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
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
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