Which federal act mandates that health care providers inform patients about their rights?

The Patient Self-Determination Act is the federal law that specifically requires healthcare providers to inform patients about their rights regarding medical treatment decisions, particularly the right to make advance directives. This act was enacted in 1990 and applies to hospitals, nursing facilities, home health agencies, and other health care providers that receive federal funding. The primary focus of the law is to ensure that patients have the opportunity to understand and express their preferences regarding their medical care, particularly in circumstances where they may not be able to communicate their wishes directly.

By requiring providers to inform patients of their rights, the Patient Self-Determination Act promotes autonomy and empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their medical treatment and end-of-life care. This includes providing information about advance directives, which are legal documents that allow individuals to specify their healthcare preferences ahead of time.

The other options, while they address various aspects of patient care and rights, do not focus specifically on the requirement for healthcare providers to inform patients about their rights in the manner set out by the Patient Self-Determination Act.