What must be provided to a resident or representative before discharge?

Before a resident or their representative is discharged from a nursing care institution, it is essential that they receive a copy of the written follow-up instructions. This documentation plays a critical role in ensuring continuity of care and aids in the resident’s recovery after leaving the facility. Follow-up instructions typically include important information about post-discharge care, scheduling future appointments, and any necessary actions that need to be taken regarding the resident's health. It helps to facilitate communication between the resident, their caregivers, and any outpatient providers.

While the other options contain valuable information, they do not serve the primary function of providing detailed guidance on what steps should be followed after discharge. A summary of medical history and a list of medications can be important for ongoing care, and a contact number for the facility can be useful for addressing immediate questions or concerns. However, without clear follow-up instructions, the resident may face challenges in managing their health effectively post-discharge. This highlights why giving a copy of the written follow-up instructions is the critical element at the time of discharge.