What type of medical order must be obtained for all patients, except those discharged against medical advice or for non-payment?

In healthcare, particularly within nursing facilities, a discharge order is essential for formally concluding a patient's stay. This type of medical order ensures that all necessary procedures are followed upon a patient's release from the facility. It is essential for ensuring that the patient is safely transitioned out of care, with all medical and logistical considerations in place.

A discharge order encompasses the patient's health status, any ongoing treatment needs, prescriptions for medications, and follow-up care instructions. It ensures that patient safety and continuity of care are maintained after leaving the facility.

Patients who discharge against medical advice or due to non-payment do not require this formal order, as their departure does not follow the usual medical guidelines that ensure patient care and continuity. Such exceptions help to clarify when a discharge order is necessary versus when protocols might differ due to the circumstances surrounding a patient's release.