1. Advanced Directives for Health Care & Professional Standards
HTR

2. Advanced directives Also known as legal directives
Legal documents allowing individuals to state what medical treatment they want or do not want in the event they become incapacitated and are unable to express their wishes

3. Living Will
Allow individuals to state measures that should/should not be taken to prolong life in the event of a terminal condition
Must be signed when the person is still competent and witnessed by 2 adults that cannot benefit from the death

4. Living Will (cont)
Frequently results in a do not resuscitate order (DNR)
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation will not be performed when patient stops breathing
Allowed to die with dignity & peace

5. Durable Power of Attorney (for healthcare)
Appoint another person to make decisions regarding health care if the patient is unable to
Includes providing/withholding specific medical or surgical procedures, hiring/dismissing healthcare providers, spending/withholding funds for healthcare, having access to medical records

6. Durable Power of Attorney
Frequently given to spouses & children
Can be given to any qualified adult
Signed by principal and agent, witnessed by 1 or 2 adults

7. Patient Self-Determination Act (PSDA)
1990
Healthcare facilities receiving any federal aid must comply with the following requirements:

8. PSDA
Inform every adult, orally and in writing, of their rights under state law to make decisions r/t healthcare; including right to refuse treatment; right to die
Provide information and assistance in preparing advanced directives

9. PSDA Document any advance directives on patient’s record
Have written statements to implement patient’s rights in decision-making process
Affirm no discrimination will occur because of advance directives
Educate staff on medical/legal issues of advance directives

10. Professional standards
Perform only those procedures for which you have been trained and are legally permitted to do.
Use approved, correct methods while performing any procedure.
Obtain proper authorization before performing any procedure.

11. Professional Standards (2)
Identify the patient and obtain patient’s consent before performing any procedures.
Observe all safety precautions.
Keep all information confidential.
Think before you speak and carefully consider everything you say.

12. Professional Standards (3)
Treat all patients equally regardless of race, religion, social or economic status, sex, or nationality.
Accept no tips or bribes for the care you provide.
If any error occurs or you make a mistake, report it immediately.
Behave professionally in dress, language, manners, and actions.

13. HIPAA Health Insurance Portability & Protection Act.
Patients can see their records, get copies
Receive info on how to use medical info
Set limits on how personal health info is used
Request info be reasonably protected
State who has access to records
Receive info on how to file a complaint about how info is treated (privacy act violations)