The Failed Patient Self-Determination Act and Policy Alternatives for the Right to Die

Journal of Aging & Social Policy, Vol. 9, No. 4, 1997

Posted: 2 Jun 2006

See all articles by Jeff Yates

Jeff Yates

Binghamton University - Department of Political Science

Henry R. Glick

Florida State University - Department of Political Science

Abstract

The empirical evidence regarding the implementation and impact of the federal Patient Self-Determination Act is examined in this article. The Act was designed to increase the use of advance mdeical directives in light of the US Supreme Court's Cruzan decision. Research shows that the law has had little effect and that the use of advance directives has scant relation to medical care and treatment. Various policy alternatives for the right to die are also examined. The authors conclude with an analysis of the likely impact of medical costs, fruitless treatment, and rationed health care on limiting life prolonging treatment.

Keywords: law, legal, act, treatment, euthanasia, right to die, advance directives, Cruzan, rationed care, policy, court

Suggested Citation

Yates, Jeff L. and Glick, Henry R., The Failed Patient Self-Determination Act and Policy Alternatives for the Right to Die. Journal of Aging & Social Policy, Vol. 9, No. 4, 1997, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=905814

Jeff L. Yates (Contact Author)

Binghamton University - Department of Political Science ( email )

Binghamton, NY 13902
United States

Henry R. Glick

Florida State University - Department of Political Science ( email )

Talahasse, FL 30306
United States

Do you have negative results from your research you’d like to share?

Paper statistics

Abstract Views
1,338
PlumX Metrics