Explore what is meant by “informed consent” from a legal perspective. Why is it important to patients, providers, and healthcareorganizations? What happens when a patient is unable to provide informed consent due their medical condition? What are the potential consequences to providers when informed consent is not received by the patient?

What are the key provisions of the Patient Self-Determination Act (PSDA)? Why was this legislation enacted and what were the goals? What must hospitals and other healthcare providers do to ensure their compliance with PSDA?