The Client Self-Determination Act requires healthcare facilities to do which of the following upon admission?

• A. Delay information about patient rights until discharge
• B. Inform patients about their rights to identify written directives and advance directives
• C. Require consent for all procedures
• D. Prohibit discussing patient rights with family

Answer: (B)

This question tests patient autonomy and the facility’s obligation to inform patients about advance directives when they’re admitted. Under the Patient Self-Determination Act, healthcare facilities must provide written information to patients about their rights to participate in decisions about their care, including the right to identify written directives and advance directives, and they must document whether such directives exist. Providing this information at admission gives patients the opportunity to decide preferences before urgent decisions arise and ensures their wishes are known and respected.

Delaying information until discharge would undermine the patient’s ability to make informed choices. Requiring consent for all procedures is a general consent issue, not the specific obligation of notifying about advance directives. Prohibiting discussing patient rights with family is not accurate; involving family can be part of meaningful decision-making when appropriate.