What right does the Patient Self-Determination Act of 1990 provide to patients?

The Patient Self-Determination Act of 1990 emphasizes the autonomy of patients by providing them with the right to set advance directives. This legislation ensures that individuals are informed about their rights to make decisions regarding their medical care, including the ability to express their preferences for treatment in the event they become unable to communicate those wishes later on. Advance directives can include living wills, which outline desired medical interventions, and durable power of attorney for healthcare, which designates an individual to make medical decisions on the patient's behalf.

While the other options pertain to patient rights in healthcare settings, they do not capture the essence of the Patient Self-Determination Act. Access to free hospital care or choosing medical providers is not specifically addressed by this law. Additionally, the right to review medical records is covered under other regulations, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), rather than the Patient Self-Determination Act. Therefore, the focus of this act is particularly on the advance directives that empower patients in making informed decisions about their healthcare.