Nurses in the Know: The History and Future of Advance Directives.

Health crises are unpredictable. Nurses have a role in promoting advance directives that is increasingly important. The aging population is increasing and individuals are living longer and often seeking healthcare alone. Nurses must understand the history and nature of advance healthcare directives to help patients make informed decisions prior to a crisis. Major milestones in the history of advance directives have resulted from cases of healthy, young people in their twenties. This article defines advanced directives, and discusses the evolution of patient self-determination as a concept and the Patient Self-Determination Act. Federal law and varied state laws, some still evolving, and the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics together define nurses' ethical obligations to educate patients and advocate for their legal right to self-determination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]