to main content Provision of Care – Providing Written Information at Time of Discharge | Office Based Surgery | Provision of Care Treatment and Services PC | The Joint Commission
Provision of Care – Providing Written Information at Time of Discharge

Is it required to print out discharge information or an after-visit summary if patients have access to their medical information online?

Any examples included in this response are for illustrative purposes only.

The practice of providing discharge instructions or after-visit summaries via the electronic medical record (i.e. patient portal) in lieu of a paper copy provided at discharge would not be prohibited by Joint Commission accreditation requirements.

Prior to providing instructions and information electronically, organizations need to consider the individual patient's ability to access electronic devices (e.g. computers, smartphone, tablet, etc.) technical ability, and overall comfort in using such devices to access electronic information. When another individual will be responsible for ensuring ongoing care of the patient, the same considerations apply. 

Organizations that have the capability to provide discharge instructions and after-visit summaries electronically, are encouraged to handle on a case-by-case basis and allow the patient to determine how to receive discharge information. If your organization has a written policy or procedure on your requirements for providing discharge information, consider including this process in that document.
Manual: Office Based Surgery
Chapter: Provision of Care Treatment and Services PC
New or updated requirements last added: July 08, 2024. New or updated requirements may be based on revisions to current accreditation requirements, regulatory changes, and/or an updated interpretation in response to industry changes. Substantive changes to accreditation requirements are also published in the Perspective Newsletter that is available to all Joint Commission accredited organizations.
Last reviewed by Standards Interpretation: July 08, 2024 Represents the most recent date that the FAQ was reviewed (e.g. annual review).
First published date: July 08, 2024 This Standards FAQ was first published on this date.
This page was last updated on October 14, 2024 with update notes of: Editorial changes only Types of changes and an explanation of change type: Editorial changes only: Format changes only. No changes to content. | Review only, FAQ is current: Periodic review completed, no changes to content. | Reflects new or updated requirements: Changes represent new or revised requirements.
Was this response helpful?

If no, please comment on how we could improve this response.

If you have additional standards-related questions regarding this topic, please use the Standards Online Submission Form

Get Extra Help with Books and E-books

Browse our gallery of books and e-books to find trusted prep and readiness resources, practical checklists and toolkits, and resources on specialized health care topics.

Stay Informed with Online Education

Online education is the most convenient and cost-effective way to educate your staff and minimize expenses without the need to leave your organization.

Reach Your Safety Goals with eProducts

Assessing and sustaining compliance with accreditation standards or CMS CoPs can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be. Rely on our proven software solutions developed by our team of industry experts.

Can't Find What You're Looking For?

If you do not find an answer to your question, please contact the Standards Interpretation Group (SIG).

Note: To provide adequate support to those organizations that are either accredited/certified or seeking accreditation/certification, we will only answer those questions submitted by those organizations seeking accreditation/certification or currently accredited/certified by the Joint Commission. The Joint Commission no longer answers questions submitted by students or vendors. Thank you for your understanding.