating the client's wishes regarding medical treatment in specific
situations when they can't decide for themselves.
◍ Types of advance medical directives Answer:Living Will, Health
Care Proxy (Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care)
◍ When do advance medical directives take effect? Answer:Only
when the client becomes incapacitated and unable to make decisions.
◍ Can advance directives be changed? Answer:Yes, they are subject
to change at any time by the competent client.
◍ What is a Living Will? Answer:A document used to decline life-
prolonging treatment and specify the circumstances and care
preferences if the person becomes hopelessly ill.
, ◍ What is a Health Care Proxy (Durable Power of Attorney for
Health Care)? Answer:A document that designates another person to
make health care decisions if the client becomes unable to do so,
reflecting the client's known wishes.
◍ Main difference between a Living Will and a Health Care Proxy
Answer:Living Will = documents specific treatment wishes. Health
Care Proxy = appoints a person to make decisions consistent with the
client's wishes.
◍ Who governs the laws surrounding advance medical directives?
Answer:Each state, which defines the conditions, content, and
execution procedures for advance directives.
◍ Why must home health nurses understand state laws on advance
directives? Answer:Because legal requirements vary, and nurses must
ensure that directives are valid and enforceable in their state of
practice.
◍ What federal law supports the use of advance directives?
Answer:The Patient Self-Determination Act (PSDA) of 1990, part of
the Omnibus Reconciliation Act.
◍ What does the Patient Self-Determination Act require facilities to
do? Answer:Inform patients about their right to accept or refuse
treatment, provide written information about advance directives,
document whether patients have completed one, and keep a copy in
the patient's medical record.