The intent of the law is to provide an opportunity for adults to express their desires about medical treatment in advance, and to educate the entire population on advance directives.  The law was enacted with the intent to offset a perceived imbalance between health care consumers and providers. The federal law does not grant consumers new rights; those specific rights are spelled out in state law.  The federal law requires hospitals and other providers (including psychiatric hospitals and other mental health providers) and health plans to maintain written policies and procedures with respect to advance directives.