The PSDA is an amendment to OBRA.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. It predates OBRA
• D. It is unrelated to OBRA

Answer: (A)

The Patient Self-Determination Act is included as part of OBRA 1990, so it functions as a provision of that law rather than a separate, stand-alone act. It focuses on ensuring patient autonomy by informing patients about advance directives, documenting whether an advance directive exists, educating staff about them, and honoring a patient’s stated wishes regarding medical care. For CNAs, this means on admission you’ll help ensure residents receive information about advance directives, participate in documenting their directives in the chart, and respect those choices in care planning and daily care. If a resident has an advance directive, follow it in collaboration with the care team; if not, the facility must still provide information and support decisions without pressuring the resident. This alignment with OBRA underscores why the statement is true.